Generation of nano and pico bubbles with variable gas/liquid ratios for effective interface transport and particle separation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane-based system and process for generating nano- and pico-scale gas bubbles in a liquid phase with precise control over bubble size and gas-liquid ratio. The system comprises a porous substrate coated with a dense, non-porous, gas-permeable thin film that is preferably superhydrophobic when used with aqueous liquids. Gas is supplied to the porous side of the membrane, while a liquid flows along the dense film side under controlled shear conditions, causing the permeating gas to form nano- or pico-scale bubbles at the membrane-liquid interface. Bubble size and gas-liquid ratio are independently controlled by adjusting gas pressure, liquid flow rate, shear conditions, and temperature. The dense thin film may be polymeric or metallic. Polymeric films enable superhydrophobic, fouling-resistant membranes for efficient gas delivery, while metallic films, such as palladium, enable permeation of reactive gases at elevated temperatures. The coated membranes may be configured in high-surface-area modules, including hollow fiber modules. The invention enables enhanced gas-liquid mass transfer, improved reaction kinetics, and reduced energy consumption in chemical processing, catalysis, wastewater treatment, biological systems, and other industrial applications.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.