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Industrial Research And Consultancy Centre
Patent
Modular Rotating Contacting Disk-Based Mass and Heat Exchanger
Abstract

This invention is an innovative device designed for scrubbing, aeration, oxygenation, and vaporization. The system utilizes rotating contacting disks for efficient mass and heat transfer between liquid and gas phases. This versatile exchanger can be employed in various applications such as industrial gas scrubbing, biogas scrubbing, cooling towers, humidification, dehumidification, air washing, and water treatment, offering a modular, compact, scalable, and cost-effective solution. Pressure drop on the gas side is typically less than 10 Pa per rotor stage.

Problem Statement

Rotating Contacting Device, RCD, is a rotating device for the contact between gas and liquid flow in wastewater treatment. It enables efficient contact of liquid and gases to offer energy-efficient technologies for wastewater vapourisation using ambient air, cooling towers, humidifiers, evaporative condensers, biogas scrubbers, exhaust gas scrubbers, aerators, air cleaners, etc. An extra attachment or a device is of high priority to fast vaporisation by providing a large surface area for mass transfer between air, gas, or liquid types.

Uniqueness of the Solution
  • Modular Rotating Contacting Disk-based Mass and Heat Exchanger Technology is energy-efficient H&ME while offering high reliability and design flexibility in various applications. Modular design offers carryover free contacting with High Mass Transfer Coefficients using a textured rotating disk. 
  • The device provides a greater surface area of contact between two fluids and maintains enabling rotation of disks with the help of liquid flow. 
  • It is operable over a wide range of liquid-gas (L/G) ratios without flooding issues at very high L/G or effective wetting at low L/G. Low air/gas side pressure drops, ~10 Pa, and a low pump head of ~3 m makes the unit energy efficient. 
  • The rotating disc is predominantly plastic, and composite disks of PP, PC, SS304, 316, 316L, Al, MS, etc., are possible according to fluid type. Issues like corrosion, erosion, fouling, catalytic activity, etc., can be resolved by online cleaning following clean-in-place using Jet Cleaning.
Prototype Details

The prototype consists of a liquid reservoir, rotating contacting disk exchanger, and a pump for liquid circulation. The disks are arranged in rotor units and are partially submerged in the liquid. The rotation of the disks is driven by the liquid flow, creating a large interfacial area for efficient mass and heat transfer.

Technology readiness level

 

  • Waste water vaporization: TRL 9
  • Biogas scrubber: TRL 8
  • Cooling tower: TRL 7
  • Sea water vaporizer: TRL 7
  • Evaporative pre-cooler: TRL 7
  • Evaporative condenser: TRL 7
Societal Impact

The device is energy-saving, environment-friendly, and reduces embodied energy.

Applications or Domain
  • Industrial gas scrubbing: Removes contaminants from industrial gases, including exhaust gases from kitchens, furnaces, and power plants
  • HVAC systems: Used in cooling towers and air conditioning systems to improve air quality and efficiency
  • Water treatment: Aerates water and strips volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from groundwater 
  • Chemical processes: Strips gases from liquids and concentrates solutions like fruit juice and milk

Geography of IP

Type of IP

Application Number

201721029712

Filing Date
Grant Number

496785

Grant Date
Assignee(s)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
**This IP is owned by IIT Bombay**