Patent Description:
Adsorption columns are often utilized in industrial treatment plants (e.g., chemical, petrochemical, environmental, etc.) to pull impurities or unwanted content from a source material or fluid. Adsorption is the adhesions of atoms or molecules from one substance to the surface of another substance. An adsorption column typically includes a catalyst which initiates or causes adsorption of the desired chemical to a surface of the catalyst or a separate adsorbent material. Adsorption columns typically refer to such catalyst and/or adsorbent material as packing, and the packing is used to initiate or enhance the adsorption process. The packing may be loose and, in such cases, the packing may be positioned within a structure to hold the packing in place, which is often referred to as a "bed. " Conventional packing employs complex geometrical shapes to increase flow and surfaces to increase mixing and mass transfer, which increases reaction rates.

Conventional adsorption processes, such as adsorption processes that employ adsorbents like activated carbon, ion exchange resins (cationic, anionic, aldehyde removal resins, etc.) are relatively slow mass transfer processes. Such processes utilize frequent regeneration of adsorbent (e.g., resin) due to faster breakthrough times leading to shorter cycle times and lower adsorbent (e.g., resin) utilization. Such processes also may use large quantities of regeneration solvents and generate large amounts of waste-water, which leads to challenges in terms of operating cost, sustainability, and complying with environmental regulations. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> disclose swirlers comprising one or more twisted fins.

The present disclosure describes swirlers, and methods, devices, and systems to relating thereto. The swirlers described herein correspond to mass transfer swirlers and include/encompass fins (e.g., helical fins) and distribution members that generate a vortex or vortices in fluid as it passes by the swirlers and that direct fluid axially and radially outward. Examples of such distribution members include annular members (e.g., rings), pipe distributers, mesh, striations, corrugations, etc. The swirlers described herein include adsorption column swirlers, i.e., swirlers for adsorption columns, or adsorption applications. Additionally, the swirlers may be used for other mass transfer and/or heat transfer applications. It was found through experimental analysis that designing an adsorption column with a swirler (i.e., a swirled adsorption column) or adding a swirler to a conventional adsorption column increases efficiency of mass transfer in the adsorption column, which increases adsorption of the adsorption column. The increased adsorption leads to an overall increase in efficiency of the adsorption column as evidenced by increased catalyst/resin utilization, increased breakthrough times, increased cycle times, reduced solvent use and regeneration, reduced waste, increased throughput, and lower operating costs. The swirler according to the main aspect of the invention is indicated in claim <NUM>, followed by embodiments indicated in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. A corresponding system is indicated in claim <NUM> followed by dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. A corresponding method is indicated in claim <NUM>.

In some implementations, the swirlers (e.g., an axially inflow swirler) described herein include a base, one or more fins coupled to the base, and an annular member positioned around or about at least a portion of the base and/or fins. The swirler may be positioned within a cavity of an adsorption column and receive influent (e.g., untreated fluid) in an axial direction of the adsorption column. As the influent passes through the fins (e.g., vanes) and the annular member of the swirler, the swirler generates a vortex, or vortices and directs the influent axially and radially outward, i.e., toward interior walls of the adsorption column. To illustrate, the swirler increases a rotation or vorticity of the influent, and the influent forms a vortex or vortices and the flow becomes turbulent or increases in turbulences (e.g., increase a Reynolds number of the influent flow). As described above, the rotational flow or increased rotational flow of the influent enables greater mass transfer and mixing of the influent and adsorbent material which increases adsorption efficiency. Swirlers described herein may include one or more additional features or elements to increase mass transfer and/or direct flow. For example, the swirler may include mesh positioned between the base and annular member. As another example, the swirler may include a pipe distributor in addition to or in the alternative of the annular member.

In some implementations, the adsorption column includes a stack of swirlers. The stack of swirlers may be connected or separate. Swirlers of the stack may additionally be offset from one another, i.e., fins thereof may be offset. Stacking and/or offsetting swirlers may further increase mass transfer and adsorption efficiency, as compared to a single swirler.

The swirlers described herein can be manufactured by additive or traditional manufacturing processes. In some implementations, a single swirler design can be modified or adapted for different applications (e.g., different size or type adsorption columns) without redesigning the swirler. For example, a single swirler design (e.g., a design file) can be modified, such as by scaling up or down, a size of the swirler for the particular application. Thus, swirled adsorption columns can be more efficiently designed and have reduced design costs and design times, as compared to conventional adsorption columns.

Thus, the present disclosure describes swirlers and adsorption columns with increased mass transfer efficiency and adsorption efficiency as compared to conventional swirlers and adsorption columns. Accordingly, the swirlers and adsorption columns have reduced operating costs and a system (e.g., chemical processing plant, water treatment plant, etc.) including such components may operate with increased efficiency as compared to conventional system with non-swirled adsorption columns. The present disclosure further describes methods and systems for retrofitting conventional-swirled adsorption columns with a swirler. Therefore, the swirlers, adsorption columns, methods, and systems described herein enable adsorption processed to be carried out more efficiently and with reduced costs as compared to conventional systems and methods. Accordingly, the present disclosure overcomes the identified challenges of increasing operating efficiency, particularly when using "High Selective Catalysts" (HSC).

As used herein, various terminology is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of implementations. For example, as used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc.) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather merely distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise.

The term "about" as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, or within <NUM>% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range. The phrase "and/or" means and or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, "and/or" operates as an inclusive or. Similarly, the phrase "A, B, C, or a combination thereof" or "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of "about <NUM> % to about <NUM>%" or "about <NUM> % to <NUM>%" should be interpreted to include not just about <NUM> % to about <NUM>%, but also the individual values (e.g., <NUM> %, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., <NUM> % to <NUM>%, <NUM> % to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%) within the indicated range.

The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), and "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"). As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Any implementation of any of the systems, methods, and article of manufacture can consist of or consist essentially of - rather than comprise/have/include - any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb. Additionally, the term "wherein" may be used interchangeably with "where".

The feature or features of one implementation may be applied to other implementations, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the implementations.

