System and method for gas infusion of flowing aqueous streams of liquid

Abstract

A submersible microporous hollow fiber membrane module array is designed to efficiently dissolve gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide into aqueous streams, including wastewater effluent. The system can have a plurality of vertically oriented gas infusion modules arranged in a one cubic meter rack, each module featuring hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers encased in an outer screen and anchored by end caps. A central pipe, potted in epoxy disks at both ends, provides structural integrity to each module. In one example, ZEGI (Zero Energy Gas Infusion) modules efficiently infuse gases, particularly oxygen, into moving bodies of water without relying on external power sources.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAS INFUSION OF FLOWINGAQUEOUS STREAMS OF LIQUIDINCORPORATION 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 / 653022, filed May 29, 2024.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a gas infusion system, and more particularly to gas infusion systems for flowing aqueous streams of liquid.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Gas transfer in aqueous systems, particularly in wastewater treatment, is a critical process for the aerobic treatment of effluent. Conventional methods often suffer from inefficiencies due to limited surface areas for gas-liquid interaction and significant energy demands.

[0004] Additionally, maintaining adequate dissolved oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems is crucial for supporting biodiversity and ecological balance. Traditional methods of oxygenation rely on electric pumps, posing challenges in remote or off-grid areas due to the lack of electricity access and environmental concerns.SUMMARY

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an advanced gas infusion technology that can leverage advanced materials and design to overcome these limitations, utilizing hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers to achieve superior gas transfer efficiency with reduced energy consumption. The present disclosure is directed to a submersible microporoushollow fiber membrane module array engineered to efficiently dissolve gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) into aqueous streams, including but not limited to wastewater effluent. The present disclosure is also directed to a zero energy gas infusion (ZEGI) module for the treatment of a flowing aqueous stream or body of water. The ZEGI module represents a paradigm shift in gas transfer technology, offering a sustainable, energy-efficient solution for oxygenating moving bodies of water. By harnessing the natural flow of aqueous streams and eliminating the need for external power sources, this ZEGI module holds immense potential for environmental conservation, aquaculture, and water treatment applications.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the zero-energy gas infusion (ZEGI) module offers a sustainable solution to gas infusion of aquatic ecosystems by utilizing hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber technology to infuse water bodies with gas (e g., oxygen) without external power sources. This innovation addresses the need for energyefficient oxygenation in diverse environmental settings, from rural rivers to aquaculture facilities.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a submersible microporous hollow fiber gas infusion module array is designed to operate as an efficient, zeroenergy gas transfer system. The array can optionally include 64 individual gas infusion modules arranged in a rack formation, or in a range from 36 or approximately 36 to 81 or approximately 81 gas infusion modules, or from 16 or approximately 16 to 100 or approximately 100 gas infusion modules, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. Each gas infusion module can be vertically oriented within the rack. The entire array can optionally occupy a cubic meter of space, or in a range from 0.125 m3or approximately 0.125 m3to 8 m3or approximately 8 m3, or in a range from 0.001 m3or approximately 0.001 m3to 125 m3or approximately 125 m3, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The array can be deployed at varying depths, for example within an aeration tank. For example, the array can be deployed at a depth of 3 meters or approximately 3 meters, or in a range from 1 meter or approximately 1 meter to 7 meters or approximately 7 meters, or 0.1 meters or approximately 0.1 meters to 10 meters or approximately 10 meters, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The gas transfer efficiency of the system may increase with depth due to the enhanced pressure exerted by the water column over the array of microporous hollow fiber gasinfusion modules. Tn one implementation, gas is introduced through inlets that can be connected to an oxygen source or other gas sources. The unique hydrophobic hollow fiber design offers a large surface area for gas-liquid interaction, enabling rapid and efficient mass transfer. The array leverages natural water flow within aeration tanks to enhance gas transfer efficiency, achieving transfer rates above 90%, or in a range from 85% or approximately 85% to 95% or approximately 95%, or from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% or approximately 100%, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. This zero-energy gas transfer system can be deployed at various depths, where deeper placements may increase gas transfer rates due to hydraulic pressure. The system offers significant energy savings and operational efficiency improvements for wastewater treatment or other water treatment or liquid treatment processes.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber module is provided that can include: hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber with the fiber laid out in the form of a sheet, a pipe located at the upstream leading edge (gas distribution header) of the aqueous stream that acts as the anchoring point of the hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber sheets and also as a gas distribution header for the gas to flow into the fiber sheets, a gas feed port on the distribution header, a protective screen located on the top and bottom of the horizontal fiber sheets, a structural frame, the structural frame has connection points that allows for several ZEGI modules to be linked (e.g., linearly) in order to achieve higher gas transfer volumes into the body of water (e.g., a river, other aqueous flowing stream). The ZEGI modules can include hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber sheets, a gas distribution header, protective screens, and a modular structural frame, enabling scalable deployment and enhanced gas transfer efficiency.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion module, including: an outer screen having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the outer screen is cylindrical and water permeable; a disk including a gas inlet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the disk and extending within the outer screen, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers are in fluid communication with the gas inlet; wherein liquid can pass through the outer screen and past the microporous hollow fibers, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along themicroporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion system, including: an array of the gas infusion modules; and a top frame coupled to the array, wherein liquid can pass through the array and through the outer screens of the gas infusion modules to flow past the microporous hollow fibers, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlets so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for infusing a liquid with gas, including: submerging an array of gas infusion modules into liquid; and flowing a gas into each of the gas infusion modules via the gas inlet on the disk coupled to a top end of each of the gas infusion modules 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 a liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion module, including: a gas distribution header including a gas inlet; and a sheet coupled to the header, the sheet including a plurality of microporous hollow fibers in fluid communication with the gas distribution header, wherein liquid can flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers, 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.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for infusing a liquid with gas, including: submerging the gas infusion module into a liquid; and flowing a gas into the gas distribution header and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers forming a sheet coupled to the gas distribution header, 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 past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure l is a schematic top perspective view of a gas infusion module array.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the array in FIG. 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic to plan view of the array in FIG. 1.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a gas infusion module for use in the array of FIG. 1

