Øe la/SL No :022135863

lR;eso t;rs

isVsaV dk;kZy;,Hkkjr ljdkj The Patent Office, Government Of India

isVsaV çek.k i= | Patent Certificate
(isVsaV fu;ekoyh dk fu;e 74) | (Rule 74 of The Patents Rules)

isVsaV la- / Patent No. : 496785

vkosnu la- / Application No. : 201721029712

Qkby djus dh rkjh[k / Date of Filing : 22/08/2017

isVsaVh / Patentee : INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY

vkfo"dkjdksa dk uke /Name of Inventor(s) : 1.Rane, Milind Vishwanath 2.Saini, Sunil Kumar

çekf.kr fd;k tkrk gS fd isVsaVh dks, mijksä vkosnu esa ;FkkçdfVr MODULAR ROTATING CONTACTING DISK
BASED MASS AND HEAT EXCHANGER uked vkfo"dkj ds fy,] isVsaV vf/kfu;e] 1970 ds mica/kksa ds vuqlkj
vkt rkjh[k vxLr 2017 ds ckbZlosa fnu ls chl o"kZ dh vof/k ds fy, isVsaV vuqnÙk fd;k x;k gSA
It is hereby certified that a patent has been granted to the patentee for an invention entitled MODULAR
ROTATING CONTACTING DISK BASED MASS AND HEAT EXCHANGER as disclosed in the above
mentioned application for the term of 20 years from the 22nd day of August 2017 in accordance with the
provisions of the Patents Act,1970.

vuqnku dh rkjh[k
: 09/01/2024 isVsaV fu;a=d
Date of Grant : Controller of Patents

fVIi.kh & bl isVsaV ds uohdj.k ds fy, Qhl] ;fn bls cuk, j[kk tkuk gS] vxLr 2019 ds ckbZlosa fnu dks vkSj mlds i'pkr çR;sd o"kZ es mlh fnu ns; gksxhA
Note. - The fees for renewal of this patent, if it is to be maintained, will fall / has fallen due on 22nd day of August 2019 and on the same

day in every year thereafter.

 FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(Act 39 of 70)

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section10)

TITLE OF INVENTION:
MODULAR ROTATING CONTACTING DISK BASED MASS AND HEAT
EXCHANGER

APPLICANT:

1. Name: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY

Nationality: INDIAN
Address: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY,
POWAI, MUMBAI – 400 076, MAHARASHTRA,
INDIA

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the

manner in which it is to be performed.
 MODULAR ROTATING CONTACTING DISK BASED MASS AND HEAT
EXCHANGER

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to heat and mass exchangers, and more
particularly relates to rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger for scrubbing,
aeration, air oxygenation and vaporization.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Processes requiring mass transfer between two contacting fluids often
employ equipment called mass exchangers, used as a scrubber, an absorber, a desorber,
a heat exchanger, or a chemical reactor. It is known to provide so-called packed towers
for the washing of gases and, in general, tower-like apparatus for the purpose of mass-
exchange processes. In a packed tower, the gas is passed upwardly through the
interstices of a packing while the washing liquid Solvent is sprayed into the gas within
the packing or there above, the gas undergoing many direction changes within the body
of the packing material. Similar to packet towers, spray towers and tray towers have
been used. But, such systems are characterized by a high pressure drop and are not
always fully effective.
[0003] In other scrubbing systems, plate-type or impingement baffles are
provided causing deposition of the dust-entrapping liquid phase upon the surfaces. In
some of these arrangements, a high efficiency of liquid recovery can be obtained while
others are characterized by less efficient operation. When gaseous components of the
gas stream are to be washed out, in addition to or apart from dust removal, still other
systems may be provided to obtain maximum intimacy of contact between gas and the
liquid phases. With increasing attention to environmental pollution and particularly,
greater efforts to remove dust from industrial gases before they are released into the
atmosphere to eliminate toxic and nauseous gas components, and to release large
volumes of relatively clean and uncontaminated gas into the atmosphere, considerable
research has been undertaken to improve upon gas-washing and scrubbing systems of

2
all types. There are various systems and methods have been developed for gas-washing
and scrubbing systems. In some systems, biological contact gas scrubber for purifying
waste gas is developed. Some other methods involve removal of carbon dioxide in
aqueous solutions in a rotating packed bed. Similarly, some processes involved the
conversion of biogas to a pipeline grade renewable natural gas. However, these
conventional methods and systems are less efficient and often not feasible because of
the complex design, higher operating cost, and high-pressure drop associated with the
system. Most of these systems could not be scale down in capacity and are costly.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a rotating contacting
disk based mass exchanger for scrubbing, purification/separation, water aeration,
concentration of solutions, stripping of gases from liquid phase, and HVAC
applications.
[0005] It is another object of the present disclosure to scrub waste industrial
gaseous streams, exhaust gasses from kitchen, furnaces, power plants, engines and
biogas.
[0006] It is yet another object of the present disclosure is to strip volatile
organic compounds (VOC) from ground water, oxygen from boiler water and CO2 from
biogas scrubbing solvent,
[0007] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to enable culture growth
for vaccine preparation.
[0008] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to humidify air and
concentrate solutions like fruit juice, milk and waste water.

