Gas infusion modules and manufacturing of gas infusion modules for o2 and o3 infusion in aquaculture

Abstract

A low-pressure gas infusion module provides for efficient oxygenation in aquaculture environments. Utilizing Teflon® hollow fiber membrane technology, the module enables precise dissolution of oxygen or ozone into aqueous or liquid streams while maintaining total gas pressure within safe limits for aquatic life. Systems including such a module include a sophisticated flow control mechanism, an oxygen dissolution system, and an integrated low-pressure system (ILS) to ensure safety and optimal gas transfer efficiency. This innovation offers versatility, scalability, and durability, with the potential to revolutionize aquaculture practices worldwide

Description

GAS INFUSION MODULES AND MANUFACTURING OF GAS INFUSIONMODULES FOR 02 AND 03 INFUSION IN AQUACULTUREINCORPORATION 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 / 652900, filed May 29, 2024.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a low pressure gas infusion module and the manufacturing processes for manufacturing such modules, and more particularly to a Teflon® hollow fiber membrane module for dissolving either Oxygen or Ozone into an aqueous or liquid stream in aquaculture environments for optimized gas transfer between gas- filled microporous hollow fibers and salt or fresh water for use in aquaculture.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Aquaculture, as a critical sector for global food production, necessitates efficient methods for oxygenation to support the health and growth of aquatic organisms. Traditional methods often involve high-pressure systems, which pose risks to aquatic life if not carefully managed.SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a low-pressure gas infusion module capable of delivering precise oxygenation of salt or fresh water for use in aquatic environments.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, one or more gas infusion modules can utilize the power of micro-porous hollow fiber membrane technology to efficiently transfer oxygen (or ozone) into the water while simultaneously removing nitrogenand carbon dioxide (CO2). This synergistic process can provide water with remarkably high levels of dissolved oxygen and sustains a consistent total gas pressure, thereby fostering the health and vitality of aquatic life. The present disclosure relates to a low-pressure gas infusion module and associated manufacturing processes specifically engineered for optimized gas transfer in aquaculture environments. More particularly, the disclosure pertains to a Teflon®, Polyethylene or similar sized and dimensioned hollow fiber membrane module designed for dissolving oxygen or ozone into aqueous or liquid streams, ensuring precise control over dissolved oxygen (DO) levels while maintaining total gas pressure within safe limits for aquatic life. The module can utilize innovative hollow fiber membrane technology to achieve efficient gas transfer and can be suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater aquaculture systems.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an aquaculture gas infusion system, including: an inlet header including an inlet; an outlet header including an outlet; and an array of gas infusion modules, wherein each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules includes: a top end in fluid communication with the inlet header; a bottom end in fluid communication with the outlet header; and a gas inlet coupled to the top end and in fluid communication with a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; wherein fresh or salt water can pass through the inlet into the gas infusion modules to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers and exit towards the outlet, 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 fresh or salt water flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for infusing a liquid with a gas for aquaculture environments, including: flowing fresh or salt water into an array of gas infusion modules via an inlet of an inlet header coupled to the array of gas infusion modules; flowing a gas into each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules via a gas inlet on 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 the fresh or salt water flowingbetween and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused fresh or salt water out of the gas infusion module via an outlet of an outlet header.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGS. 1A-1C show an example of a gas infusion module and parts thereof.

[0009] FIGS. 2A- 2D show another example of an embodiment of a gas infusion module system.

[0010] FIG. 2E shows an example of a module for a gas infusion module system.

[0011] FIG. 2F shows a cross section view of the module shown in FIG. 2E.

[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B show another example of a module array and module, respectively, for use in gas infusion module system.

[0013] FIG. 3C shows a cross section view of the module shown in FIGS 3B.

[0014] FIG. 4A shows another example of a module for use in gas infusion module system.

[0015] FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of the module shown in FIG. 4A.

[0016] FIG. 4C shows a portion of a gas infusion module for use in a gas infusion module system.

[0017] FIG. 5 A shows another example of an embodiment of a gas infusion module system.

[0018] FIGS. 5B-5E show an example of a module array or module for use in a gas infusion module system.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows another example of an embodiment of a gas infusion module system.

[0020] FIG. 7A shows another example of an embodiment of a gas infusion module system.

[0021] FIG. 7B shows a top view of the gas infusion module system shown in FIG. 7A.

[0022] FIG. 7C shows a side view of the gas infusion module system shown in FIG. 7A.

[0023] FIG. 7D shows a front view of the gas infusion module system shown in FIG. 7A.

[0024] FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a skid with a plurality of gas infusion modules.

[0025] FIG. 8B is a schematic top view of the skid in FIG. 8A.

[0026] FIG. 8C is a schematic front view of the skid in FIG. 8A.

[0027] FIG. 8D is a schematic right end view of the skid in FIG. 8A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] An innovative aspect of the gas infusion module(s) described herein includes the use of Teflon® microporous hollow fibers, which offer several advantages over conventional gas infusion technologies. Firstly, the unique structure of the hollow fibers provides a large surface area for gas-liquid interaction, promoting rapid and efficient mass transfer. Additionally, Teflon® material offers exceptional chemical resistance and inertness, making it suitable for handling corrosive gases such as ozone. Furthermore, the module's construction materials, including Teflon® for the fibers, urethane for the tube sheet, and 316 stainless steel for the outer shell, ensure resilience to ozone exposure, thereby enhancing the module's durability and safety in harsh operating conditions.