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas infusion module in FIG. 4.

[0019] Figures 6A-6E are schematic perspective, side, top plan, cross-sectional and end views of a zero energy gas infusion module for aqueous streams.

[0020] Figures 7A-7D are schematic orthogonal, top plan, and cross-sectional views of a zero energy gas infusion module for aqueous streams.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSystem and Method of Submersible Gas Infusion Module Array

[0021] Figure l is a schematic top perspective view of a gas infusion module array. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the array in FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of the array in FIG. 1 . Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a gas infusion module for use in the array of FIG. 1 Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas infusion module in FIG. 4.

[0022] Each gas infusion module 13 can include an outer screen 15, which can be anchored in caps 16a, 16b (e.g., of plastic) at both the top and bottom ends or portions of the gas infusion module 13. The outer screen 15 can contain the microporous hollow fibers 17 and can allow liquid (e.g. water) to flow through the gas infusion module 13 and across the fibers' surfaces. The outer screen 15 can protect the fibers 17 while facilitating gas transfer. For example, the outer screen 15 can prevent debris or particulate matter from impeding gas transfer or causing damage to the fibers. The outer screen 15 can be liquid (e.g., water) permeable such that liquid can flow through the outer screen 15 to contact the fibers 17. The outer screen 15 can be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, or can have another shape (e.g., rectangular, etc.).

[0023] At the center of the gas infusion module 13 can be a pipe 18, which can be coupled to (e.g., potted into) disks 19a, 19b (e.g., epoxy disks) at the top and bottom ends or portions of the pipe 18. The disks 19a, 19b can provide structural support for the microporous hollow fibers 17. Further details of the potting method and manufacturing of the module can be found in PCT Publication No. WO2024097525A1 filed 10 / 16 / 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which should be considered a part of this specification.

[0024] A top (e.g., first) disk 19a can be positioned at a top end or portion of the gas infusion module 13 and a bottom (e.g., second) disk 19b can be positioned proximate a bottom end or portion of the gas infusion module 13. Either / both disks 19a, 19b can couple to or hold a plurality of fibers 17 (e.g., made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon®) that can extend (e.g., at least partially) through the first disk 19a. The plurality of fibers 17 can extend in a direction along at least a portion of the length of the outer screen 15 within the outer screen 15, and about (e.g., encircling, bundled about, positioned around) the pipe 18. The pipe 18 can optionally be positioned concentrically within the outer screen 15 and below (e.g., distal to) the gas inlets 11, 11 A. The caps 16a , 16b can be coupled to the outer screen 15 and / or the pipe 18. The disks 19a, 19b can be coupled to the outer screen 15 and / or the pipe 18. The caps 16a, 16b can be coupled to the disks 19a, 19b.