SUMMARY
[0009] In one of the aspect of present discloser an exchanger is disclosed. The
exchanger may comprise a liquid reservoir. Further a rotating contacting disk
exchanger positioned horizontally, may be positioned above the liquid reservoir. The
rotating contacting disk based exchanger may further comprises a plurality of rotor

3
units. Further each rotor unit may comprise a plurality of disks. The plurality of the
rotor units may be rotated by liquid flowing from the reservoir onto the plurality of
disk. The exchanger may further comprise at least two openings in the liquid reservoir
working as an inlet and outlet for liquid. A pump for liquid circulation may be provided
in the exchanger. The exchanger enables a liquid and a gas phase mass transfer through
the rotation of the plurality of disks due to drag generated by liquid flow at the plurality
of disk surfaces.
[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exchanger is disclosed
that may be used for scrubbing biogas, or exhaust gas or for HVAC/Cooling Tower
systems. The exchanger may comprise, a plurality of rotor tray units. Each rotor tray
unit may further comprise a plurality of disks installed on a rotor frame. Further each
rotor tray unit may be positioned vertically in a row like structure. The exchanger may
further comprise a central liquid redistributor placed between the pluralities of rotor tray
units. The central liquid redistributor may enable uniform flow of the liquid over the
next rotor tray unit. Further a liquid collector may be mounted at the bottom wall of the
exchanger. The exchanger may further comprise a plurality of pipes provided for
gas/liquid inlet and gas/liquid outlet at the top of the exchanger and bottom of the
exchanger respectively. An input gas may be purified by enabling liquid and gas phase
mass transfer through the rotation of the plurality of disks due to drag generated by
liquid flow at the plurality of disk surfaces.
[0011] In another aspect of present discloser, multipurpose gas scrubber having
vertical arrangement is disclosed. In this arrangement, the rotors are installed as four
walls in bottom to top fashion. Mass exchanger could be installed in large liquid tank.
A pump delivers liquid from bottom to a liquid distributor installed at top of the mass
exchanger. This liquid distributor irrigates the liquid on the rotors in such a way that
at least one third portion of each disk comes in to contact with liquid. Liquid coming
from each rotor is re-collected in liquid distributor. Collected liquid redirected towards
next rotors installed immediately below the first rotor. The liquid redistributor could
be also replaced with corrugated plate heat exchanger. Processing fluid such as
refrigerant could be cooled down by circulating it in this heat exchanger. A fan/blower

4
is installed at the top of the mass exchanger to suck or blow air from these vertical
rotating disk arrangements thereby working as a forced/ induced draft cooling tower
and providing humidified, cooled air. Similar arrangement could also be used as liquid
oxygenation and VOC stripping from liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures.
[0013] Figure 1, illustrates an isometric view of a gas scrubber and solvent
stripper apparatus employing a rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 2, illustrates a front view of a gas scrubber and solvent stripper
apparatus employing a rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in with
accordance the present disclosure.
[0015] Figure 3, illustrates the exploded view of the inlet end of the gas
scrubbing section along with the gas inlet to the scrubber.
[0016] Figure 4, illustrates the top view of a gas scrubber and solvent stripper
apparatus employing a rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 5, illustrates the shaft and the tube which is used in the rotation
mechanism.
[0018] Figure 6, illustrates a rotor frame assembly where the set of rotors are
installed into a rotor frame to make complete rotor frame assembly.
[0019] Figure 7, illustrates a rotor frame which can be used to mount the rotors.
[0020] Figure 8, illustrates an isometric exploded view of a scrubber apparatus
employing the rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in vertical arrangement.
[0021] Figure 9, illustrates sectional front view of a scrubber apparatus
employing the rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in vertical arrangement.
[0022] Figure 10, illustrates a sectional side view of a scrubber apparatus
employing the rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in vertical arrangement.