In the context of the present invention at least <NUM> embodiments are now described. Embodiment <NUM> is directed to a swirler. The swirler includes a base including a first end opposite a second end along a longitudinal axis of the base, the base including one or more fins oriented along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; and an annular member coupled to the base and positioned at least partially around the longitudinal axis. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the base, fins or both, include plastic or metal. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>, further including mesh coupled to the base, the annular member or both, wherein the mesh is positioned within a gap defined by the base and the annular member. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein a degree of twist with respect to a longitudinal axis of the base is between <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the annular member is positioned around an entirety of the base and is configured to function as a distributor and generate divergent flow which moves fluid radially outward from the base. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the annular member includes striations or has a corrugated surface. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, further including one or more interconnects configured to couple to one or more other swirlers. Embodiment <NUM> is the swirler of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the base includes a hub, and wherein the one or more fins includes two helical fins coupled to the hub, the two helical fins each having a rectangular cross section and a pitch of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees about the longitudinal axis. Embodiment <NUM> is directed to a system. The system includes a cylindrical tube; a distributor coupled to the cylindrical tube configured to provide fluid to the cylindrical tube; a catalyst positioned in the cylindrical tube; a plurality of swirlers positioned in the cylindrical tube, wherein the plurality swirlers are configured to increase a vorticity of the fluid in the cylindrical tube and to direct the fluid to interior walls of the cylindrical tube to enable adsorption of a reactant in the fluid by the catalyst to generate treated fluid; and an outlet configured to provide the treated fluid from the cylindrical tube. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the system includess an adsorption column including the cylindrical tube, the distributor, the catalyst, and the plurality of swirlers, wherein the catalyst includes resins, adsorbent beds, packed particles, coated particles, or a combination thereof, and wherein the plurality of swirlers include an annular member, a distribution plate, or a pipe distributor. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of embodiment <NUM>, further including a second adsorption column, the second adsorption column different from the adsorption column and including a second inlet coupled to an outlet of the adsorption column. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the system includes a deionizing unit, and wherein the catalyst includes an ion exchange resin. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the system includes an aldehyde removal unit, and wherein the catalyst includes activated carbon. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein each swirler of the plurality of swirlers includes a first coupling configuration at a first end of the swirler; and a second coupling configuration at a second end of the swirler, wherein a particular first coupling configuration of a first swirler of the plurality of swirlers is configured to mate with a second particular coupling configuration of a second swirler of the plurality of swirlers. Embodiment <NUM> is the system of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, further including a collector coupled to the cylindrical tube and configured to receive treated fluid from the cylindrical tube; a bed positioned in the cylindrical tube and including the plurality of swirlers; and one or more reembodiment compressors coupled to the cylindrical tube. Embodiment <NUM> is a method of operating an adsorption column. The method includes the steps of receiving, by an inlet, an untreated fluid into an adsorption column; swirling, by one or more swirlers positioned within the adsorption column, the untreated fluid in the adsorption column to mix the untreated fluid with a catalyst of the adsorption column; adsorbing, by the catalyst, a reactant of the untreated fluid to generate a treated fluid; and providing the treated fluid via an outlet of the adsorption column. Embodiment <NUM> is the method of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the treated fluid includes partially treated fluid, and further including providing the treated fluid to a second inlet of a second adsorption column, the second adsorption column configured to generate a second treated fluid. Embodiment <NUM> is the method of any of embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the reactant contains impurities in the untreated fluid, and further includes the step of regenerating the catalyst, wherein regenerating the catalyst includes the steps of cease providing the untreated fluid to the inlet; providing a solvent configured to remove absorbed impurities from the catalyst to regenerate the catalyst; flushing the removed impurities from adsorption column; and initiate providing the untreated fluid to the inlet. Embodiment <NUM> is the method of any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, further including rotating, by a motor coupled to the one or more swirlers, the one or more swirlers. Embodiment <NUM> is the method any of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein swirling the untreated fluid causes the untreated fluid to generate localized vortices resulting in increased turbulence, and wherein the increased turbulence increases mixing of the untreated fluid and the catalyst.

Some details associated with the implementations are described above, and others are described below. Other implementations, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the implementation depicted in the figures. Views identified as schematics are not drawn to scale.

Referring to <FIG> shows a block diagram of a system <NUM> for treating a source material by adsorption. System <NUM> includes one or more adsorption columns, illustrated by representative adsorption column (e.g., column <NUM>), and an electronic device <NUM>. System <NUM> may include or correspond to a de-ionizer system, as an illustrative, non-limiting example.

Column <NUM> may include or correspond to a swirled adsorption column and may be configured to cause adsorption by swirling source material, such as untreated fluid or process fluid referred to as influent <NUM>, to increase mass transfer and produce treated fluid, referred to as effluent <NUM>. Influent <NUM> may be untreated or partially treated fluid and effluent <NUM> may be partially treated fluid or fully treated fluid. Column <NUM> may include or correspond to a flanged column (i.e., multiple cylindrical sections coupled together) or a welded column (i.e., a monolithic pressure vessel). Column <NUM> includes one or more swirlers <NUM>, one or more inlets <NUM>, and one or more outlets <NUM>. Additionally, column <NUM> may optionally include one or more of a distributor <NUM>, packing <NUM>, a catalyst <NUM> (e.g., catalyst material), and a bed <NUM>. Furthermore, column <NUM> may further include a re-distributor <NUM> and/or a collector <NUM> in some implementations.

Swirlers <NUM> may include mass flow or mass transfer type swirlers. Swirlers <NUM> may be configured to receive fluid axially, i.e., along a length of base <NUM>, or radially, from a circumference or sides of base <NUM> and to rotate within column <NUM> to increase mass transfer and vorticity. As illustrated in <FIG>, swirlers <NUM> include a first swirler 122A and a second swirler 122B. In <FIG>, first swirler 122A includes or corresponds to an axial flow swirler and includes base <NUM>, a fin <NUM> (e.g., one or more fins) and at least one distribution member <NUM>. Base <NUM> (e.g., fan base or hub) is a positioned in a center of swirler 122A and the fin <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM>. Base <NUM> may include a through hole or may be solid. In a particular implementation, base <NUM> comprises an elongated cylindrical member. Swirlers <NUM> (e.g., base <NUM>, fin <NUM>, or both) may comprise plastic or metal. Swirlers <NUM> may be manufactured by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printed) or by traditional manufacturing techniques, such as casting, forging, and/or machining. As an illustrative, non-limiting example, swirlers <NUM> include Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Fin <NUM> is configured to swirl contents of column <NUM>. For example, fin <NUM> is configured to swirl influent <NUM> within column <NUM>. Fin <NUM> includes or corresponds to helical fins, axial fins, or circumferential finals. Helical fins and axial fins correspond to fixed vanes arranged axially relative to base <NUM>. Fin <NUM> is configured to increase a rotational within column <NUM>, e.g., increase a vorticity of the flow and/or generate vortices.

Swirler <NUM> includes at least one distribution member <NUM>. A distribution member <NUM> is configured to distribute flow of fluid, influent <NUM>, as the fluid pass through or by swirler <NUM>. For example, the distribution member <NUM> may be configured to direct the flow of fluid axially and radially outward. Distribution member <NUM> may be coupled to the base <NUM>, to fin <NUM>, or to a combination thereof, and/or may be incorporated into the base <NUM>, to fin <NUM>, or to a combination thereof. Exemplary distribution members <NUM> include annular or ring members, distribution plates, pipe distributors, meshing, surface features (e.g., striations, corrugations, etc.), another device to direct flow, or a combination thereof. As an illustrative example, distribution member <NUM> includes one or more annular/ring members. The one or more annular/ring members be arranged circumferentially around base <NUM> and are configured to distribute the flow of the column <NUM> outward, i.e., away from the base <NUM> and towards walls of the column <NUM>. One or more ring members may be coupled to the base <NUM>, to fin <NUM>, or to a combination thereof.