[0029] The modules described herein advantageously provided for low-pressure gas infusion for aquaculture environments and represents a groundbreaking innovation in the efficient oxygenation of aquatic systems. Each gas infusion module includes at its core the hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane, a meticulously engineered component designed for optimal gas transfer. This membrane, featuring microporous hollow fibers, facilitates the precise dissolution of oxygen or ozone into aqueous or liquid streams while ensuring durability and resistance to fouling. The module integrates seamlessly into aquaculture systems, with gas inlet and outlet ports allowing for the controlled introduction and removal of gases. A sophisticated flow control mechanism regulates flow rates per minute, ensuring optimal gasliquid contact time.

[0030] FIG. 1A shows an example of a gas infusion module 100 with a connection port 170 attached to a core 104, FIG. IB shows the connection port 170 and FIG. 1C shows a top end of the gas infusion module 100 in FIG. 1 A. In some cases, the connection port 170 can include a thread 170a along an interior portion of the connection port 170. The thread 170a can facilitate connection of the connection port 170 to a source of gas (e.g., oxygen) via a hose anda fitting. The connection port 170 can be attached to a core 104, which can include a hole or an opening (e.g., a drilled hole) on a bottom portion of the core 104. Beneficially, gas can flow along the entire or a portion of the length of the core 104, thereby providing gas to (e.g., oxygenating) the fibers 110 of the module 100. For example, the gas (e.g., oxygen) can be injected to the infusion module 100 via the connection port 170 and flow down the entire or a portion of the length of the core 104 that the connection port 170 can be attached to. The gas can exit the core 104 via the hole or opening (e.g., drilled hole) and then flow through the gap between seals of the module 100 and continue to flow upward through the open ends of the fibers 110. The gas infusion module 100 can be the same or similar to the modules described in PCT Publication No. WO 2024 / 097525, filed October 16, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The gas infusion module 100 can be the same or similar to the modules described in PCT Application Nos. PCT / US2025 / 029373, filed May 14, 2025, and / or PCT / US2025 / 030449, filed May 21, 2025, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and which should be considered a part of this specification.

[0031] FIGS. 2A-2D show an embodiment of a gas infusion module system 300. The gas infusion module system 300 can include a first pipe 310, a second pipe 320, a first plurality of distribution lines 330, a second plurality of distribution lines 340, and one or more (e.g., an array of) modules 350 (e.g., arranged linearly, in parallel, in multiple rows). The gas infusion module system 300 can be arranged inside a container 390. In some cases, the container 390 measures about 96 inches (in width and height) by about 240 inches (in length). In some embodiments, the width and height can have different measurements. In some embodiments, the width and / or height can be in a range from 80 inches or approximately 80 inches to 112 inches or approximately 112 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values in the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the length can be in a range from 200 inches or approximately 200 inches to 280 inches or approximately 280 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The container 390 can include one or more openings through which the first and / or second pipes 310, 320 can at least partially extend. The first pipe 310 and associated distribution lines 330 can form a header and the second pipe 320 and plurality of distribution lines 340 can form a second header. In some cases, the first and second distribution lines 330, 340 can measure about 73 inches (e.g., in a direction along the width of the container), or in a range from 50 inches or approximately 50inches to 100 inches or approximately 100 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range, by about 228 inches (e.g., in a direction along the length of the container), or in a range from 188 inches or approximately 188 inches to 268 inches or approximately 268 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0032] The gas infusion module system 300 can be in fluid communication with a source of liquid. For example, liquid can enter the gas infusion module system 300 via an inlet 312 of the first pipe 310. The fluid can flow through the system 300 via the first pipe 310, the first plurality of distribution lines 330, the modules 350, the second plurality of distribution lines 340, and exit the system via an outlet 322 of the second pipe 320. The first plurality of distribution lines 330 can be in fluid communication with the first pipe 310 via one or more adapters or connections 314, and the second plurality of distribution lines 340 can be in fluid communication with the second pipe 320 via one or more adapters or connections 324. In some cases, the modules 350 can have a diameter of or about 4 inches, or in a range from 2 inches or approximately 2 inches to 6 inches or approximately 6 inches, or from 1 inch or approximately 1 inch to 8 inches or approximately 8 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The first and / or second plurality of distribution lines can have a diameter of or about 8 inches, or in a range from 4 inches or approximately 4 inches to 12 inches or approximately 12 inches, or from 2 inches or approximately 2 inches to 16 inches or approximately 16 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The first and / or second pipes 310, 320 can have a diameter of or about 12 inches, or in a range from 8 inches or approximately 8 inches to 16 inches or approximately 16 inches, or from 4 inches or approximately 4 inches to 24 inches or approximately 24 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0033] FIG. 2E shows an example of a module 350. Each or any of the modules 350 can include a shell 351 and one or more inlets 352a, 352b, one or both of which can be in fluid communication with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). The modules 350 can also include an upper adapter or connection 354a which can couple to an upper end or portion of the shell 351 and a lower adapter or connection 354b which can couple to the lower end or portion of the shell 351. The inlet 352b can be at an angle relative to the inlet 352a and can be positionedbetween the upper adapter 354a and the lower adapter 354b. Tn some embodiments, the angle between a centerline of the inlet 352b and a centerline of the inlet 352a can be 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees, or in a range from 30 degrees or approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees or approximately 60 degrees, or from 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The upper and lower adapters or connections 354a, 354b can facilitate attachment of the modules 350 to each other and / or to the first and second plurality of distribution lines 330, 340. For example, the upper adapter 354a of a first module 350 can be connected to the first plurality of distribution lines 330 on one end and to a second upper adapter 354a of a second module 350 on the other end. The upper adapter 354a can also be connected to a pair of upper adapters 354a (of adjacent modules 350) on both ends. The connection between the upper adapters 354a and the first plurality of distribution lines 330 can allow the liquid entering the system 300 via the inlet 312 to flow though the modules 350. The lower adapter 354b of a first module 350 can be connected to the second plurality of distribution lines 340 on one end and to a second lower adapter 354a of a second module 350 on the other end. The lower adapter 354b can also be connected to a pair of lower adapters 354a (of adjacent modules 350) on both ends. The connection between the lower adapters 354b and the second plurality of distribution lines 340 can allow the liquid flowing through the system 300 to flow through the modules 350 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340, and exit the system 300 via the outlet 322 of the second pipe 320. Although reference is made to oxygen as an example of a gas that be used with the systems disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that any gas, including but not limited to nitrogen, can be used with the systems disclosed herein to infuse a liquid with such gas.