5
[0023] Figure 11, illustrates the edge liquid distributor where liquid coming
from previous top rotor is being redirected towards the immediate bottom rotor.
[0024] Figure 12, illustrates the V channel based central liquid distributor
enabling liquid flow at multiple levels on the disk rotor.
[0025] Figure 13, illustrates the V channel based central liquid distributor used
in the vertical arrangement of the mass exchanger with provision for cooling or heating
the liquid before redistribution.
[0026] Figure 14, illustrates, the V channel based liquid distributors with
rectangular and triangular weir at the top edge in addition to holes at a lower level.
[0027] Figure 15, illustrates the assembly of rotors in vertical frame of the mass
exchanger.
[0028] Figure 16, illustrates the isometric view of an open wall, vertically
stacked type rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger.
[0029] Figure 17, illustrates the side view of an open wall, vertically stacked
type rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger.
[0030] Figure 18, illustrates the isometric view of three-sided closed
configuration vertically stacked rotating contacting disk rotors based mass exchanger
for HVAC applications like evaporative cooling, air washing, liquid desiccant based
dehumidification, aeration of water, VOC and gas stripping.
[0031] Figure 19, illustrates the isometric view of three-sided closed
configuration vertically stacked rotating contacting disk rotors based mass exchanger.
[0032] Figure 20, illustrates the isometric view of four-sided closed
configuration vertically stacked rotating contacting disk rotors based mass exchanger
with provision of a coil heat exchanger in the liquid tank enabling heating or cooling
of the liquid.
[0033] Figure 21, illustrates sectional front view of four-sided closed
configuration vertically stacked rotating contacting disk rotors based mass exchanger
with provision of a coil heat exchanger in the liquid tank enabling heating or cooling
of the liquid.

6
[0034] Figure 22, illustrates tube coil arrangement of the coil heat exchanger
to enable heating or cooling the liquid.
[0035] Figure 23, illustrates the isometric view of four-sided closed
configuration vertically stacked rotating contacting disk rotors based water cooled
condenser with plate heat exchangers to enable heating/cooling the fluid for various
application.
[0036] Figure 24, shows the arrangement of plate-plate heat exchanger used for
heating/cooling of fluid.
[0037] Figure 25, shows the corrugated rotating contacting disk which can be
injection moulded.
[0038] Figure 26, shows the wire mesh based contacting disk used to provide
high surface area density for the heat and mass transfer.
[0039] Figure 27, shows the corrugated contacting disk similar to the one in
Figure 25 but with some area near the centre portion removed to lower the gas side
pressure drop.
[0040] Figure 28, illustrates the corrugate disk based rotor assembly where a
non-rigid mesh is sandwiched between two corrugated disks.
[0041] Figure 29, illustrates the end plug used on the end of the rotor shaft to
restrain the disks and guide the shaft while acting like a bearing.
[0042] Figure 30, illustrates the isometric view of scrubber and regenerator
assembly used for the gas purification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The present disclosure relates to scrubber apparatus using a rotating
contacting disk based mass exchanger. The scrubber apparatus removes dust and
chemical contaminants from input gases. In the rotating contacting disk based mass
exchanger, the rotation of the disks is enabled by liquid flow. The rotation could also
be obtained by employing any mechanized system or by using compressed air. The
rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger comprises a plurality of rotor units.
Each rotor unit comprises a plurality of disks partially submerged in a liquid in a

7
horizontally configured scrubber. The liquid used may be water/solvent. The
pluralities of disks are preferably closely spaced called as ‘contacting disks’, and
mounted on a shaft. The shaft is preferably but not limited to a non-circular shaft. The
plurality of disks may be fabricated using mesh, plain, perforated, roughened surface
or porous type material. The pluralities of disks are configured to rotate when the liquid
flows between the pluralities of disk surfaces.
[0044] Each disk comprises a peripheral section and a central square section.
Each disk surface has different geometrical patterns at the peripheral section and the
central square section. Each disk surface has the circular shaped spacer projections at
the peripheral section and the circular spacer projections in the central square section,
maintaining constant pitch between two consecutive disks. The geometrical pattern at
the peripheral section is preferably but not only limited to a semi-circular pattern and
could be further extend to triangular, oval, elliptical and aerofoil pattern. These
different geometrical patterns at the surface of the disk provide mixing/churning by
disturbing the boundary layer formed when disk rotates in liquid. A plurality of plugs
and pins may be incorporated on both the sides of each rotor unit. The plurality of pins
can be inserted in bearing, grooves. In some embodiments, these pins may be
connected to another shaft of another rotor unit. The plurality of plugs and pins work
as an axis of rotation for rotor units and provide smooth rotation to the rotor units.
[0045] The rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger can be installed in
various positions such as vertical, horizontal and inclined positions and can be used for
scrubbing biogas, flue gas, kitchen exhaust, and humidification in vertical/horizontal
column. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a scrubber apparatus
using the rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger is disclosed. Referring to
Figure 1, which illustrates an isometric view of a scrubber apparatus employing a
rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in accordance to the present disclosure.
The section 101 works as a scrubber, which is used to remove unwanted contaminant
from inlet gas. Section 102 regenerates the liquid coming from the scrubber section.
[0046] Referring to Figure 2, which illustrates a front view of a scrubber
apparatus employing a rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in accordance to