In some implementations, one or more swirlers <NUM> of the column <NUM> include one or more connectors <NUM>. One or more connectors <NUM> include or correspond to interconnects which are configured to couple one or more swirlers <NUM> of column <NUM> together. One or more connectors <NUM> may include or correspond to various connector or mating components. As illustrative, non-limiting examples, the one or more connectors <NUM> may include hooks, eyes, notches, recesses, male connectors, female connectors, threads, etc. In some implementations, column <NUM> includes a stack of swirlers <NUM>. The stack of swirlers <NUM> may include or correspond to a stack of "loose" swirlers <NUM> which are not coupled and free to rotate independent of one another in column <NUM>. In other implementations, one or more swirlers <NUM> of the stack of swirlers <NUM> of column <NUM> are coupled or connected, such as by connectors <NUM>, and one or more swirlers <NUM> of the stack of swirlers <NUM> rotate in conjunction with one another within one or more swirlers <NUM> of the stack of swirlers <NUM>. In a particular implementation, the stack of swirlers is a unitary or monolithic swirler, with multiple discreet swirlers <NUM> or swirler sections. The swirlers of the unitary stack may be arranged in line with one another of offset from one another. To illustrate, the fins of the swirlers of the stack may be aligned in the axial direction or may be offset from one another in the axial direction. Each swirler of the stack may include its own fins and/or ring members and have a shared or common base. Examples of stacks (<NUM>, <NUM>) of swirlers <NUM> are described further with reference to <FIG>.

Distributor <NUM> is configured to regulate a flow of fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) into and/or through column <NUM>. For example, distributor <NUM> may be positioned in a top portion of column <NUM> and configured to regulate fluid pressure and flow within column <NUM>. Alternatively, distributor <NUM> may be positioned in a bottom portion of column <NUM> and configured to regulate gas pressure (e.g., lighter than air gas) and flow within column <NUM>. In some implementations, distributor <NUM> is deigned to separate gases and liquids. Distributor <NUM> may include or correspond to a pipe distributor, a channel type distributor, a splash plate type distributor, a spray nozzle distributor, sidewall orifice distributor, an extraction distributor, a radial distributor, or a combination thereof.

Packing <NUM> includes or corresponds material inserted or positioned within column <NUM>, such as bed <NUM> thereof, which provides additional surface area for mass transfer. Packing <NUM> may be configured to direct flow, increase a surface area within column <NUM>, control flow (e.g., speed of the flow), etc. Packing <NUM> may include or correspond to a loose or filler material inserted into column <NUM> or packing <NUM> may include or correspond to a packing structure, (e.g., porous foam material) which provides channel or pathways with surfaces to initiate adsorption. In particular implementation, packing <NUM> may include a catalyst or function as a catalyst (i.e., function as and be combined with catalyst <NUM>). Such packing is often referred to a random packing or structured packing. To illustrate, the material of the packing <NUM> may include or correspond to catalyst <NUM> (e.g., include or be coated in catalyst material). In other implementations, the column <NUM> includes catalyst <NUM> (e.g., catalyst material) separate from packing <NUM>.

Catalyst <NUM> includes or corresponds to a chemical or material configured to initiate adsorption of a particular atom or molecule. Examples of catalysts <NUM> include, charcoal (e.g., activated charcoal), resins, ion exchange material, etc. In a particular implementation, catalyst <NUM> is included in or impregnated on one or more swirlers <NUM> of column <NUM>. In other implementations, catalyst <NUM> is injected or introduced into adsorption during operation and/or inserted in column <NUM> prior to operation. As described above, in still other implementations, catalyst <NUM> is included in or impregnated on packing <NUM>. In some implementations, catalyst <NUM> may be replaced, cleaned (e.g., regenerated), and/or purged to increase an efficiency of catalyst <NUM>.

The packing <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM> may include or corresponds to adsorbent material, i.e., material that adsorbs atoms or molecules of influent <NUM>. To illustrate, atoms or molecules of influent <NUM> (reactants of influent <NUM>) adhere to a surface of the adsorbent material and may be referred to as byproducts <NUM>. The adsorbent material may include or correspond to oxygen-containing compounds, carbon-base compound, and/or polymer based compounds. Oxygen-containing compounds are often hydrophilic and polar, including materials such as silica gel and zeolites. Carbon-based compounds are often hydrophobic and non-polar, including materials such as activated carbon (e.g., charcoal) and graphite. Polymerbased compounds may be polar or non-polar functional groups in a porous polymer matrix.

Bed <NUM> may be configured to regulate a flow of fluid through an adsorption section column <NUM>. For example, bed <NUM> may be positioned in a central portion column <NUM> and configured to regulate mixing of influent <NUM> and packing <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM>. In a particular implementation, bed <NUM> includes or corresponds to support structure configured to hold or support swirlers <NUM>, packing <NUM>, catalyst <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

Inlets <NUM> may include or correspond to axial inlets, circumferential inlets, radial inlets, or tangential inlets. Tangential inlets include conduit or ducts that are arranged tangentially to base <NUM> (e.g., a circular cross-section thereof). Tangential inlets are configured to provide oxidizer with rotational flow to base <NUM>. Inlets <NUM> may include or corresponds to pipe inlets, vane inlets, splash plate inlets, etc. Inlets <NUM> may include inlets for gas and/or liquid. As an illustrative non-limiting example, inlets <NUM> include a first inlets for influent <NUM> and a second inlet for catalyst <NUM>.

Outlets <NUM> may include or correspond to axial outlets, circumferential outlets, radial outlets, or tangential outlets. Tangential outlets include conduit or ducts that are arranged tangentially to base <NUM> (e.g., a circular cross-section thereof). Tangential outlets are configured to provide fluid with rotational flow to base <NUM>. Outlets <NUM> may include or corresponds to pipe inlets, vane inlets, splash plate inlets, etc. Inlets <NUM> may include inlets for gas and/or liquid. As an illustrative non-limiting example, inlets <NUM> include a first inlets for influent <NUM> and a second inlet for catalyst <NUM>.

Re-distributor <NUM> is configured to mix (e.g., remix) the influent <NUM> in a liquid phase so as to bring the liquid flow onto a next (e.g., lower) section or bed at a more uniform composition. Collector <NUM> is configured to accumulate liquid and or gas for distribution (e.g., redistribution). Collector <NUM> may be configured to cause condensation of a gas and/or collect and store liquid for redistribution. Collector <NUM> may be coupled to distributor <NUM>, re-distributor <NUM>, or both. Collector <NUM> may include or correspond to a vane type collector, a grid collector, a support grid collector, a chimney tray collector, random packing support grid, random packing retaining grid, etc..

Additionally, system <NUM> may include one or more other components, such as midstream components, downstream components, etc. As illustrative examples, system <NUM> may further include one or more reclaim compressor and/or separators, such a gas-liquid separators, liquid-liquid separators, or a combination thereof.

Column <NUM> may include or be segmented into one or more discrete sections. For example, column <NUM> may include a distribution section, an adsorption section, a collection section, etc. Additionally, column <NUM> may include multiple instances of a particular section. For example, column <NUM> may include multiple adsorption section, such as multiple instances of swirlers and/or catalysts. Column <NUM> may include one or more other sections, such as heat capture sections, gas generation sections, recirculation sections, regeneration sections, etc..