[0034] FIG. 2F shows a cross section view of a module 350. Each or any of the modules 350 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100, at or near either or both the inlets 352a, 352b. For example, a first gas infusion module 360a can be positioned at or near the first inlet 352a and / or a second gas infusion module 360b can be positioned at or near the inlet 352a. The gas injected into the system 300 via the inlets 352a, 352b of the modules 350 can be infused into the fibers of the gas infusion modules 360a, 360b. For example, after entering the modules 350, the gas can flow through the modules 350 and the fibers of the gas infusion modules 360a, 360b and infuse the liquid flowing through themodule 350 (e.g., between the first plurality of distribution lines 330 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340).

[0035] FIG. 3A shows another example of an array of modules 450 (e.g., arranged linearly, in parallel) which can be used in gas infusion module system 300, and FIG. 3B shows an individual module 450. Each or any of the modules 450 can include a shell 451 and one or more inlets 452a, 452b, which can be in fluid connection with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). The modules 450 can include an upper adapter or connection 454a which can couple to an upper end or portion of the shell 451 (e g., via the inlet 452b) and a lower adapter or connection 454b which can couple to a lower end or portion of the shell 451. The inlet 452b can have the same orientation (e.g., upwards) as the inlet 452a but disposed lower than the inlet 452a, where the upper adapter 454a can be between the inlets 452a, 452b. The upper and lower adapters 454a, 454b can facilitate attachment of the modules 450 to each other and / or to the first and second plurality of distribution lines 330, 340 of the system 300. For example, the upper adapter 454a of a first module 450 can be connected to the first plurality of distribution lines 330 on one end and to a second upper adapter 454a of a second module 450 on the other end. The upper adapter 454a can also be connected to a pair of upper adapters 454a (e.g., of adjacent modules 450) on both ends. The connection between the upper adapters 454a and the first plurality of distribution lines 330 can allow the liquid entering the system 300 via the inlet 312 to flow though the modules 450. The lower adapter 454b of a first module 450 can be connected to the second plurality of distribution lines 340 on one end and to a second lower adapter 454b of a second module 450 on the other end. The lower adapter 454b can also be connected to a pair of lower adapters 454b (e.g., of adjacent modules 450) on both ends. The connection between the lower adapters 454b and the second plurality of distribution lines 340 can allow the liquid flowing entering the system 300 to flow through the modules 450 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340, and exit the system 300 via the outlet 322 of the second pipe 320.

[0036] FIG. 3C shows a cross section view of a module 450. Each of the modules 450 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100, at or near the inlet 452a, 452b. For example, a first gas infusion module 460a can be positioned at or near the first inlet 352a and a second gas infusion module 360b can be positioned at or near the inlet 452b. The gas injected into the system 300 via the inlets 452a, 452b of the modules 450 canbe infused into the fibers of the gas infusion modules 460a, 460b. For example, after entering the modules 450, the gas can flow through the modules 450 and the fibers of the gas infusion modules 460a, 460b and infuse the liquid flowing through the module 450 (e.g., between the first plurality of distribution lines 330 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340).

[0037] Each of the fibers (in any of the gas infusion modules disclosed herein) 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. In one example, the gas infusion module 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 is taken up by the fibers), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The number of fibers in the gas infusion module 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.

[0038] FIG. 4A shows another example of a module 550 which can be used in gas infusion module system 300. Each of the modules 550 can include a shell 551 and one or moreinlets 552a, 552b, which can be in fluid connection with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). The modules 550 also include an upper adapter 554a, which can couple to an upper end or portion of the shell 551 (e.g., via the inlet 552b) and a lower adapter 554b, which can couple to a lower end or portion of the shell 551. The inlet 552a can be at an angle relative to the inlet 552b and disposed higher than the inlet 552b, with the adapter 554a between the inlets 552a, 552b. In some embodiments, the angle between a centerline of the inlet 552a and a centerline of the inlet 552b can be 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees, or in a range from 30 degrees or approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees or approximately 60 degrees, or from 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The upper and lower adapters 554a, 554b can facilitate attachment of the modules 550 to each other and / or to the first and second plurality of distribution lines 330, 340 of the system 300. For example, the upper adapter 554a of a first module 550 can be connected to the first plurality of distribution lines 330 on one end and to a second upper adapter 554a of a second module 550 on the other end. The upper adapter 554a can also be connected to a pair of upper adapters 554a (e.g., of adjacent modules 550) on both ends. The connection between the upper adapters 554a and the first plurality of distribution lines 330 can allow the liquid entering the system 300 via the inlet 312 to flow though the modules 550. The lower adapter 554b of a first module 550 can be connected to the second plurality of distribution lines 340 on one end and to a second lower adapter 554b of a second module 550 on the other end. The lower adapter 554b can also be connected to a pair of lower adapters 554b (e.g., of adjacent modules 550) on both ends. The connection between the lower adapters 554b and the second plurality of distribution lines 340 can allow the liquid flowing entering the system 300 to flow through the modules 550 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340, and exit the system 300 via the outlet 322 of the second pipe 320.

