Single Rotor Rotating Packed Bed for Mass Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating packed bed (RPB) units with two rotors designs face structural issues due to high centrifugal forces, leading to deflection and potential failure of annular permeable packing elements, which limits their operational efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A single rotor design with a ring nest assembly using high corrosion, thermal, and mechanical strength packing elements, along with a tangential liquid distribution system and notch design, which eliminates unwanted deflection and channeling, enhancing mass transfer efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two rotors design is used in RPB units, then mass transfer area is increased, but structural stability deteriorates due to high centrifugal forces causing deflection and potential failure of packing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate rotors into a single integrated rotor structure. The single rotor design integrates the functions of both original rotors while maintaining adequate mass transfer area, thereby eliminating the structural instability caused by high centrifugal forces acting on multiple separate rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotor is divided into multiple stationary packing elements arranged in a nested configuration. These packing elements are fixed within the rotor structure, allowing the rotor to rotate as a single stable unit while providing sufficient surface area for mass transfer operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional packing elements are used in RPB units, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical strength is insufficient leading to deflection under high centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite or reinforced packing element structures that combine multiple materials or structural features to achieve high mechanical strength. These enhanced packing elements can withstand the intense centrifugal forces in RPB operations while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes.
3Productivity
If high rotation speed is used in RPB units, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes rotational speed parameters to achieve an optimal operating point where mass transfer efficiency is maximized while power consumption is minimized. The single rotor design allows for more efficient rotation at lower speeds compared to two-rotor designs, reducing energy requirements while maintaining high productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The single rotor design significantly improves mass transfer efficiency, reduces structural stress, and maintains performance independent of rotation direction, while achieving high Hydrogen Sulphide removal efficiency and minimizing pressure drop across the unit.
Implementation Method 1
The RPB unit can induce centrifugal forces that are over 100 to 1000 times of the gravitational force
Implementation Method 2
The gas and liquid phases interact on said large surface area of the circular packing element
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating packed bed (RPB) unit comprising one rotor is described. The rotor comprises a first plate and a second plate. The rotor further comprises a plurality of annular permeable packing elements housed in between the first plate and the second plate, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of annular permeable packing elements is attached to the first plate, and wherein a second end of each of the plurality of permeable packing elements is attached to the second plate. The rotor further comprises a shaft coupled to one of the first plate and the second plate for rotating the rotor. Further, the rotor comprises a liquid inlet for receiving a liquid phase and a gas inlet for receiving a gas phase.