8
the present disclosure. The scrubber apparatus comprises a liquid tank 114; a rotating
contacting disk based mass exchanger 101, which used as scrubber and a water
circulator/electric pump 113. The Pump/liquid circulator 113 provides high liquid flow
rate, needed for gas scrubbing at nominal head. The rotating contacting disk based mass
exchanger comprises a plurality of rotor units 104; each rotor unit comprises a plurality
of disks partially submerged in the liquid tank. The plurality of disks work equivalent
to partially submerged rotating packed column. The rotating contacting disk based
mass exchanger may be installed horizontally but preferably at an appropriate angle
from horizontal.
[0047] The scrubber apparatus 101 comprises a rectangular channel; a first
rectangular channel is used as scrubbing section 103. The second rectangular channel
is used as a regeneration section 102, preferably kept open to atmosphere. In the
scrubbing section, the partially liquid submerged plurality of rotors removes
undesirable constituents from raw gas. The gas scrubbing section 101 also called as
absorber section. The section 102 works as a regenerator for scrubbing liquid. The
scrubber apparatus comprises a gas inlet 110 for the input gas and a gas outlet 121 for
collection of purified/ scrubbed gas. Solvent loaded with impurities is than directed
towards regeneration section 102 via U shaped redistribution pipe 119.
[0048] Referring to the exploded view at the entrance of the scrubber section
shown in Figure 3. Gas flow rate is being directed towards the scrubber section via
gas inlet pipe 110. Composition of inlet gas could be determined by taking gas sample
from gas sampling point 111. Both gas inlet pipe and gas sampling points are
incorporated into the flange 108. The flange 108 is bolted into scrubber lip 105 with
the help of bolts 106 and nuts 107. Gasket was provided in order to make the seal gas
leak proof.
[0049] Referring to Figure 4, the top view of regeneration section 102
comprises of number of rotating disk based rotors 116 for gas liquid contact. Liquid
coming from the scrubber section provides driving force for rotation of the rotors. Self-
rotation enables the film formation at disk surface thereby providing gas liquid contact
for heat and mass transfer.

9
[0050] Referring to cut section view shown in Figure 5, rotors 116 are stacked
concentrically with the help of circular shaft 118 between two circular tube 117. The
rotational axis of the rotor is fixed by tightening the another end of the shaft tube 118
with a nut.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6, the rotor assembly 104 is prepared by installing

series of rotors on rectangular frame 128. A sheet 129 is attached to each end of the frame
to avoid the gas bypassing from the scrubber. The thickness of sheet 129 is equivalent to
the thickness of the frame element 128. The rotor frame assembly could be directly slide
into the channel of scrubber section. Rotor-frame assembly could be arranged in series
there by providing surface area for gas liquid interphase for mass transfer in scrubber
section.
[0052] An input biogas at the gas inlet is purified by enabling liquid and gas
phase mass transfer through the rotation of the partially submerged plurality of disks.
The liquid flows horizontally in a channel through the partially submerged plurality of
disks. The plurality of disks gets wet and forms a film of liquid on disk surfaces. The
film of liquid serves as the interfacial area for gas liquid contact. As the gas passes
through the space between the two adjoining, predominantly parallel, rotating disks,
the pressure drop is low and reduces the auxiliary power required for the gas
fan/blower/compressor. The partially submerged plurality of disks rotates due to drag
generated by liquid flow at the plurality of disk surfaces. As the disks on the rotor unit
dip and emerge out of the liquid, both surfaces of the disk picks-up a film of liquid,
forming a gas liquid interfacial area. Rotation and the rib like features on the disks
ensure good mixing and renewal of the liquid and gas phase mass transfer boundary
layers, resulting in high mass transfer coefficients. Several rotor units may be located
in series, with liquid and gas flows in opposite direction to achieve counter current
multi stage contacting.
[0053] Figure 7, illustrates a rotor frame which can be used to mount the rotors.