[0039] FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of a module 550. Each of the modules 550 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100, at or near the inlet 552a, 552b. For example, a first gas infusion module 560a can be positioned at or near the first inlet 552a and a second gas infusion module 560b can be positioned at or near the inlet 552a. The gas injected into the system 300 via the inlets 552a, 552b of the modules 550 can be infused into the fibers of the gas infusion modules 560a, 560b. For example, after entering the modules 550, the gas can flow through the modules 550 and the fibers of the gas infusionmodules 560a, 560b. As shown in FIG. 4C, a gas infusion module 560 can include a plurality of fibers 570. The plurality of fibers 570 can be infused with a gas as described above and infuse the liquid flowing through the module 550 (e.g., between the first plurality of distribution lines 330 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340).

[0040] FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of a gas infusion module system 600. The gas infusion module system 600 can include a first pipe 610, a second pipe 620, a first plurality of distribution lines 630, a second plurality of distribution lines 640, and one or more modules 650. The gas infusion module system 600 can be arranged inside a container 690. The gas infusion module system 600 can be in fluid connection with a source of liquid. For example, liquid can enter the gas infusion module system 600 via an inlet 612 of the first pipe 610. The fluid can flow through the system 600 via the first pipe 610, the first plurality of distribution lines 630, the modules 650, the second plurality of distribution lines 640, and exit the system via an outlet 622 of the second pipe 620. The first plurality of distribution lines 630 can be in fluid communication with the first pipe 610 via one or more adapters, and the second plurality of distribution lines 640 can be in fluid communication with the second pipe 620 via one or more adapters.

[0041] FIGS. 5B-5C shows an example of an array of modules 650 (e.g., linear array, arranged in parallel) which can be used in gas infusion module system 600, or any of the gas infusion module systems disclosed herein, and FIGS. 5D-5E show features of the module 650. Each of the modules 650 can include a shell 651 and at least one inlet 652 which can be in fluid connection with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). The modules 650 can also include an upper adapter 654a which can couple to an upper end or portion of one or more of the shells 651 and a lower adapter 654b which can couple to a lower end or portion of one or more of the shells 651. In some cases, the upper adapter 654a includes a continuous body having a plurality of openings for securing the one or more modules 650. The lower adapter 654b can include a continuous body having a plurality of openings for securing the one or more modules 650. The upper and lower adapters 654a, 654b can facilitate attachment of the modules 650 to each other and / or to the first and second plurality of distribution lines 630, 640 of the system 600. In some cases, the system 600 can include an adjustable threaded rod 680 that can be removably attached to each module 650. The rod 680 can be attached to, for example, the upper adapters 654a and / or the lower adapters 654b. The rod 680 can be turnedclockwise and / or anticlockwise to separate and / or bring the modules 650 closer to each other. One or more O-rings 695 can be placed between each pair of upper adapters 654a and / or each pair of lower adapters 654b to provide a seal between each pair of upper and lower adapters 654a, 654b, as shown in FIG. 5D. In some cases, the upper adapter 654a of a first module 650 can be connected to the first plurality of distribution lines 630 on one end and to a second upper adapter 654a of a second module 650 on the other end. The upper adapter 654a can also be connected to a pair of upper adapters 654a (e.g., of adjacent modules 650) on both ends. The connection between the upper adapters 654a and the first plurality of distribution lines 630 can allow the liquid entering the system 600 via the inlet 612 to flow though the modules 650. The lower adapter 654b of a first module 650 can be connected to the second plurality of distribution lines 640 on one end and to a second lower adapter 654b of a second module 650 on the other end. The lower adapter 654b can also be connected to a pair of lower adapters 654b (e g., of adjacent modules 650) on both ends. The connection between the lower adapters 654b and the second plurality of distribution lines 640 can allow the liquid flowing entering the system 600 to flow through the modules 650 and the second plurality of distribution lines 640, and exit the system 600 via the outlet 622 of the second pipe 620.

[0042] Each of the modules 650 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100, at or near the inlet 652. For example, a gas infusion module 660 can be positioned at or near the inlet 652, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5E. The gas injected into the system 600 via the inlet 652 of the modules 650 can be infused into the fibers of the gas infusion module 660. For example, after entering the modules 650, the gas can flow through the modules 650 and the fibers of the gas infusion module 660. The gas infusion module 660 can include a plurality of fibers 670. The plurality of fibers 670 can be infused with a gas as described above and infuse the liquid flowing through the module 650 (e.g., between the first plurality of distribution lines 330 and the second plurality of distribution lines 340).

[0043] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a gas infusion module system 700. The gas infusion module system 700 can include a first pipe 710 (e.g., header), a second pipe 720 (e.g., footer), and one or more modules 750. The gas infusion module system 700 can be secured to a frame 770. Each of the modules 750 can be in fluid communication with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). For example, each module 750 can be in fluid connection with gas tubing790. The gas tubing 790 can be in fluid connection with a gas delivery line 792 which can be connected to a source of gas (e.g., a source of oxygen). Each of the modules 750 can be fluidly connected to the first pipe 710 via a plurality of connectors 760a (e.g., connecting pipes). In some cases, each of the connectors 760a may be connected to the first pipe 710 and / or one or more modules 750. For instance, each connector 760a can be fluidly connected to two modules 750. Each of the modules 750 can be fluidly connected to the second pipe 720 via a plurality of connectors 760b (e.g., connecting pipes). In some cases, each of the connectors 760b may be connected to the second pipe 720 and / or one or more modules 750. For instance, each connector 760b can be fluidly connected to two modules 750. The gas infusion module system 700 can be in fluid connection with a source of liquid. For example, liquid can enter the gas infusion module system 700 via an inlet 712 of the first pipe 710. The fluid can flow through the system 700 via the first pipe 710, the connectors 760a, the modules 750, the connectors 760b, and exit the system via an outlet 722 of the second pipe 720. The inlet 712 and the outlet 722 can be on the same side of the gas infusion module system 700, as shown in FIG. 6, or in another implementation can be positioned on different sides of the gas infusion module system 700.