Electronic device <NUM> includes one or more interfaces <NUM>, one or more processors (e.g., one or more controllers), such as a representative processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices <NUM>. Interfaces <NUM> may include a network interface and/or a device interface configured to be communicatively coupled to one or more other devices, such as column <NUM> and components thereof. For example, interfaces <NUM> may include a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination thereof (e.g., a transceiver), and may enable wired communication, wireless communication, or a combination thereof. Although electronic device <NUM> is described as a single electronic device, in other implementations system <NUM> includes multiple electronic devices. In such implementations, such as a distributed control system, the multiple electronic devices each control a sub-system or a component of column <NUM>, such as a swirler <NUM>, an inlet <NUM>, an outlet <NUM> (e.g., valve thereof), etc..

Processor <NUM> includes a influent controller <NUM>, a catalyst controller <NUM>, and a reaction controller <NUM>. For example, influent controller <NUM> (e.g., processor <NUM>) may be configured to generate and/or communicate one or more influent control signals to column <NUM>, swirlers <NUM>, or a combination thereof. influent controller <NUM> is configured to control (or regulate) an environment, such as an air quality, temperature, and/or pressure, within swirlers <NUM> (e.g., a chamber or mixing area thereof) and/or delivery/injection of influent <NUM> into swirlers <NUM>. For example, influent controller <NUM> may be configured to generate and/or communicate one or more environmental control signals <NUM> to swirlers <NUM>, one or more ingredient control signals <NUM> to inlet <NUM>, swirlers <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

Catalyst controller <NUM> is configured to control (or regulate) an environment, such as a temperature (e.g., heat) and/or pressure, within bed <NUM> of column <NUM>) and/or delivery/injection of packing <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM> into swirlers <NUM> (e.g., mixing or adsorption area thereof). For example, catalyst controller <NUM> may be configured to generate and/or communicate one or more environment control signals <NUM> to swirlers <NUM>, one or more ingredient control signals <NUM> to swirlers <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

Reaction controller <NUM> is configured to control (or regulate) an environment, such as a temperature (e.g., heat) and/or pressure, within column <NUM> (e.g., one or more section or portions thereof, such as a reaction area and/or adsorption thereof) and/or delivery/injection of materials into column <NUM> (e.g., a reaction area and/or adsorption thereof). For example, reaction controller <NUM> may be configured to generate and/or communicate one or more environment control signals <NUM> to column <NUM>, one or more ingredient control signals <NUM> to column <NUM>, or a combination thereof. Column <NUM> (e.g., sections or components thereof) can include one or more corresponding sensors (not shown) configured to generate sensor data, such as sensor data <NUM>. The sensor data <NUM> can indicate conditions such as temperature, pressure, time, viscosity, etc..

Although one or more components of processor <NUM> are described as being separate components, at in some implementations, one or more components of the processor <NUM> may be combined into a single component. For example, although catalyst controller <NUM> and reaction controller <NUM> are described as being separate, in other implementations, catalyst controller <NUM> and reaction controller <NUM> may be incorporated into a single controller. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of processor <NUM> may be separate from (e.g., not included in) processor <NUM>. To illustrate, influent controller <NUM> may be separate and distinct from processor <NUM>. In other implementations, processor <NUM> includes additional controllers, such as a quenching controller, a damper controller, etc..

Memory <NUM>, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, may include volatile memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM) devices), nonvolatile memory devices (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) devices, programmable read-only memory, and flash memory), or both. Memory <NUM> may be configured to store instructions <NUM>, one or more thresholds <NUM>, and one or more data sets <NUM>. Instructions <NUM> (e.g., control logic) may be configured to, when executed by the one or more processors <NUM>, cause the processor(s) <NUM> to perform operations as described further here. For example, the one or more processors <NUM> may perform operations as described with reference to <FIG>. The one or more thresholds <NUM> and one or more data sets <NUM> may be configured to cause the processor(s) <NUM> to generate control signals. For example, the processors <NUM> may generate and send control signals responsive to receiving sensor data, such as sensor data <NUM> from column <NUM>. The temperature or ingredient flow rate can be adjusted based on comparing sensor data <NUM> to one or more thresholds <NUM>, one or more data sets <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations, processor <NUM> may include or correspond to a microcontroller/microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, an application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute instructions <NUM> to initiate or perform one or more operations described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>and/or one more operations of the methods of <FIG>.

The one or more I/O devices <NUM> may include a mouse, a keyboard, a display device, the camera, other I/O devices, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the processor(s) <NUM> generate and send control signals responsive to receiving one or more user inputs via the one or more I/O devices <NUM>.

Electronic device <NUM> may include or correspond a communications device, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a computer, a tablet, a portable computer, a display device, a media player, a desktop computer, or a server. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may include a set top box, an entertainment unit, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a video player, any other device that includes a processor or that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or a combination thereof.

During operation of system <NUM>, the one or more swirlers <NUM> mix influent <NUM>, and optionally catalyst <NUM>, to initiate an adsorption reaction. Specifically, the one or more swirlers <NUM> rotate influent <NUM> to enable mass transfer between influent <NUM> and packing <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM>. A more detailed operation of the swirlers <NUM>, and the various configurations thereof, are described further herein with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Reactants (impurities, contaminants, undesired chemicals, etc.) of the influent <NUM> adhere to the packing <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM>, and treated influent <NUM>, or effluent <NUM>, is generated. The effluent <NUM> exits out the column <NUM>, such as via outlet <NUM>.

The above is a simplified operation of column <NUM> of system <NUM>. Column <NUM> may have recirculation systems, re-distributors, collectors, packing supports, etc. to increase efficiency or process a particular input compound. Additionally, system <NUM> may have additional adsorption columns (similar to or different from the illustrated column <NUM>), recirculation systems, heat exchangers, etc. to increase efficiency or process a particular influent (e.g., particular process fluid).

In some implementations, the operation, such as parameters thereof, are controlled by electronic device <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive sensor data <NUM> from sensors of system <NUM> and/or column <NUM>. To illustrate, the electronic device <NUM> may receive temperature data from temperature sensors associated with the swirlers <NUM> or another component of column <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> receives pressure data, chemical composition data, or a combination thereof from pressure and/or chemical sensors.

For example, column <NUM> adjusts an intake device or system (e.g., distributor <NUM>, re-distributor <NUM>, and/or inlet <NUM>, such as valve thereof) responsive to control signals <NUM>, <NUM> from the influent controller <NUM>. To illustrate, influent controller <NUM> may send one or more environment control signals <NUM> to distributor <NUM> and/or a valve of or associated with inlet <NUM> to adjust conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) of the influent <NUM> provided to the swirlers <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, influent controller <NUM> may send one or more ingredient control signals <NUM> (e.g., influent delivery control signals) to distributor <NUM> and/or a valve of or associated with inlet <NUM> to adjust a rate and/or or an amount of the influent <NUM>.