10
[0054] Figure 8, illustrates a scrubber apparatus employing the rotating
contacting disk based mass exchanger in vertical arrangement in accordance with
another embodiment of the present disclosure. The scrubber apparatus 200 comprises
a mass exchanger comprising a plurality of rotor tray units 215, a central liquid
distributor 218, gas inlet 211 and gas outlet pipes 207, a top enclosure 206 at the top
and a liquid collector at the bottom 210. The scrubber apparatus 200 further comprises
an outer casing 201 to enclose the entire housing. Each rotor tray unit comprises a
rotor unit 216 having a plurality of disks as ‘contacting disks’ installed vertically,
forming a rotor frame 215. The rotor units are stacked vertically and the liquid flows
from top to bottom in the vertical arrangement.
[0055] Referring to Figure 9, which illustrates a sectional front view of a
scrubber apparatus. The top enclosure 206 collects the processed gas and redirects the
processed gas to storage unit or HVAC ducts via pipes 207. The top enclosure also
provides support to liquid distributor 208. A bottom tank 210 is further provided to
collect liquid coming from top and redirect it via pipes 211 to a regeneration unit. The
regeneration unit is similar to mass exchanger 201. The bottom tank 210 Also provides
support to gas distributor 212. The scrubber apparatus 200 also comprises a stand 214
to support the whole apparatus and acts as a base. Pluralities of flanges (203, 204, 209,
and 213) are provided for the gas tight assembly.
[0056] Referring to Figure 10, illustrates a side view of a scrubber apparatus
employing the rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger in vertical arrangement.
Corner liquid redistributors 219 are installed immediately below each previous rotor
unit. The working of corner liquid redistributor 219 has been shown in Figure 11. It
collects liquid coming from top rotor unit and redistribute the collected liquid on to the
rotor unit immediately below it. Plurality of corner liquid redistributors are provided
for the plurality of rotor units. Gaskets (220, 221) are used for gas tight the top and
bottom section of the mass exchanger. The central liquid distributor 218 redistributes
liquid towards downward rotor at approximately 1/3rd peripheral section of disk based
rotor through a plurality of grooves 232. These pluralities of grooves 232 are provided

11
in disk surface. This liquid interaction provides the centrifugal motion to the rotor
units.
[0057] Referring to Figure 12, illustrates the liquid redistribution from the
central distributor towards the periphery of the contacting disk.
[0058] Referring to Figure 13 and 14, illustrates the central liquid distributor
with a weir and tube unit. The central liquid distributor 229 is ‘V’ shaped and could be
coupled with cooling or heating tube/coils 230 for better temperature controls thereby
increasing the overall process efficiency. Notches 231 are provided at the edge of the
redistributor for uniform liquid distribution on to the disk surface. These notches may
be of any geometrical shape such as triangular, rectangular or circular for better liquid
redistribution.
[0059] Figure 15 illustrates the design of rotor frame assembly used to provide
interphase for gas liquid contact. Each rotor tray unit 215 comprises a rotor unit 216
having a plurality of disks as ‘contacting disks’ installed in a C shaped channel 217,
with help of shaft plug 224 which are inserted in to holes of the C channel 217.
[0060] As similar to the previous embodiment, an input gas at the gas inlet is
purified by enabling liquid and gas phase mass transfer through the rotation of the
plurality of disks. The liquid flows vertically from top to bottom through the plurality
of disks. The pluralities of disks get wet and a drag is generated due to the liquid
flowing down. The pluralities of disks rotate due to drag generated by liquid flow at
the plurality of disk surfaces. A gas liquid interfacial area is formed as the liquid flows
through the disks, enabling high mass transfer of liquid and gas phase. The liquid and
gas phase contacting can be preferably in a counter current manner. The liquid and gas
phase contacting can also be in co-current manner.
[0061] Another rotating disk based mass exchanger is being shown in Figures
between 16 and 17. The corrugated rotating contacting disk based rotor 304 has been
stacked vertically and installed between two walls 302. The wall 302 can be made
using any standard material preferably but not limited to any corrosion resistive
material such as PP/PV/PVC, pultruded sections or metal/alloy if the corrosion is not
an issue. These walls are framed together by inserting of circular/non-circular shaft at

12
regular intervals. A pump 310 used to lift water from tank 301 and deliver to water
distributor 308 through delivery pipe 311. Water distributor 308 is hollow vessel
preferably but not limited to semi-cylindrical and could be extended to different
geometries such as cylindrical, oval, square cross sections etc. Number of holes were
provided at the bottom of the distributor 308 through which liquid is sprayed above the
rotors in such a way that it wets at least 1/3rd surface area of the disk accounted from
disk periphery. The gravity driven downward movement of water facilitates the self-
rotation of these rotors 304. A sheet 303 incorporated below each rotor 304 in order to
collect dripping water and redirect the same to immediate below rotor. The whole
assembly could be installed in water tank reservoir 301 in such a way lowest level of
rotor remains above the water surface. The discussed assembly could be utilized in
different areas preferably but not limited to gas scrubbing, VOC stripping, Water
oxygenation, humidification or dehumidification, solvent evaporation etc.
[0062] The features of three-sided closed mass exchanger mainly employed for
HVAC application cooling, water oxygenation, VOC stripping, is elaborated between
Figure 18 and 19. In this disclosure, the rotors 404 are stacked vertically between two
walls 403. Three such type of wall 403 are arrange in such a way that it generates a
triangular section for rotor installation. The two arms of the wall 403 are Inclined at an
angle of 120o. A pump 412 is used to lift water from water reservoir 401 and deliver
the same to a water distributor 406. Water distributor 406 in Figure 21, is hexagonal
in shape. The water distribution assembly 406 connects to water delivery pipe 410 via
elbow. Holes are being provided at the bottom of the water distributor. These holes
work as a water sprayer and directs a liquid towards the peripheral surface of disks. A
fan/blower 407 has been provided at the centre of sheet 409. Water supplied by pump
has been sprayed on the rotors in such a way that it wets 1/3rd of disk surface from
periphery. A sheet 405 is provided below each rotor. It collects water coming from
upper rotor and redirect towards the downward rotors.
[0063] Figure 20 to 24 shows the rotating contacting disk based four-sided
enclosed mass exchanger mainly employed for HVAC application cooling, water
oxygenation, VOC stripping and arrangement of water cooled condenser where water