[0044] The gas infusion module system 700 can include at least fifty modules 750 arranged in two rows of twenty-five modules 750 each. In some cases, the gas infusion module system 700 can include more than or less than fifty modules 750 (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, etc. modules). Although reference is made to the modules 750 being arranged in a two- row configuration, the modules 750 can be arranged in different configurations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., rows).

[0045] Each of the modules 750 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100, 350a or 560a described above. For example, a gas infusion module 100, 350a, 560a can be positioned inside each of the modules 750. The gas injected into the system 700 via the fluid connections between the modules 750 a source of gas can be infused into the fibers of the gas infusion modules 100, 350a, 560a. For example, after entering the modules 750, the gas can flow through the modules 750 and the fibers of the gas infusion modules 100, 350a, 560a and infuse the liquid flowing through each module 750 (e.g., between the connectors 760a and the connectors 760b).

[0046] FIGS. 7A-7D show another embodiment of a gas infusion module system 800. The gas infusion module system 800 can include a first pipe 810, a second pipe 820, first distribution line 830, a second distribution line 840, and one or more modules 850. The first pipe 810 can be in fluid communication with the first distribution line 830, and the second pipe 820 can be in fluid communication with the second distribution line 840. The first distribution line 830 can be connected to one or more pipes 830a (e.g., headers) in fluid communication with the modules 850 via one or more connections 860a (e.g., connecting pipes). The second distribution line 840 can be connected to one or more pipes 840a (e g., footers) in fluid communication with the modules 850 via one or more connections 860b (e.g., connecting pipes). In some cases, the gas infusion module system 800 can include four pipes 830a (e.g., four headers) and four pipes 840a (e.g., four footers). The gas infusion module system 800 can include more than or less than four pipes 830a and four pipes 840a (e.g., 1 of each, 2 of each, 3 of each, 5 of each, 6 of each, etc.). In some cases, the number of pipes 830a and the number of pipes 840a may be different.

[0047] The gas infusion module system 800 can be arranged inside a container 895, as shown in FIGS. 7B-7D. In some cases, the container 895 measures about 96 inches (in width and height) by about 240 inches (in length). In some embodiments, the width and height can have different measurements. In some embodiments, the width and / or height can be in a range from 80 inches or approximately 80 inches to 112 inches or approximately 112 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values in the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the length can be in a range from 200 inches or approximately 200 inches to 280 inches or approximately 280 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The container 895 can include one or more openings through which the first and second pipes 810, 820 can at least partially extend. The gas infusion module system 800 can be secured to a frame 870.

[0048] Each of the modules 850 can be in fluid communication with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen). For example, each module 850 can be in fluid connection with gas tubing 890. The gas tubing 890 can be in fluid connection with one or more gas delivery lines 892 which can be connected to a source of gas. Each of the modules 850 can be fluidly connected to the one or more pipes 830a via the plurality of connectors 860a. In some cases, each of the connectors 860a may be connected to one of the pipes 830a and / or one or more modules 850.For instance, each connector 860a can be fluidly connected to two modules 850. Each of the modules 850 can be fluidly connected to the one or more pipes 840a via the plurality of connectors 860b. In some cases, each of the connectors 860b may be connected to one of the pipes 840a and / or one or more modules 850. For instance, each connector 860b can be fluidly connected to two modules 850.

[0049] The gas infusion module system 800 can be in fluid connection with a source of liquid. For example, liquid can enter the gas infusion module system 800 via an inlet 812 of the first pipe 810. The fluid can flow through the system 800 via the first pipe 810, the first distribution line 830, the pipes 810, the connectors 860a, the modules 850, the connectors 860b, the second distribution line 840, and exit the system via an outlet 822 of the second pipe 820.

[0050] The gas infusion module system 800 can include at least two-hundred modules 850 arranged in eight rows of twenty-five modules 850 each. In some cases, the gas infusion module system 800 can include more than or less than two-hundred modules 750 (e.g., 100, 120, 140,160, 180, 220, 240, 260, etc. modules). Although reference is made to the modules 850 being arranged in an eight-row configuration, the modules 850 can be arranged in different configurations (2, 4, 6, 8, etc., rows).

[0051] Each of the modules 850 can include one or more gas infusion modules, such as gas infusion module 100. For example, a gas infusion module 100 can be positioned inside each of the modules 850. The gas injected into the system 800 via the fluid connections between the modules 850 a source of gas can be infused into the fibers of the gas infusion modules 100. For example, after entering the modules 850, the gas can flow through the modules 850 and the fibers of the gas infusion modules 100 and infuse the liquid flowing through each module 850 (e.g., between the connectors 860a and the connectors 860b).

[0052] Any of the modules disclosed herein, including modules 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, and 850, and / or the gas infusion modules positioned inside the modules (e.g., gas infusion module 100) can each be individually replaced. Using the gas infusion module system 800 as an example, each module 850 and the gas infusion module 100 positioned inside the module 850 can be removed from the system 800. The module 850 can be replaced with a new module 850 and / or a new gas infusion module 100. Each module 850 can be removed from the system 800 by disconnecting the module 850 from the connectors 860a and the connectors 860b. Insome cases, a gas infusion module 100 can be replaced with a new gas infusion module 100. The new gas infusion module 100 can be positioned inside the removed module 850. Once the new gas infusion module is positioned inside the module 850, the module 850 can be reattached to the system 800.