Catalyst controller <NUM> may further send or more control signals to control delivery of catalyst <NUM> to swirlers <NUM>. To illustrate, fuel controller <NUM> sends an ingredient control signal <NUM> to adjust a mass flow rate, a pressure, a temperature, etc., or a combination thereof of the catalyst <NUM>. After influent <NUM> and/or catalyst <NUM> are provided, the influent <NUM> and catalyst <NUM> mixes and reactants of influent <NUM> adsorb onto catalyst <NUM> or another adsorbent material.

Reaction controller <NUM> may send or more control signals to control reaction of influent <NUM> and catalyst <NUM> and/or mixing of swirlers <NUM>. To illustrate, reaction controller <NUM> sends an environmental control signal <NUM> to control conditions of the column <NUM>, such as temperature and pressure of contents and/or components of column <NUM> a rotation speed of swirlers <NUM>, etc. In a particular implementation, reaction controller <NUM> adjusts a rotation speed of swirlers <NUM> to adjust absorption.

After adsorption or catalyst <NUM> (e.g., resin) utilization, the catalyst <NUM> may be regenerated by adding solvents and capturing byproducts <NUM> released from catalyst <NUM> (or adsorbent material).

Reaction controller <NUM> may further send one or more control signals to control purging of used catalyst <NUM>, regeneration of used catalyst <NUM>, recycling of used catalyst <NUM>, or a combination thereof. To illustrate, reaction controller <NUM> may send or more control signals to control delivery (e.g., injection) of solvent, e.g., chemical configured to clean catalyst <NUM> or remove adsorbed atoms and molecules from catalyst <NUM> or adsorbent material.

Reaction controller <NUM> may further send one or more control signals to control delivery of treated fluid, effluent <NUM>. To illustrate, reaction controller <NUM> may send or more control signals to control delivery (e.g., disposal and/or separation) of byproducts <NUM>, treated effluent <NUM>, or both, from column <NUM>.

In some implementations, a swirler is free to rotate within column <NUM> during operation. For example, swirler 122A may rotate passively responsive to force imparted by fluid (influent <NUM>) flowing past swirler 122A. As another example, swirler 122A may be actively rotated by a motor to impart rotational flow in the oxidizer. To illustrate, swirler 122A is coupled to a motor and the motor rotates the swirler 122A within the column <NUM> during operation. In other implementations, swirler 122A is stationary, i.e., fixedly coupled to the column <NUM> or a component thereof such that, during operation, fin <NUM> has a fixed or stationary position relative to the column <NUM>.

Accordingly, the present disclosure overcomes the identified challenges of operating adsorption columns at high efficiency. Additionally, the present disclosure increases efficiency and reduces costs for operating adsorption columns.

Referring to <FIG>, a diagram illustrates a schematic view of a system <NUM> including multiple adsorption columns. In <FIG>, system <NUM> includes two adsorption columns, 212A and 212B, coupled in series. To illustrate, an outlet 234A of a first adsorption column 212A for treated fluid (e.g., partially treated fluid or treated fluid with respect to a particular impurity or contaminant) is coupled to an inlet 232B of a second adsorption column 212B. The adsorption columns (e.g., 212A, 212B) of system <NUM> may be the same or different from one another. For example, for a deionizing system or unit, the adsorption columns 212A and 212B may be different and include different catalysts (e.g., <NUM>) and/or packing (e.g., <NUM>), such as different ion exchange resins. To illustrate, the first adsorption column 212A may include anion resins and the second adsorption column 212B may include cation resins. The adsorption columns 212A and/or 212B may include or correspond to column <NUM> and may include one or more swirlers, such as swirlers <NUM>. Swirlers <NUM> may include or correspond to swirler 122A or 122B of <FIG>.

During operation, influent from a first reservoir <NUM> is provided (e.g., pumped, such as by a peristatic pump) to first adsorption column 212A via first inlet 232A. First adsorption column 212A treats the influent, partially treats the influent, using first swirler 222A and provides the treated (or partially treated) fluid as effluent via first outlet 234A to second inlet 232B of second adsorption column 212B. Second adsorption column 212B treats the influent, partially treats the influent, using second swirler 222B and provides the treated (or partially treated) fluid as effluent via a second outlet 234B to second reservoir <NUM>. Accordingly, system <NUM> may include multiple adsorption columns, such as one or more swirled adsorption columns.

Referring to <FIG>, views of an example configurations of a swirler are illustrated, such as swirler <NUM> (e.g., 122A, 122B, or both) of <FIG> or swirler <NUM> (e.g., 222A, 222B, or both) of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, a side view of example configuration of a swirler <NUM> including two axially arranged fins <NUM> and a single annular member <NUM> is illustrated. In the example of <FIG>, the axially arranged fins <NUM> (e.g., helical fins) are configured to rotate fluid to impart a clockwise rotation or clockwise vortex.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the swirler <NUM> has two fins <NUM> (aka vanes) emanating from a central tube structure, hub <NUM>. Hub <NUM> may include or correspond to base <NUM>. The hub <NUM> is oriented lengthwise along an axial direction of the adsorption column, as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of fins <NUM> are symmetrical, i.e., each of the fins <NUM> of the plurality of fins has the same shape and are spaced equally in the radial direction around the swirler <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a isometric (perspective) view of example configuration of swirler <NUM> is illustrated. As illustrated in <FIG>, the annular member <NUM> is coupled to the fins <NUM> and is arranged about an entirety of the swirler <NUM>, such as hub <NUM> thereof. Annular member <NUM> may define a gap or flow passage within an interior portion of swirler <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, hub <NUM>, fins <NUM>, and annular member <NUM> define a gap. In other implementations, annular member <NUM> may be extend partially around swirler <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, although annular member <NUM> is positioned in a middle of swirler <NUM>, annular member <NUM> may be positioned closer to a top or bottom of swirler <NUM> in other implementations.

Referring to <FIG>, another side view of example configuration of swirler <NUM> is illustrated. In <FIG>, second connector 348B is illustrated as a "u" shaped member which may be inserted into a rectangular notch defined by first connector 348A. As compared to the orientation of the swirler <NUM> in the side view illustrated in <FIG>, the orientation of the swirler <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees in the other side view of <FIG>. Although connectors 348A and 348B are illustrated as a tongue and groove or notch and insert, in other implementations, swirler <NUM> includes two grooves or notches, i.e., two connectors 348A, and a separate insert (i.e., double sided insert) is placed into corresponding grooves or notches, i.e., connectors 348A, of two swirlers <NUM> to couple two swirlers together.