13
submerged tubes were used to cooled refrigerant coming from compressor or any other
mechanical device. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 20 and Figure 21 has a
vertical arrangement - of rotating contacting disk based mass exchanger. In this
disclosure, the rotors 503 are stacked vertically between two - wall 504 with the help
of PP plug, shaft and rod. The whole assembly could be directly positioned into water
reservoir 518. A pump 511 is used to lift water from water reservoir 518 and deliver
the same to a closed loop water distributor 506. Water distributor 506 has been
prepared by joining two ends of appropriate diameter pipe 523 and 526 with the help
of tee 524 and 135o elbow 527. The water distribution assembly 506 connects to water
delivery pipe 510 via tee 528. This tee-delivers -water coming from water delivery
pipe to water distributor pipes 529 via elbow 527. Holes 529 not seen are being
provided at the bottom of the water distribution pipes 523, 526. These holes work as a
water sprayer and delivers liquid towards the surface of disks. Sheet 509 is
incorporated between two pipes 523 and 526 of the water distributor 506. A circular
space 507 has been provided at the centre of sheet 509 in order to install fan 508.
Similar to embodiment 400, these embodiments also have water collection assembly
for water redistribution and fan assembly for air circulation.
[0064] The rotating disk, based cooling tower is used as evaporative condenser
for sub-cooling the liquid refrigerant coming from the compressor. The twisted and
folded tube preferable but not limited to copper is used for above purpose. The material
could be changed based on the application. Tubular heat exchanger 515 submerged in
the liquid below the cooling tower. Hot liquid refrigerant comes from compressor or
HVAC system and enters in the heat exchanger via inlet pipe 512 and delivers to heat
transfer coils 514 via central distributor 516. The coils 514 are arrange in parallel
fashion and joint to the central distributor 516. This arrangement reduces the pressure
drop. Fluid flows through the coils in which heat transfers to the surrounding cold
water. The fluid after being cooled returns back via exit pipes 513.
[0065] The water re-distributor sheets could be also replaced with corrugated
plat/fin/micro-channel heat exchangers 530 and shown in Figure 28. It enhances the
process efficiency in HVAC application and solvent cooling. The liquid is allowed to

14
flow through the internal channels 534 of each such plate 535. In plate heat exchangers
thereby allowing heat exchange with evaporative cooled water flowing from top to
down through rotating disk packing.
[0066] Referring to Figure 25, corrugated disk used to provide gas liquid
interphase in the mass exchanger in accordance with the present disclosure. Contacting
disk provides interphase for efficient gas liquid contact in the mass exchanger.
Peripheral rims 601 are provided at the peripheral section of the disk surface. Further,
six radial ribs 602 are provided at the diagonal section of the disk surface. The
contacting disk further comprises a circular dimple 603 at the centre square of the disk
surface. The rotor unit is prepared by staking the plurality of contacting disks over the
circular dimple. The disk surface further comprises a concentric annular shaped dimple
606 at the peripheral section which help maintain uniform pitch between two
consecutive contacting disks when they are stacked. A semi-circular pattern 608 at the
peripheral section of the disk provides complete mixing/churning by distorting the
boundary layer formed when disk rotates in liquid resulting in high mass transfer. The
disk surface has corrugation 609increasing the mass transfer between gas and liquid
phase.
[0067] Figure 26 elaborates the design of wire mesh disk which could be made
preferably but not limited to SS, cast iron or any polymer material. Five dimples 701
at the periphery and three dimples 703 at the central flat section was provided in order
to a create constant pitch between two disks. A square hole 704 was provided at the
centre in which a non-circular shaft could be inserted to prepare rotors.
[0068] Figure 27 elaborates a disk 800 having design features similar to disk
600 has been disclosed while the section near the centre has been removed in order to
reduce the pressure drop in gas liquid contact.
[0069] Figure 28 illustrates the details of rotors assembly, which has been
employed in all previous disclosures for providing surface area for gas liquid contact.
These rotors are prepared by mounting the disks described in disclosure 600, 700, 800
on a shaft which is preferably but not limited to noncircular in cross section. Figure 28
illustrates the possibility of insertions of any polymer mesh such as netlon mesh