[0053] To prevent the liquid flowing through the system 800 from spilling when a module 850 and / or gas infusion module 100 is being replaced, flow through the system 800 can be restricted (e.g., prevented, shut-off). For example, flow along the first pipe 810, the first distribution line 830, and / or the one or more pipes 830a can be restricted using one or more valves (not shown). In some cases, flow can be restricted (e.g., prevented, shut-off) in only a subset of the one or more pipes 830a. For instance, each of the one or more pipes 830a and / or the first distribution line 830 can include more than one valve for selectively restricting(e.g., preventing, shutting-off) flow through the one or more pipes 830a. This can beneficially allow for the replacement of a module 850 and / or a gas infusion module 100 without interrupting flow (e.g., fluid treatment) in the entire system 800.

[0054] Figs 8A-8D show a gas infusion system 20, which can include one or more modules 24 coupled to (e g., mounted on or in, such as extending within) a skid frame 22, an inlet header 26 coupled (e.g., hydraulically connected) to a first end of each of the modules 24, an outlet header 28 coupled to an opposite second end of each of the modules 24 and gas inlet conduits 30 connected to the first end of the modules 24 for supplying a gas (e.g., oxygen) to the gas infusion modules 24. The gas infusion modules 24 can be arranged in parallel. In one implementation, the system has 16 gas infusion modules, or in a range from 8 gas infusion modules to 32 modules, or from 1 gas infusion module to 64 gas infusion module, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. In one example, the system 20 can infuse 100 kg / day of gas into liquid flowing through the system 20, or from 50 kg / day or approximately 50 kg / day to 150 kg / day or approximately 150 kg / day, or from 1 kg / day or approximately 1 kg / day to 200 kg / day or approximately 200kg / day, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0055] Each of the gas infusion modules 24 can include a plurality of microporous fibers (e.g., made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon®) extending within the gas infusion module 24. Each of the fibers 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 gm, 0.5 gm, 1 gm, 2 gm, 3 gm, 4 gm, 5 gm), 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. In one example, the gas infusion module 24 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 in the gas infusion module 24 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 24.

[0056] The inlet header 26 can include an inlet 42, one or more pipes 44a, 44b, an elbow 46, and a tee 48. The inlet 42 can be in fluid communication with the pipe 44a via the run of the tee 48. The run can refer to the straight-through path of the fluid, and the branch can refer to the perpendicular path. The inlet 42 can be in fluid communication with the pipe 44b via the branch of the tee 48 and the elbow 46. In some embodiments, the inlet 42, the tee 48, the elbow 46, and the pipes 44a, 44b can be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the pipes 44a, 44b can be distinct components that can be coupled to the inlet 42, the elbow 46, and / or the tee 48. In some embodiments, the inlet 42, the elbow 46, and the tee 48 can beintegrally formed. In some embodiments, the inlet 42 can be coaxial with one of the pipe 44a, and the elbow 46 can form an angle and couple the inlet 42 to another pipe 44b, where the angle is 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees. Pipe 44a and pipe 44b can be parallel or substantially parallel. In some embodiments, one or more tees can be in fluid communication with each other, with the elbow 46, and / or with the pipes 44a, 44b to form a plurality of rows of pipes on the inlet header 26 (e.g., 4 rows, 8 rows, 16 rows, etc.). In some embodiments, the inlet 42 and the tee 48 can be integrally formed, and one or more additional tees can be coupled between the tee 48 and the elbow 46 to couple to a plurality of rows of pipes.

[0057] The outlet header 28 can include an inlet 52, one or more pipes 54a, 54b, an elbow 56, and a tee 58. The inlet 52 can be in fluid communication with the pipe 55a via the run of the tee 58 and the elbow 56. The inlet 52 can be in fluid communication with the pipe 54b via the branch of the tee 58. In some embodiments, the inlet 52, the one or more pipes 54a, 54b, the curved elbow 56, and the tee 58 can be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the pipes 54a, 54b can be distinct components that can be coupled to the inlet 52, the elbow 56, and / or the tee 58. In some embodiments, the inlet 52, the elbow 56, and the tee 58 can be integrally formed. In some embodiments, a centerline of the outlet 52 can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the inlet 42 and / or the pipes 44a, 44b, 54a, 54b. In some embodiments, the one or more pipes 54a, 54b can be parallel or substantially parallel. In some embodiments, the one or more pipes 44a, 44b can be parallel or substantially parallel to the one or more pipes 54a, 54b. In some embodiments, one or more tees can be in fluid communication with each other, with the elbow 56, and / or with the pipes to form a plurality of rows of pipes on the outlet header 28 (e.g., 4 rows, 8 rows, 16 rows, etc.). In some embodiments, the outlet 52 and the tee 58 can be integrally formed, and one or more additional tees can be coupled between the tee 58 and the elbow 56 to couple to a plurality of rows of pipes.

[0058] The pipes 44a, 44b can be coupled to a top end of each of the gas infusion modules 24. In some embodiments, each pipe 44a, 44b can be coupled to one or more rows / columns of gas infusion modules 24. For example, each pipe 44a, 44b can be coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules 24. The pipes 54a, 54b can be coupled to a bottom end of each of the gas infusion modules 24. In some embodiments, each pipe 54a, 54b can be coupledto one or more rows / columns of gas infusion modules 24. For example, each pipe 54a, 54b can be coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules 24.