In some implementations, a swirler or one or more swirlers of a stack may define one or more apertures, as illustrated in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, three views of an example "mesh" swirler 322A are illustrated. <FIG> illustrates an isometric view of mesh swirler 322A, <FIG> illustrates a side view of mesh swirler 322A, and <FIG> illustrates a top view of mesh swirler 322A. In <FIG>, mesh swirler 322A includes one or more through holes <NUM> in fins <NUM> thereof. To illustrate, surfaces of the fins <NUM> define through holes <NUM>. Through holes <NUM> are configured to divert and/or or direct flow. Through holes <NUM> may act as flow paths or funnels. As illustrated in <FIG>, through holes <NUM> are arranged parallel to a flow direction and a length of mesh swirler 322A. In other implementations, one or more of through holes <NUM> may be angled to direct flow, such as radially outward, in a circle and lengthwise to increase vorticity, or into one another to increase turbulence. Although through holes <NUM> are illustrated in fins <NUM> of mesh swirler 322A, in other implementations, through holes <NUM> may be arranged or positioned on base <NUM> and/or ring <NUM> in addition to or in the alternative of through holes <NUM> in fins <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> illustrates a side view of another example of a swirler <NUM>. In <FIG>, swirler <NUM> has additional annular members (e.g., ring members), i.e., second and third annular members 446A and 446B. As illustrated in <FIG>, second and third annular members 446A and 446B are positioned opposite annular member <NUM>, i.e., on top of and underneath annular member <NUM>. Second and third annular members 446A and 446B may be the same as or different from annular member <NUM> or each other. For example, one or more of annular members, such as annular member <NUM>, 446A and 446B, may be coupled to mesh <NUM>, which may be positioned within the corresponding annular member as illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of annular members, such as annular member <NUM>, 446A and 446B, may include striations, notches, corrugated members or surfaces, pipe distributors, or other surfaces features which direct flow and/or increase turbulence, illustratively shown as <NUM> in <FIG>. An example of corrugations is illustrated in <FIG>. Such additional features may increase rotational flow, turbulence, and/or direct the flow of fluid axially and radially outward, which results in higher mass transfer and adsorption, and are further described herein with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> illustrates dimension of a fin of a swirler. A fin of swirler has a diameter <NUM> and a pitch <NUM>. The pitch <NUM> is a distance from a first top or front edge of leading edges to a second top or front edge of trailing edges. The fin has a thickness <NUM> as illustrated with respect to an axis <NUM>, i.e. a longitudinal axis of a swirler or rotational axis of a swirler. The fin further has a helix angle <NUM>, i.e., an amount of twist of the fin.

The fin further has a total amount of twist or angle over the length, pitch <NUM>, of the fin. As an example, the fins <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> have <NUM> degrees of total twist over the entire fin pitch or length of swirler <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the fin has <NUM> degrees of total twist over the entire fin pitch or length of the fin. As compared to the fin in <FIG>, the fins <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> have leading and trailing edges which face an axially or flow direction, i.e., oriented along axis <NUM>. The swirlers described herein may have different dimensions <NUM>-<NUM> based on the dimensions of the corresponding adsorption column. A swirler (i.e., one or more dimensions <NUM>-<NUM> thereof) may be scaled up or down to meet adsorption column parameters, such as length or width thereof. Accordingly, a single design (and a single design file) may be used to generate swirlers for multiple adsorption columns sizes and types. Some exemplary parameters for the swirlers described herein include a helix angle <NUM> (e.g., angle of twist) of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees and a total twist or angle over the entire pitch <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees (i.e., a swirler may have a fin make multiple rotations around the swirler).

Referring to <FIG> diagrams of example configurations of stacks of swirlers are illustrated. Referring to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> illustrates an exploded isometric view of an example of a stack <NUM> of swirlers <NUM>. The stack <NUM> of swirlers <NUM> may be positioned or inserted into an adsorption column, such as column <NUM>, and the swirlers <NUM> may include or correspond to one or more of swirlers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In <FIG>, a bottom of a first swirler 622A is configured to couple to a top of a second swirler 622B by corresponding interconnects, a notch and groove as illustrated. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first swirler 622A and the second swirler 622B both have the same configuration or orientation, denoted by orientation <NUM> (e.g., a first orientation). The orientation <NUM> corresponds to an alignment of the fins of the swirlers <NUM>, which are aligned on top and bottom, partly due to the <NUM> degree total twist over the pitch.

Referring to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> illustrates an exploded isometric view of an example of a stack <NUM> of swirlers <NUM>. The stack <NUM> of swirlers <NUM> may be positioned or inserted into an adsorption column, such as column <NUM>, and the swirlers <NUM> may include or correspond to one or more of swirlers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In <FIG>, a bottom of a first swirler 722A is configured to couple to a top of a second swirler 722B (via connector 748B), and a bottom of the second swirler 722B is configured to couple to a top of a third swirler 722C. As illustrated in the example of <FIG>, first and third swirlers 722A and 722C have a first orientation <NUM> and second swirler 722B has a different second orientation <NUM>, and the second orientation <NUM> is offset from the first orientation by <NUM> degrees. To illustrate, the fins of a swirler having the second orientation <NUM> may be offset at a starting position, an ending position, or both, from a corresponding orientation or orientations of the fins of a swirler having the first orientation <NUM>. In <FIG>, the starting position and the ending position of the fins are offset by <NUM> degrees.

Although two fins are illustrated in <FIG>, in other implementations, the swirlers have one fin or more than two fins, such as three fins, four fins, eight fins, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, although symmetrical swirlers (e.g., swirlers having fins with radial symmetry) are illustrated in <FIG>, in other implementations, the swirlers may be non-symmetrical. To illustrate, the fins of a particular swirler may have different shapes or a stack may have different types of swirlers. Furthermore, although stacks of two and three swirlers are illustrated in <FIG> respectively, in other implementations, a stack of swirlers may have more than <NUM> swirlers, such as four, five, six, eight, etc. swirlers.

An interconnected stack of swirlers may direct or distributed more fluid from a core or central portion of the adsorption column towards interior walls (i.e., radially outward) thereby enabling increased resin and/ or bed utilization, as compared to a single swirler or a plurality or stack of loose swirlers (i.e., separated or non-connected swirlers). Additionally, offsetting the fins of the swirlers of the stack, as shown by the different orientations of the stack in <FIG>, may further increase mass transfer and adsorption.

Similar to swirlers <NUM> of <FIG>, one or more swirlers of a stack of swirlers may be configured to rotate. For example, one or more swirlers of a stack may rotate passively or be actively rotate. In other implementations, the swirlers of the stack are fixed and do not rotate. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second swirlers may be arranged such that they have a counterrotating arrangement. To illustrate, first fins of a first swirler rotate the fluid in the adsorption column in a first rotation direction (e.g., counter-clockwise), and second fins of a second swirler rotate the fluid in the adsorption column in a second rotation direction (e.g., clockwise). In a particular implementation, one or more swirlers of a stack may rotate in counterrotating (opposite) directions to rotate the fluid in opposite directions. Such counterrotating arrangements and/or contra-rotating swirlers (swirlers that rotate in opposite directions around the same axis) may further increase mass transfer and adsorption efficiency.