15
between two disks thereby increasing the surface area per unit volume while enabling
in cost reduction.
[0070] Figure 29 illustrates the design of end plug used for the preparation of
rotor assembly 900. The specially designed end plugs 1000 consist of slant extrude
section 1002 which goes inside the shaft 1006. Slant shape ensures smooth insertion in
to shaft. A rectangular section 1001 locks the plug into the shaft. A circular hole 1004
is provided at the centre of the plug which provide center of rotation to rotors. A conical
shape cut 1003 at the bottom section allows smooth insertion of circular tube 1005
through plug and provides easy passes.
[0071] Figure 30 illustrates the isometric view of the scrubber and regenerator
assembly. The operation principle of scrubber 1101 is similar to the scrubber section
of mass exchanger 100 and already been disclosed in figures from 1 to 7. The
regenerator is four-sided closed wall vertical mass exchanger similar to embodiment
disclosed in figure 20. The gas need to be processed enters the scrubber 1101 via gas
inlet pipe 1104. Scrubbing liquid delivered by liquid circulator pump 1117 via pipe
1109. Gas and liquid flow through the rotor assembly 1118, where both phases come
into contact with each other at liquid film formed on surface of disk. Processed gas
could be collected via outlet pipe 1105. The solute rich liquid further redirected to
regeneration section via outlet pipe 1108. The pipe 1108 delivers the liquid from
scrubber liquid out to the inlet of liquid distributor 1110 installed at the top of the
regenerator. The liquid distributor 1110 sprays the rich solution towards the rotors
1114 installed between two vertical walls 1113 thereby giving rotational motion to
rotors 1114. The regenerated liquid recollected in liquid tank 1112 and could be reused
for new cycle of gas operation.
[0072] The mass exchanger of the present disclosure with rotating contacting
disks is significantly cheaper than the conventional mass exchangers. In the case of
biogas scrubbing with near atmospheric pressure operation, cost of the scrubbing is
lower than the conventional packed towers. In the case of scrubbing kitchen exhaust
the system, the presented scrubber apparatus is compact, less noisy and requires less
operating power as the exhaust side pressure drop is low and head required for the

16
scrubbing liquid is also low. In the case of cooling towers or vaporizers, the scrubber
system is likely to be more compact, lower airside pressure drop thereby improving the
performance. Furthermore, the present disclosure involves only low-cost materials like
plastics hence the initial and operating cost of the apparatus is reduced. The presented
mass exchanger replaces conventional tall packed columns with 5 to 10 times reduced
height of the contacting device. The presented mass exchanger can scrub biogas at
near atmospheric pressure thereby reducing CH4 loss and improve revenue realization
in bio-methane purification systems.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a modular, scalable, and durable mass
exchanger alternative to current mass exchangers used for purification/separation and
HVAC applications. The scrubber apparatus used in purification of biogas, particularly
to remove Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The scrubber
apparatus of the present disclosure is a small scalable modular, and can be used for
scrubbing and supplying cooking gas in rural areas. The scrubber apparatus can also
be used in large-scale industries such as sugar mill, paper mills, and food/beverage
industries. The scrubber apparatus can also purify waste/flue gas coming from the
factories and manufacturing units, thereby reducing pollution and impact on the
environment. The purified biogas from the scrubber apparatus can be directly used for
producing electricity. The purified gas can be also fed into the gas pipeline or
compressed to be used as Bio-CNG.
[0074] Although the present disclosure has been described in the context of
certain aspects and embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
the present disclosure extends beyond the specific embodiments to alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the disclosure and obvious implementations and
equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present disclosure
described herein should not be limited by the disclosed aspects and embodiments
above.

17
 Claims – Clean Copy

I/We Claim

1. An exchanger comprising:
a liquid reservoir (114);
at least two openings (1108, 1109) in the liquid reservoir (114)
working as an inlet (1109) and outlet (1108) for liquid;
a pump (113, 1117) for liquid flow rate generation; and
characterized wherein a rotating contacting disk exchanger (101) is
positioned horizontally, and positioned above the liquid reservoir (114);
wherein the rotating contacting disk based exchanger (101) further
comprises a plurality of rotor units (104), each rotor unit comprises a
plurality of disks, wherein the plurality of the rotor units (104) are rotated
by a liquid flowing from the reservoir onto the plurality of disk enabling a
liquid and a gas phase mass transfer due to drag generated by liquid flow at
the plurality of disk surfaces; and
wherein each disk comprises a peripheral section, wherein a
geometrical pattern at the peripheral section of the disk provides complete
mixing/churning of the liquid.