[0059] Each of the gas infusion modules 24 can be in fluid communication with a source of gas (e.g., oxygen, ozone). For example, each module 24 can be in fluid connection with gas inlet conduits 30 (e.g., via gas inlets on each gas infusion module 24). The gas inlet conduits 30 can be in fluid connection with one or more gas delivery lines which can be connected to a source of gas.

[0060] Each of the modules 24 can be coupled to the inlet header 26 (e.g., pipes 44a, 44b) via one or more connectors 27a. In some cases, each of the connectors 27a may be coupled to the inlet header 26 and / or one or more gas infusion modules 24. For example, each connector 27a can be fluidly connected to the inlet header 26 and two gas infusion modules 24. Each of the gas infusion modules 24 can be coupled to the outlet header 28 (e.g., pipes 54a, 54b) via one or more connectors 27b. In some cases, each of the connectors 27b may be coupled to the outlet header 28 and / or one or more modules 24. For example, each connector 27b can be fluidly connected to the outlet header 28 and two gas infusion modules 24.

[0061] The gas infusion system 20 can be in fluid connection with a source of liquid. For example, liquid can enter the gas infusion system 20 via an inlet header 26 (e.g.., via the inlet 42). The fluid (e.g., liquid) can flow through the system 20 via the inlet header 24, the connectors 27a, the modules 24, the connectors 27b, and exit the system via the outlet header 28.

[0062] The gas infusion module system 20 can include 16 gas infusion modules, which can be arranged in 4 rows of 4 modules each. In some cases, the gas infusion module system 20 can include more than or less than 16 gas infusion modules 24 (e.g., 4, 8, 12,16, 20, 24, 28, 32, etc. modules), arranged in multiple rows of equal number of gas infusion modules. Although reference is made to the gas infusion modules 24 being arranged in a four-row configuration, the modules 24 can be arranged in different configurations (2, 4, 5, 6, 8, etc., rows).

[0063] In operation, a liquid flows through the inlet header 26 via the inlet 42, into the pipes 44a and 44b, into the gas infusion modules 24 and flows toward the distal end of the gas infusion modules 24, where the liquid exits into the outlet header 18, through the pipes 54a and 55b, and exits via the outlet 52. Within the gas infusion modules 24, the liquid flowingtherethrough is infused with the gas (e.g., oxygen, ozone) supplied via the gas inlet conduits. In one example, the system 20 (e.g., the frame 22) can have a height H of about 75 inches, a width W of about 35 inches and a depth D of about 25 inches. However, the system 20 can have outer suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, the height H can be in a range from 50 inches or approximately 50 inches to 100 inches or approximately 100 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the width W can be in a range from 10 inches or approximately 10 inches to 60 inches or approximately 60 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the depth D can be in a range from 5 inches or approximately 5 inches to 50 inches or approximately 50 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range.

[0064] In some embodiments, the system 20 can be arranged inside a container. The container can have a height of 75 inches or approximately 75 inches, or in a range from 50 inches or approximately 50 inches to 100 inches or approximately 100 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The container can have a width of 35 inches or approximately 35 inches, or in a range from 10 inches or approximately 10 inches to 60 inches or approximately 60 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The container can have a depth of 25 inches or approximately 25 inches, or in a range from 5 inches or approximately 5 inches to 50 inches or approximately 50 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range.

[0065] Each of the gas infusion modules 24 can be or include the gas infusion module 100 described above, which can be made using a process as described in PCT Publication No. WO2024097525Alfiled 10 / 16 / 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the gas infusion module 24 can be or include the gas infusion modules described in PCT Application Nos. PCT / US2025 / 029373, filed May 14, 2025, and / or PCT / US2025 / 030449, filed May 21, 2025, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and which should be considered a part of this specification. For example, any of these gas infusion modules can be positioned within the gas infusion modules 24, such as but not limited to at a top portion of the gas infusion modules 24.

[0066] In some embodiments, the array can achieve gas transfer efficiency 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.

[0067] In some embodiments, the gas infusion modules 24 and / or the gas infusion modules positioned inside the gas infusion modules (e.g., gas infusion module 100) can each be individually replaced. For example, each gas infusion module 24 and / or the gas infusion module 100 positioned inside the gas infusion module 24 can be removed from the system 20. The module 24 can be replaced with a new module 24 and / or a new gas infusion module 100. Each module 24 can be removed from the system 20 by disconnecting the module 24 from the connectors 27a and the connectors 27b. In some cases, a gas infusion module 100 can be replaced with a new gas infusion module 100. The new gas infusion module 100 can be positioned inside the removed module 24. Once the new gas infusion module is positioned inside the module 24, the module 24 can be reattached to the system 20.

[0068] To prevent the liquid flowing through the system 20 from spilling when a module 24 and / or gas infusion module 100 is being replaced, flow through the system 20 can be restricted (e.g., prevented, shut-off). For example, flow along the inlet header 26 can be restricted using one or more valves. In some cases, flow can be restricted (e.g., prevented, shut-off) in only a subset of the one or more pipes 44a, 44b. For instance, each of the one or more pipes 44a, 44b can include more than one valve for selectively restricting (e.g., preventing, shutting-off) flow through the one or more pipes 44a, 44b. This can beneficially allow for the replacement of a gas infusion module 24 and / or a gas infusion module 100 without interrupting flow (e.g., fluid treatment) in the entire system 20.