In other implementations, one or more swirlers of the stack include additional features or elements described herein, such as additional features or elements configured to increase rotational flow, turbulence, and/or direct the flow of process fluid and described with reference to <FIG>. For example, a swirler or swirlers of the stack may further include mesh (e.g., mesh wiring) coupled to base and ring such that the mesh is positioned within a gap defined by the ring. As another example, the base, the fins, and/or the ring may include mesh overlaid over or attached to a surface thereof, such as the mesh illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, a swirler or swirlers of the stack may further include striations, i.e., a series of ridge, furrows, or linear marks. As an illustrative, example, the material of the ring is corrugated, i.e., has corrugations or an alternating pattern of surface ridges and grooves.

In some implementations, other surface features may be incorporated into the base, the fins, and/or the ring of any of the swirlers described herein. For example, in addition to or in the alternative of striations or corrugations, a surface of a swirler may be embossed. To illustrate, one or more surfaces of the swirler include embossed structures or "mini protrusions. " The structures and mini protrusions may differ in height from the surface by a few microns to a few millimeters, such as <NUM> microns to <NUM> millimeters.

The embossed structures and mini protrusions on the surface can be of various shapes and wave angled contours, circular spikes, elongated striations, etc. Some example patterns of embossed structures and mini protrusions are illustrated in <FIG>. The embossed structure and/or mini protrusion on the surface of the swirler helps increase the swirling characteristics including creating mini vortexes as well as helps in longer retention/contact with the surround resins in the packing to ultimately increase mass transfer and efficiency.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the swirlers described herein may be used in conjunction without other packing materials (e.g., <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, a swirler or swirler stack may be used with mesh or corrugated inserts, as illustrated in <FIG> illustrates a portion of a mesh covering, and <FIG> illustrates a corrugated insert (e.g., corrugated covering or swirler surround), generally referred to as packing inserts (e.g., <NUM>). Such packing inserts may be positioned in an absorption column with the swirler or swirler stack to further increase mass transfer in the adsorption column. To illustrate, a swirler or swirler stack may be positioned in between two such corrugated sheets of <FIG> or between two mesh sheets as in <FIG>, arranged lengthwise in the adsorption column. In other implementations, a swirler or swirler stack may be positioned in between both corrugated sheets and mesh sheets. As illustrative examples, a swirler or swirler stack may be positioned in between a stack of sheets on two sides, or may be surrounded on four sides by alternating types of sheets (e.g., corrugated-mesh-corrugated-mesh). Although a few exemplary configurations have been illustrated above, other additional configurations are possible.

In some implementations, the mesh and/or corrugated sheets may have non-uniform features or dimensions. As illustrated in <FIG>, the corrugated sheet includes more holes on a first side (bottom side) than on a second side (top side). Such differences in features or dimensions may include in addition or in the alternative of amount of holes, different size holes, different hole spacing, sheet height, sheet width, sheet length, angle, of corrugations, etc..

Although stacks of multiple discreet swirlers are illustrated in <FIG>, in other implementations, a stack of swirlers is a monolithic structure with multiple swirlers sections or swirlers stages, referred to a multi-stage or multi-section swirler. Each stage or section may have a corresponding plurality of fins, and the fins of each stage or section may be arranged similarly to or differently from one another or have different properties. The multiple stages and/or multiple swirlers sections may further increase rotation and adsorption. In a particular implementation, the multi-stage swirler has a counterrotating orientation.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a method of operating an adsorption column is shown. Method <NUM> may be performed by a manufacturing device or system, such as system <NUM> (e.g., column <NUM> and/or electronic device <NUM>). The method <NUM> may be used to remove or separate impurities or contaminants, such as glycol, from a process fluid (aka influent).

Method <NUM> includes receiving, by an inlet, an untreated fluid into an adsorption column, at <NUM>. For example, inlet may include or correspond inlet <NUM>, and the untreated fluid may include or correspond to influent <NUM>. Adsorption column may include or correspond to column <NUM>, 212A, or 212B.

Method <NUM> also includes swirling, by one or more swirlers positioned within the adsorption column, the untreated fluid in the adsorption column to mix the untreated fluid with a catalyst of the adsorption column, at <NUM>. For example, the one or more swirlers may include or correspond to swirlers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Method <NUM> includes adsorbing, by the catalyst, a reactant of the untreated fluid to generate a treated fluid, at <NUM>. For example, the reactant may include or correspond to impurities or contaminants of influent <NUM>, and the treated fluid may include or correspond to effluent <NUM>.

Method <NUM> further includes providing the treated fluid via an outlet of the adsorption column, at <NUM>. For example, the outlet may include or correspond to outlet <NUM>, 234A, or 234B. Method <NUM> may further include regeneration of the adsorption column, recycling the treated fluid for retreatment, retreating the treated fluid in the adsorption column or a second adsorption column, or a combination thereof. Thus, method <NUM> describes operating a swirled adsorption column. Method <NUM> advantageously enables more efficient adsorption by a column <NUM> with reduced operating costs.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a method of retrofitting an adsorption column is shown. Method <NUM> may be performed by a manufacturing device or a person. The adsorption column may include or correspond to a conventional adsorption column, as described herein. For example, the adsorption column can include conventional urea adsorption columns, conventional aldehyde adsorption columns, conventional deionization adsorption columns, and/or packed bed style adsorption columns.

Method <NUM> includes providing a swirler, at <NUM>. For example, the swirler (aka mass transfer swirler) may include or correspond to swirler <NUM>, swirler <NUM>, swirler <NUM>, or stack of swirlers <NUM>. Method <NUM> also includes installing the swirler in a cavity of an adsorption column, at <NUM>. For example, a swirler is positioned in cavity of or defined by bed <NUM> of column <NUM>. To illustrate, a swirler is positioned axially in adsorption column and may optionally be coupled to other swirlers. In a particular implementation, the swirler is coupled to a drive shaft of a motor and is rotated actively by the motor.

Method <NUM> may further include partially removing, removing, partially disassembling, or disassembling the adsorption column to access the cavity. For example, the adsorption column may be uncoupled from the system (e.g., deionizer), the distributor may be uncoupled from the walls of the adsorption column, etc., to expose the cavity. Thus, method <NUM> describes retrofitting an adsorption column to convert a conventional adsorption column to a swirled adsorption column, such as column <NUM>, having increased efficiency. Method <NUM> advantageously enables the retrofitting of current adsorption columns with a component to achieve higher efficiency and reduced costs. Examples of adsorption columns and/or systems which may be retrofitted include glycol and oxygenates units (e.g., ethylene glycol removal, such as MEG, DEG, and TEG removal), carbon dioxide adsorbers/strippers, ethylene oxide adsorbers/strippers, deionizing units (e.g., ion exchange resin based deionizing units), aldehyde removal units (e.g., aldehyde removal units using reactive, catalytic, and/or ion exchange resins), urea adsorption units, regeneration units, and other adsorption, chromatography, or distillation units having a homogenous phase adsorption or separation process.

It is noted that one or more operations described with reference to one of the methods of <FIG> may be combined with one or more operations of another of <FIG>. For example, one or more operations of method <NUM> may be combined with one or more operations of method <NUM>. Additionally, one or more of the operations described with reference to the systems of <FIG> and <FIG> may be combined with one or more operations described with reference to one of the methods of <FIG>.