[0025] A plurality of the gas infusion modules 13 can be arranged in an array 10. The array 10 can be coupled to a top frame 12 (e.g., a plate) at the top ends or portions of each of the gas infusion modules 13 and / or a bottom frame 14 (e.g., a plate) at the bottom ends or portions of the gas infusion modules 13. The array 10 can optionally be a 1 m3array, or in a range from 0.5 m3or approximately 0.5 m3to 2 m3or approximately 2 m3, or in a range from 0.1 m3or approximately 0.1 m3to 10 m3or approximately 10 m3, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The array 10 can include one or more rows and one or more columns of gas infusion modules 13. In some embodiments, there can be the same number of rows and columns, and in some embodiments there can be a different number of rows and columns. For example, the array can include 8 rows and / or columns, or in a range from 4 to 12 rows and / or columns, or from 1 to 20 rows and / or columns. In some embodiments, one or more arrays 10 can be positioned adjacent to or on top of each other. In some embodiments, the top frame 12 include openings such that the top ends of the gas infusion modules 13, which may include the gas inlets 11, 11 A, can extend though and / or be accessiblefrom a top side of the top frame. In some embodiments, liquid can flow through the array 10 (e.g., in between the plurality of gas infusion modules) to be infused with gas via the microporous fibers 17.

[0026] The gas infusion module 17 can include one or more hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers 17. The fibers 17 can act as conduits for the gas-liquid interface, enabling the efficient transfer of gas molecules from the gas phase into the liquid phase. The hydrophobic nature of the fibers ensures that they remain internally dry and promote rapid gas transfer without becoming clogged by water.

[0027] Each of the fibers 17 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 via bubbles. Each fiber 17 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 17 can be made of a material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) that is water repellent. In one example, the fibers 17 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 13 has a packing factor of between about 20% and about 50%, such as about 38% (e.g., 38% of the space in the gas infusion module 13 is taken up by the fibers 17), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The number of fibers 17 in the gas infusion module 13 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 17, or in a range from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% the length of the fibers 17, or from 60% or approximately 60% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers 17, or from 40% or approximately 40% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers 17, or any value, approximate value, or rangeof values within the foregoing ranges. Each of the fibers 17 can be microporous and / or hollow and can extend (e.g., linearly) within the gas infusion module 13.

[0028] Each module can include a top (e.g., first) inlet 11 for receiving gas (e.g., a first gas) from an external source, which can include an oxygen generator, a liquid oxygen supply, or another source of gas. An additional (e.g., second) inlet 11A can allow for the introduction of a second gas, such as but not limited to CO2, nitrogen, or other gases, depending on the application requirements. In some embodiments, the first and / or second inlets 11, 11A can be on or integral with the top cap 16a. In some embodiments, the first and / or second inlets 11, 11 A can be on or integral with the top disk 19a. The first and / or second inlets 11, HA can be in fluid communication with the fibers 17 (e.g., via channels in the first disc 19a) such that a gas (e.g., oxygen) can flow through either / both the inlets 11, 11 A, into and along the fibers 17, through the pores of the fibers 17, and into a liquid (e.g., water) flowing by the gas infusion module 13. In some embodiments, the first gas and the second gas can be the same gas, and in some embodiments, the first gas and the second gas can be different gases. The modular design can allow each module to be individually connected to a gas source (e.g., an oxygen gas hose). In some embodiments, the gas source can be connected to another (e.g., a larger) hose that can interface with a gas manifold. The manifold can evenly distribute the required volume of gas to each module in the array. In some embodiments, each gas infusion module 13 in the array 10 can receive the same first gas and / or the same second gas. In some embodiments, any or all of the gas infusion modules 13 can receive different first and / or second gases than gas infusion modules 13. For example, the first and / or second gases can be distributed by row and / or column in the array 10.