2. The exchanger as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a gas inlet (110,

211) for the input biogas and a gas output for the purified gas output (121,
207).
3. The exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rotor unit (104)
comprises a plurality of rods/pins used for aligning the plurality of the disks
with respect to each other in a manner that the dimple projections are
optimally aligned to enable uniform spacing.
4. The exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein each disk comprises a square
hole, wherein the square hole (704) is located centrally and interlocked with
a shaft (118).

18
5. The exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein an oval shaped spacer
projection at the peripheral section and circular spacer projections at the
central square section.
6. The exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein a geometrical pattern of the
peripheral section is one of pattern selected from a semi-circular, triangular,
oval, elliptical pattern, aerofoil type.
7. The exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of disks, are
covered with metal oxide, configured to act as catalyst apart from the phase
mass transfer.
8. The exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of disks are
partially submerged in the liquid from the reservoir.
9. The exchanger as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reservoir is at an
inclination with respect to the horizontal position.
10. The exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of disks are not
submerged into the liquid reservoir.
11. The scrubber apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft is a non-
circular shaft.
12. An exchanger comprising:
a plurality of rotor tray units (215), wherein each rotor tray unit
comprises rotor unit having a plurality of disks installed on a rotor frame,
wherein each rotor tray unit is further positioned vertically in a row like
structure characterized wherein liquid is sprayed on each of the disk from
plurality of the disks;
a central liquid redistributor (218) placed between the pluralities of
rotor tray units (215), wherein the central liquid redistributor (218) enables
uniform flow of the liquid over the next rotor tray unit;
a liquid collector mounted at the bottom wall (210) of the
exchanger; and
a plurality of pipes provided for gas/liquid inlet (1104, 1109) and
gas/liquid outlet (1105, 1108) at the top of the exchanger and bottom of
the exchanger respectively.
19
 13. The exchanger as claimed in claim 12 further comprises an outer casing
(201) enclosing the entire housing of the exchanger.
14. The exchanger as claimed in claim 13 further comprises a top enclosure
(206) mounted on the top of the exchanger for collecting and redirecting a
gas during purification.
15. The exchanger as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outer casing comprises
at least two slots providing a placement for rotor frames (215).
16. The exchanger as claimed in claim 13, wherein central liquid distributor is
coupled with cooling or heating tube/coils.
17. The exchanger as claimed in claim 13, wherein central liquid distributor
comprises a plurality of triangular / rectangular weirs used to provide
irrigation and rotation of disk surfaces by directing liquid towards outer
periphery of the rotor units.
18. The exchanger as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of rotor tray
units are configured such that they form a stack.
19. The exchanger as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least three such stacks are
used to form an enclosure.
20. The exchanger as claimed in claim 12, wherein the central liquid
redistributor has channels to perform as a panel heat exchanger.

Dated this 22nd August 2017

MAHUA ROY CHOWDHURY

IN/PA -496
(Authorized Patent Agent for the Applicant)

20
 ABSTRACT

MODULAR ROTATING CONTACTING DISK BASED MASS AND HEAT

EXCHANGER
Disclosed is an exchanger comprising a liquid reservoir (114). Exchanger further
comprises a rotating contacting disk exchanger (101) positioned horizontally,
positioned above the liquid reservoir (114). The rotating contacting disk based
exchanger (101) further comprises a plurality of rotor units (104), each rotor unit
comprises a plurality of disks, wherein the plurality of the rotor units are rotated by a
liquid flowing from the reservoir onto the plurality of disk. At least two openings in
the liquid reservoir work as an inlet and outlet for liquid. The exchanger further
comprises a pump (113, 117) for liquid flow rate generation, wherein a liquid and a
gas phase mass transfer is enabled through the rotation of the plurality of disks due to
drag generated by liquid flow at the plurality of disk surfaces.

Figure 1
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.
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Application No.: 201721029712 Total Sheets: 30

Mahua Roy Chowdhury

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Royzz & Co.
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Mahua Roy Chowdhury

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Royzz & Co.
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Mahua Roy Chowdhury

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Royzz & Co.
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Mahua Roy Chowdhury

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Royzz & Co.
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Royzz & Co.
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Royzz & Co.
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Royzz & Co.
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Royzz & Co.
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Royzz & Co.
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Mahua Roy Chowdhury

Patent Agent No.: IN/PA – 496
Royzz & Co.