Experimental Analysis of the exemplary swirlers and swirled adsorption columns was performed using activated carbon (charcoal) as the adsorbent material for adsorption of Urea and resin for the adsorption of aldehyde. In the experiments, Batch Adsorption and multiple types of Column Adsorption were evaluated.

For the Batch Adsorption in a Batch condition, a conical flask was charged with dialysate buffer and loaded with <NUM> weight percent (wt%) activated carbon. The filled conical flask was put on a shaker at <NUM> rpm at room temperature. After <NUM> hours, an aliquot was taken from the solution of the conical flask, the aliquot was filtered, and was sent for urea content analysis.

For the Column Adsorption in an Adsorption Column, a cylindrical glass column was packed with activated carbon while maintaining length to diameter (L/D) ratio of <NUM> in all cases. The packed column was wetted with distilled water for <NUM> hours before carrying out the urea adsorption experiments. Dialysate fluid composition having urea concentration of <NUM> parts per million (ppm) was poured from a top of the packed column and passed through the packed column while applying a constant vacuum of <NUM> MPa at a bottom of the packed column. The flow rate was observed as <NUM>/minute under employed experimental conditions. Aliquots were collected at different time intervals over the period of <NUM> to <NUM> minutes and urea concentration was estimated. Three configurations were tested for the Column Adsorption and the results are illustrated in Table <NUM> below. The three configurations include swirlers without rings, swirlers with rings and interconnected to one another , and swirlers with rings and separated. Separated rings were spaced from each other about <NUM> to <NUM> percent of the height of each swirler.

Referring to <FIG>, breakthrough curves for the results of the experiments and illustrating the values of Table <NUM> are illustrated. In <FIG>, the breakthrough curves for each Column Adsorption configuration are illustrated in Graph <NUM>. Graph <NUM> illustrates urea concentration in ppm (vertical axis) against time in minutes (horizontal axis) for three configurations, i.e., <NUM>) Without Rings; <NUM>) With Rings and Interconnected; and <NUM>) With Rings and Separated. A breakthrough curve illustrates the concentration of urea over time. A time until some adsorbate leaves the column as effluent (column effluent), is referred to as breakthrough time and illustrated as the time when the Urea concentration increases from zero. A longer breakthrough time is desired as it is generally not desired for adsorbate (i.e., particles adsorbed on the adsorbent material, here activated carbon) to break free from the adsorbent material and leave the column with the effluent. The Trapezoidal Rule was applied for calculating the AUC (Area under the Curve) for the breakthrough curves of <FIG>. Normalized methods of differences was employed to project the break-through curve till breakthrough point to calculate overall g/kg (Adsorption Capacity) of adsorbent for all sets of experiments presented in Table <NUM>.

Table <NUM> illustrated below depicts urea adsorption capacity of the adsorbent material, here activated carbon for the different configurations. As illustrated in Table <NUM>, the batch configuration or control configuration produced a urea adsorption capacity of <NUM>/kg, i.e., <NUM> grams of urea can be absorbed per kilogram of activated carbon. The Column Adsorption configurations produced much higher urea adsorption capacities, with <NUM>/kg when using swirlers and greater than <NUM>/kg when using ring members with gaps. The most efficient observed result (i.e., swirler flow inserts with intermediate adsorbent packing) produced an adsorption capacity of <NUM>/kg until the experimental time of <NUM> minutes.

Table <NUM> below illustrates results of aldehyde adsorption experiments and aldehyde removal efficiency for commercially used columns. In Table <NUM>, a conventional adsorption column including a packing configuration of a random packed bed of Purolite, a registered trademark of Purolite Corporation, C-<NUM> resin was evaluated using a feed aldehyde concentration of <NUM> ppm for <NUM> minutes. The same adsorption column with swirlers was also evaluated using the same conditions, a feed aldehyde concentration of <NUM> ppm for <NUM> minutes. After the <NUM> minutes, the swirler configuration produced a <NUM> percent increase in aldehyde removal efficiency as compared to the conventional column. Illustrative examples of the adsorption column, the swirlers, and a configuration of a stack of separated swirlers without rings used in the above described experiments are illustrated in <FIG>.

Additional experiments were performed and the swirlers exhibited similar results to Table <NUM> above. For example, in other experiments other compounds (e.g., acetic acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, etc.) were used and/or other settings were used and the swirler variants exhibited a <NUM> to <NUM> percent total removal efficiency, about two times the efficiency of the nonswirler variants, increased adsorption capacity, and had lower outlet concentrations. In some of the additional experiments, one or more of the following parameters were used, column dimensions of <NUM> (L) by <NUM> (ID), packing dimensions of <NUM> (L) by <NUM> (ID), packing L/D ration of about <NUM>-<NUM>, resin volumes of about <NUM><NUM>, feed concentrations as high as <NUM> ppm, or particles sizes of about <NUM>-<NUM>. Additionally, screen type distributors were used in some experiments. Different resins and regenerants were also used, such as, Amberlyst A-<NUM> and ARR-<NUM> wet bisulfite, and sodium hydroxide (e.g., <NUM> wt%) and sodium bisulfite (e.g., <NUM> wt%), respectively.

Illustrative examples of some such additional experiments are provided below in Tables <NUM>-<NUM>. Table <NUM> illustrates parameters of the column for some such experiments. Table <NUM> illustrates additional parameters of the column and parameters for the resin for some such experiments. Experimental runs were performed using a feed including Acetic Acid, Formic acid, and Glycolic acid and using a feeding including aldehydes to mimic cycle water feed concentration of a treatment plant. Anionic and Aldehyde Removal Resin was employed with a L/D ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>. A feed flow rate of <NUM>-<NUM> bed volumes/hour was maintained.

Results of particular experimental runs for normalized Acetic Acid and normalized Formaldehyde are illustrated in Tables <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. In Table <NUM>, the acids are normalized and quantified in terms of acetic acid; and in Table <NUM>, the aldehydes are normalized and quantified in terms of formaldehyde. The acids include acetic acid, formic acid, and glycolic acid. The aldehydes include glycolaldehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, acetone, propanal, crotonaldehyden-C5, iso-C5, C6 aldehydes. In Tables <NUM> and <NUM>, cumulative outlet concentration values correspond to the concentration of the overall processed solution through the column in total experimental time until breakthrough was achieved.

Accordingly, swirlers (all configurations) produce increased adsorption efficiency across all conditions and for multiple different adsorption reactions as compared to conventional adsorption columns and methods. Thus, adding swirlers to all types of adsorption columns will increase adsorption efficiency as the swirlers increase mass transfer and thus, increase adsorption efficiency.

Claim 1:
A swirler comprising:
a base comprising a first end opposite a second end along a longitudinal axis of the base, the base including one or more helical fins oriented along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; and
an annular member coupled to the base and positioned at least partially around the longitudinal axis;
wherein the annular member is positioned around an entirety of the base and is configured to function as a distributor and generate divergent flow which moves fluid radially outward from the base.