[0029] The submersible array 10 can leverage the natural flow dynamics within an aeration tank (e.g., of a wastewater treatment system). As fluid (e.g., water or wastewater effluent) flows over and across the vertically oriented fibers 17, a cross-current interaction can be established, enhancing gas transfer efficiency. For example, the fluid (e.g., water) may flow horizontally or substantially horizontally across or past the gas infusion modules 13 (e.g., through the array 10), which may be positioned vertically. The flow rates of fluid (e.g., water or effluent) can correlate to high gas transfer efficiencies, which can reach above 90%, or in a range from 85% or approximately 85% to 95% or approximately 95%, or from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% or approximately 100%, or any value, approximate value, orrange of values within the foregoing ranges. For example, the fluid (e g., water) may have a flow rate of 5120 liters per minute (LPM), or in a range from 1000 or approximately 1000 LPM to 10,000 or approximately 10,000 LPM, or from 100 or approximately 100 to 50,000 or approximately 50,000 LPM, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. For example, the system can infuse gas (e.g., oxygen) at rates of 50 kg / day at a depth of 1 meter, 77 kg / day at 3 meters, and 121 kg / day at 7 meters. At a lower flow rate of 1650 liters per minute, the corresponding transfer rates are 19.2 kg / day at 1 meter, 32 kg / day at 3 meters, and 50 kg / day at 7 meters. In some embodiments, the system can infuse gas (e.g., oxygen) at rates of 50 kg / day or approximately 50 kg / day, or in a range from 10 kg / day or approximately 10 kg / day to 100 kg / day or approximately 100 kg / day, or from 1 kg / day or approximately 1 kg / day to 200 kg / day or approximately 200 kg / day, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0030] The flexibility of the module array's deployment is a significant advantage. In larger tanks, arrays 10 can be spaced at least one meter apart, which may improve performance without interference. In smaller tanks, the arrays 10 can be stacked vertically, making efficient use of limited space. The ability to deploy the array at varying depths allows for customized solutions tailored to specific tank configurations and operational needs. For example, the array 10 can be deployed at a depth of 3 meters or approximately 3 meters, or in a range from 1 meter or approximately 1 meter to 7 meters or approximately 7 meters, or 0.1 meters or approximately 0.1 meters to 10 meters or approximately 10 meters, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0031] The gas infusion module can utilize hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers. The fibers can provide a large surface area for gas-liquid interaction, which may promote rapid and efficient mass transfer. Moreover, the zero-energy design (since no additional power is needed to drive the (effluent) stream past the modules 13 in the array 10) can significantly reduce operational costs, making it an economically viable option for wastewater treatment facilities. However, the gas infusion modules 13 and array 10 can be used in other aqueous streams, and not limited to in in wastewater effluent streams.

[0032] Advantageously, the submersible microporous hollow fiber membrane module array 10 presents a novel and effective solution for gas infusion into aqueous systems. Its advanced design, which can leverage hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers, achieveshigh efficiency in gas transfer with minimal energy consumption. This makes it particularly suitable for enhancing the aerobic treatment of wastewater effluent, or other aqueous streams, offering both environmental and economic benefits.System and Method of an Energy Free Gas Infusion Device Within a Flowing Aqueous Stream of Liquid

[0033] The ZEGI (Zero Energy Gas Infusion) module 20 can address the challenge of infusing gas with (e.g., oxygenating) moving bodies of water (e.g., rivers) in remote or energy-constrained environments. A ZEGI module 20 can use one or more hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers, which can enable efficient gas (e g., oxygen) transfer and / or eliminate the need for traditional hydraulic pumps to drive liquid flow.