[0069] Any of the gas infusion systems and modules described herein can be used in a process for gas infusion of liquid in aquaculture. For example, the gas infusion systems and modules described herein can advantageously be operated to infuse fresh or saltwater for aquaculture environments (e.g., farming of fish, shellfish and / or aquatic plants) with oxygen or ozone.Additional Embodiments

[0070] In examples of the present disclosure, a gas infusion system and method of operation for aquaculture environments may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

[0071] Clause 1. An aquaculture gas infusion system, comprising: an inlet header comprising an inlet; an outlet header comprising an outlet; and an array of gas infusion modules, wherein each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules comprises: a top end in fluid communication with the inlet header; a bottom end in fluid communication with the outlet header; and a gas inlet coupled to the top end and in fluid communication with a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; wherein fresh or salt water can pass through the inlet into the gas infusion modules to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers and exit towards the outlet, 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 fresh or salt water flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0072] Clause 2. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 1, further comprising a frame around the array of gas infusion modules, wherein the frame has a height between 50 inches and 100 inches, a width between 20 inches and 50 inches, and a depth between 10 inches and 40 inches.

[0073] Clause 3. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the inlet header comprises one or more inlet pipes, wherein each of the one or more inlet pipes are coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules in the array of gas infusion modules.

[0074] Clause 4. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 3, wherein the inlet is axially aligned with one inlet pipe of the one or more inlet pipes.

[0075] Clause 5. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 3, wherein the one or more inlet pipes comprise two parallel inlet pipes.

[0076] Clause 6. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the outlet header comprises one or more outlet pipes, wherein each of the one or more outlet pipes are coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules in the array of gas infusion modules.

[0077] Clause 7. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 6, wherein a centerline of the outlet is perpendicular to a centerline of one outlet pipe of the one or more outlet pipes.

[0078] Clause 8. The aquaculture gas infusion system of clause 6, wherein the one or more outlet pipes comprise two parallel outlet pipes.

[0079] Clause 9. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the array of gas infusion modules comprises four rows of gas infusion modules and five gas infusion modules per row.

[0080] Clause 10. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the microporous hollow fibers have an inner diameter between 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm.

[0081] Clause 11. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers comprises a number of microporous hollow fibers between 700 and 1500.

[0082] Clause 12. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the system can infuse 100 kg / day of gas into fresh or salt water flowing through the system.

[0083] Clause 13. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.

[0084] Clause 14. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extend linearly within the gas infusion module.

[0085] Clause 15. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet header comprises a tee and an elbow.

[0086] Clause 16. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the outlet header comprises a tee and an elbow.

[0087] Clause 17. A method for infusing a liquid with a gas for aquaculture environments, comprising: flowing fresh or salt water into an array of gas infusion modules via an inlet of an inlet header coupled to the array of gas infusion modules; flowing a gas into each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules via a gas inlet on each of the gas infusion modules and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings, the gasflowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the fresh or salt water flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused fresh or salt water out of the gas infusion module via an outlet of an outlet header.

[0088] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing ozone or oxygen.

[0089] Clause 19. The method of clause 17 or 18, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.

[0090] Clause 20. The method of any one of clauses 17-19, wherein the fresh or salt water is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

[0091] Clause 21. The method of any one of clauses 17-20, wherein flowing the gas into the gas infusion modules infuses 100 kg / day of the gas into the fresh or salt water flowing through the gas infusion modules.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 oneadvantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 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

WHA T IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aquaculture gas infusion system, comprising: an inlet header comprising an inlet; an outlet header comprising an outlet; and an array of gas infusion modules, wherein each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules comprises: a top end in fluid communication with the inlet header; a bottom end in fluid communication with the outlet header; and a gas inlet coupled to the top end and in fluid communication with a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; wherein fresh or salt water can pass through the inlet into the gas infusion modules to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers and exit towards the outlet, 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 fresh or salt water flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

2. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 1, further comprising a frame around the array of gas infusion modules, wherein the frame has a height between 50 inches and 100 inches, a width between 20 inches and 50 inches, and a depth between 10 inches and 40 inches.

3. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet header comprises one or more inlet pipes, wherein each of the one or more inlet pipes are coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules in the array of gas infusion modules.

4. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 3, wherein the inlet is axially aligned with one inlet pipe of the one or more inlet pipes.

5. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 3, wherein the one or more inlet pipes comprise two parallel inlet pipes.

6. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet header comprises one or more outlet pipes, wherein each of the one or more outlet pipes are coupled to two rows of gas infusion modules in the array of gas infusion modules.

7. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 6, wherein a centerline of the outlet is perpendicular to a centerline of one outlet pipe of the one or more outlet pipes.

8. The aquaculture gas infusion system of claim 6, wherein the one or more outlet pipes comprise two parallel outlet pipes.

9. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the array of gas infusion modules comprises four rows of gas infusion modules and five gas infusion modules per row.

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

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

12. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the system can infuse 100 kg / day of gas into fresh or salt water flowing through the system.

13. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.

14. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers extend linearly within the gas infusion module.

15. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet header comprises a tee and an elbow.

16. The aquaculture gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet header comprises a tee and an elbow.

17. A method for infusing a liquid with a gas for aquaculture environments, comprising: flowing fresh or salt water into an array of gas infusion modules via an inlet of an inlet header coupled to the array of gas infusion modules; flowing a gas into each gas infusion module of the array of gas infusion modules via a gas inlet on 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 the fresh or salt water flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused fresh or salt water out of the gas infusion module via an outlet of an outlet header.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing ozone or oxygen.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the fresh or salt water is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

21. The method of any one of claims 17-20, wherein flowing the gas into the gas infusion modules infuses 100 kg / day of the gas into the fresh or salt water flowing through the gas infusion modules.

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