Patent ID: 6048727
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B01D,C12M

Abstract:
A mass transfer method comprising:(a) establishing a mass transfer system which includes:(i) a first pump having inlet and discharge ports;(ii) an elongated mass transfer chamber having first and second inlets at opposite ends of the chamber to accommodate flow of a first mass transfer medium therethrough in mass transfer relationship with a second mass transfer medium therein;(iii) a first mass transfer medium reservoir having inlet and outlet ports;(iv) switchable flow control means comprising flow ports designated A, B, C, and D, for connecting:(1) in a first configuration, port A in flow communication with port B, and port C in flow communication step D; and(2) in a second configuration, port A in flow communication with port D, and port B in flow communication with port C;(v) conduits connecting the pump discharge port to said port C, the pump inlet port to the reservoir outlet port, the reservoir inlet port to said port A, the chamber first inlet to said port B and the chamber second inlet to said port D;(b) operating said first pump to establish flow of said first medium through said mass transfer chamber in a selected direction; and(c) periodically repositioning said switchable flow control means so as to sequentially change according to a predetermined schedule the direction of flow of said first medium through said mass transfer chamber.