[0034] Figures 6A-6E illustrate schematic perspective, side, top plan, cross- sectional and end views, respectively, of a zero energy gas infusion module for aqueous streams. The gas infusion module 20 can include one or more sheets 1, which can be or include hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber with the fiber laid out in the form of a sheet. A gas distribution header 21 (e.g., a pipe) can be located at an upstream leading edge of an aqueous stream. The gas distribution header 21 can act as an anchoring point of the hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber sheets 1. The gas distribution header 21 can be in fluid communication with the one or more sheets 1 to flow a gas (e.g., oxygen) into the fiber sheets 1. The distribution header 21 can include a gas feed port 2 (e.g., a gas inlet) for receiving gas. A protective screen 3 can be located on the top and / or bottom sides of the horizontal fiber sheets 1. A structural frame 5 can have one or more connection points that can allow for one or more ZEGI modules to be linked (e.g., linearly) to achieve higher gas transfer volumes into the body of water (e.g., a river, other aqueous flowing stream). The ZEGI module can include hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber sheets, a gas distribution header, protective screens, and / or a modular structural frame, which can enable scalable deployment and enhanced gas transfer efficiency.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sheet 1 can be oriented such that the fibers extend away from the gas distribution header 21. For example, the central axes of the one or more fibers can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the gas distribution header 21. In some embodiments, the one or more sheet 1 can be positioned on top of oneanother (e.g., stacked). In some embodiments, the length of the gas distribution header 21 (e.g., a pipe) can be the same length or longer than the width of the sheet. The frame 5 can include one or more side walls that extend in a direction along all or a portion of the length of the one or more sheets 1 , and / or along all or a portion of the length of the fibers. The protective screen 3 can extend between the side walls of the frame. The one or more sidewalls of the frame 5 can be coupled to the gas distribution header.

[0036] Each of the fibers of the sheet 1 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 via bubbles. Each fiber 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 can be made of a material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) that is water repellent. In one example, the fibers have a porosity of between 50% and 90%, such as 75%, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The number of fibers in the gas infusion module 20 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, or in a range from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% the length of the fibers, or from 60% or approximately 60% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers, or from 40% or approximately 40% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. Each of the fibers can be microporous and / or hollow and can extend (e.g., linearly) within the gas infusion module 20.1. Hydrophobic Microporous Hollow Fiber Sheets 1 :

[0037] The ZEGI modules 20 can include one or more sheets 1, which can be composed of hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers that can be arranged in a horizontal configuration. In some embodiments, one or more of the sheets can be stacked or positioned on top of one another.

[0038] The hydrophobic nature of the fibers can help ensure that water is repelled from the inside of the hollow fiber, facilitating the unimpeded flow of oxygen through the wall of the hollow fiber’s surface.2. Gas Distribution Header 21;

[0039] The gas distribution header 21 can be positioned at an upstream leading edge of the aqueous stream. The gas distribution header 21 can be, for example:• Anchoring Point: can secure the hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber sheets 1 in place, which may provide stability and alignment.• Gas Conduit: can channel the source gas, such as but not limited to oxygen, into the hollow fibers for transfer into the aqueous stream.3. Gas Feed Port 2 (e.g., gas inlet):

[0040] The gas distribution header 21 can include a gas feed port 2 (e.g., gas inlet), which can allow for precise control over the introduction of the source gas into the hollow fiber sheets.

[0041] The gas feed port 2 can regulate the flow rate of the source gas to improve gas transfer efficiency and reduce wastage.4. Protective Screens 3;

[0042] Protective screens 3 can be positioned on the top and / or bottom sides of the horizontal fiber sheets 1, and can serve to safeguard the integrity of the fibers 1 while facilitating gas transfer.

[0043] The screens 3 can prevent debris or particulate matter from impeding gas transfer or causing damage to the fibers.5. Modular Structural Frame:

[0044] The ZEGI modules can include a robust structural frame 5, which can provide stability and durability in various environmental conditions.

[0045] The structural frame can include a modular design, which may allow for integration and linear linking of multiple modules, enabling scalability to meet diverse gas transfer requirements.

[0046] The ZEGI modules 20 may utilize the principle of Henry’s Law for gas transfer through hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers. As the aqueous stream flows across the surface of the horizontal fiber sheets, an interface can be maintained between the fluid (e.g., water) and the fibers. Simultaneously, the source gas, (e.g., oxygen), flows down the inside of the hollow fibers. Gas transfer can occur through the pores of the fibers into the aqueous stream, which can oxygenate the water without the need for external energy sources.

[0047] The ZEGI module can offer versatile applications in various environmental remediation and aquaculture settings, including but not limited to:• Oxygenation of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to improve water quality and support aquatic life.• Treatment of wastewater and effluent to enhance oxygen levels and promote biological degradation.• The treatment of algal blooms or low oxygen salt or fresh bodies of water to prevent fish mortality events or the negative impact of aquatic species.• Environmental restoration projects in remote or off-grid locations where traditional gas transfer methods are impractical or prohibitively expensive.

[0048] Figures 7A-7D are schematic orthogonal, top plan, and cross-sectional views of a zero energy gas infusion module for aqueous streams. For example, ZEGI module 20 can be positioned in a water body 50, which can be a river, lake, reservoir, etc.

[0049] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic orthogonal view of a ZEGI module 20. FIG. 7B illustrates a top plan of a ZEGI module 20 positioned within a water body 20. FIGS. 7C- D illustrates cross-sectional views of the ZEGI module 20 positioned within the water body 20. A gas source 60 can be in fluid communication with the ZEGI module 20 via the gas distribution header 21. The gas source 60 can be, for example, a liquid oxygen source, and can include a security shed for protecting the gas source 60. The gas source 60 can bepositioned on a platform 62 (e.g., beams) that can suspend the gas source 60 above or out of the water body 50. The gas source 60, which can be positioned out of the water body 50, can be fluidly coupled to the ZEGI module 20, which can be positioned within the water body 50, via a gas conduit. In some embodiments, a support 64 (e.g., a post, pile, anchor, etc.) can be used to hold the ZEGI module 20 at a certain depth within the water body 50, where the depth can be 1 meter or approximately 1 meter, or in a range from 0.5 meters or approximately 0.5 meters to 5 meters or approximately 5 meters, or 0.1 meters or approximately 0.1 meters to 10 meters or approximately 10 meters, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.Additional Embodiments

[0050] In examples of the present disclosure, a gas infusion system and method of operation may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

[0051] Clause 1. A gas infusion module, comprising: an outer screen having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the outer screen is cylindrical and water permeable; a disk including a gas inlet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the disk and extending within the outer screen, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers are in fluid communication with the gas inlet; wherein liquid can pass through the outer screen and past the microporous hollow fibers, 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 past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0052] Clause 2. The gas infusion module of clause 1, further comprising a pipe within and concentric with the outer screen, and wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extend within the outer screen about the pipe.

[0053] Clause 3. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the gas inlet is a first gas inlet, and further comprising a second gas inlet in fluid communication with the microporous hollow fibers.

[0054] Clause 4. 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.

[0055] Clause 5. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, further comprising at top cap and a bottom cap, the top end of the outer screen anchored to the top cap and the bottom end of the outer screen anchored to the bottom cap, and further comprising a bottom disk, the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extending between and anchored to the disk and the bottom disk.

[0056] Clause 6. A gas infusion system comprising a plurality of the gas infusion modules of any preceding clause, comprising: an array of the gas infusion modules; and a top frame coupled to the array, wherein liquid can pass through the array and through the outer screens of the gas infusion modules to flow past the microporous hollow fibers, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlets so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0057] Clause 7. The gas infusion system of clause 6, wherein the array includes 64 gas infusion modules.

[0058] Clause 8. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 6-7, wherein the top frame comprises a plate having a plurality of openings through which the gas inlets of the gas infusion modules can extend.

[0059] Clause 9. The gas infusion of any one of clauses 6-8, wherein the array includes 8 rows and 8 columns.

[0060] Clause 10. The gas infusion module of any one of clauses 6-9, wherein the array has a volume of 1 m3.

[0061] Clause 11. A method for infusing a liquid with gas, comprising: submerging an array of the gas infusion modules of clauses 1-5 into liquid; and flowing a gas into each of the gas infusion modules via the gas inlet on the disk coupled to a top end of each of the gas infusion modules 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 a liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.

[0062] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein submersing the array comprises submerging the array to a depth of 3 meters.

[0063] Clause 13. The method of clause 11 or 12, wherein submerging the array comprises submersing the array in an aeration tank.

[0064] Clause 14. The method of any one of clauses 11-13, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen.

[0065] Clause 15. The method of any one of clauses 11-14, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

[0066] Clause 16. A gas infusion module, comprising: a gas distribution header comprising a gas inlet; and a sheet coupled to the header, the sheet comprising a plurality of microporous hollow fibers in fluid communication with the gas distribution header, wherein liquid can flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers, 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.

[0067] Clause 17. The gas infusion module of clause 16, further comprising a protective screen on a side of the sheet.

[0068] Clause 18. The gas infusion module of clause 16 or 17, wherein the sheet is a first sheet, and further comprising a second sheet coupled to the gas distribution header and positioned on top of the first sheet.

[0069] Clause 19. The gas infusion module of any one of clauses 16-18, wherein the gas distribution header comprises a pipe.

[0070] Clause 20. The gas infusion module of any one of clauses 16-19, further comprising a frame having a sidewall coupled to the gas distribution header.

[0071] Clause 21. A method for infusing a liquid with gas, comprising: submerging the gas infusion module of clauses 16-20 into a liquid; and flowing a gas into the gas distribution header and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers forming a sheet coupled to the gas distribution header, 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 past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.

[0072] Clause 22. The method of clause 21, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen.

[0073] Clause 23. The method of clause 21 or 22, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

[0074] Clause 24. The method of any one of clauses 21-23, wherein submerging a gas infusion module comprises submerging a gas infusion module into a river and wherein the liquid is flowing water of the river.

[0075] Clause 25. The method of any one of clauses 21-24, wherein flowing a gas into a gas distribution header comprises flowing a gas into a first sheet of microporous fibers and a second sheet of microporous fibers.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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, abstract 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.

[0078] 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 singleimplementation 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.

[0079] 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 desirable results. 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 generallyintended 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Of course, 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 maybe 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 screen having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the outer screen is cylindrical and water permeable; a disk including a gas inlet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the disk and extending within the outer screen, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers are in fluid communication with the gas inlet; wherein liquid can pass through the outer screen and past the microporous hollow fibers, 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 past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

2. The gas infusion module of claim 1, further comprising a pipe within and concentric with the outer screen, and wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extend within the outer screen about the pipe.

3. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the gas inlet is a first gas inlet, and further comprising a second gas inlet in fluid communication with the microporous hollow fibers.

4. 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.

5. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, further comprising at top cap and a bottom cap, the top end of the outer screen anchored to the top cap and the bottom end of the outer screen anchored to the bottom cap, and further comprising a bottom disk, the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extending between and anchored to the disk and the bottom disk.

6. A gas infusion system comprising a plurality of the gas infusion modules of any preceding claim, comprising: an array of the gas infusion modules; and a top frame coupled to the array, wherein liquid can pass through the array and through the outer screens of the gas infusion modules to flow past the microporous hollow fibers, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlets so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

7. The gas infusion system of claim 6, wherein the array includes 64 gas infusion modules.

8. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 6-7, wherein the top frame comprises a plate having a plurality of openings through which the gas inlets of the gas infusion modules can extend.

9. The gas infusion of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the array includes 8 rows and 8 columns.

10. The gas infusion module of any one of claims 6-9, wherein the array has a volume of 1 m3.

11. A method for infusing a liquid with gas, comprising: submerging an array of the gas infusion modules of claims 1-5 into liquid; and flowing a gas into each of the gas infusion modules via the gas inlet on the disk coupled to a top end of each of the gas infusion modules 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 a liquid flowing past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein submersing the array comprises submerging the array to a depth of 3 meters.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein submerging the array comprises submersing the array in an aeration tank.

14. The method of any one of claims 11-13, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen.

15. The method of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

16. A gas infusion module, comprising: a gas distribution header comprising a gas inlet; and a sheet coupled to the header, the sheet comprising a plurality of microporous hollow fibers in fluid communication with the gas distribution header, wherein liquid can flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers, 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.

17. The gas infusion module of claim 16, further comprising a protective screen on a side of the sheet.

18. The gas infusion module of claim 16 or 17, wherein the sheet is a first sheet, and further comprising a second sheet coupled to the gas distribution header and positioned on top of the first sheet.

19. The gas infusion module of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the gas distribution header comprises a pipe.

20. The gas infusion module of any one of claims 16-19, further comprising a frame having a sidewall coupled to the gas distribution header.

21. A method for infusing a liquid with gas, comprising: submerging the gas infusion module of claims 16-20 into a liquid; and flowing a gas into the gas distribution header and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers forming a sheet coupled to the gas distribution header, 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 past the microporous hollow fibers with the gas.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

24. The method of any one of claims 21-23, wherein submerging a gas infusion module comprises submerging a gas infusion module into a river and wherein the liquid is flowing water of the river.

25. The method of any one of claims 21-24, wherein flowing a gas into a gas distribution header comprises flowing a gas into a first sheet of microporous fibers and a second sheet of microporous fibers.

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