WO2024263799A2

WO2024263799A2 - Filtration systems and methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2024263799A2
Application number: PCT/US2024/034846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rawand Rasheed; Daniel J. Preston
Original assignee: Helix Earth Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Helix Earth Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-21
Filing date: 2024-06-20
Publication date: 2024-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-21
Also published as: WO2024263799A3

Abstract

Provided herein are filtration systems comprising one or more filter. The filters of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of passageways that in some cases may be substantially parallel to one another and may comprise various shapes and forms. In some cases, the passages have a helical form. The filters of the present disclosure have applications in various commercial and industrial applications, such as in residential buildings, hospitals, air crafts, unit operation systems, reactors, heat exchangers, masks, and beyond.

Description

FILTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63/509,385 filed on June 21, 2023, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Filters and filtration systems have vast commercial and industrial applications such as in various commercial and industrial applications, for example, in residential buildings, hospitals, air crafts, unit operation systems, reactors, heat exchangers, masks, and beyond. Filters with high filtration rate capabilities, capacities, and efficiencies, as well as energy-efficient filters, filters with low pressure drops, and filters compatible with various systems that are scalable are very useful and valuable for various applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In an aspect, provided herein is a filter for filtering a multi-phase material stream. The filter may comprise a substrate. The substrate may comprise a plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways may be configured to direct the multi-phase material stream through the substrate. At least one passageway of the plurality of passageways may be non-linear. At least one passageway may have a cross section selected from the group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a reactance, and a triangle.

[0004] In some embodiments, the non-linear passageway is configured to apply a centrifugal force on the multi-phase material stream. The centrifugal force may drive at least a portion of the multi-phase material stream to contract the substrate. The non-linear passageway may have a first cross section at a first location of the passageway and a second cross section at a second location of the passageway.

[0005] In another aspect, provided herein is a filter for filtering a multi-phase material stream comprising a substrate comprising a plurality of passageways through the substrate. The plurality of passageways may be configured to direct the multi-phase materials stream through the substrate. Each passageways of the plurality of passageways may be non-linear. The substrate may be non-planar.

[0006] In some embodiments, a surface of the substrate comprising one or more opening to one or more passageways of the plurality of passageways may be non-planar. The substrate may form at least a portion of a cone. The cone may at least partially surround an origination point of the multi-phase materials stream. [0007] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of separating a multi-phase materials stream. The method may comprise directing the multi-phase material stream comprising at least a first fluid and a second fluid to a filter. The filter may comprise (i) a substrate and (ii) a plurality of passageways through the substrate. At least one passageway of the plurality of passageways may be non-linear. The method may further comprise separating, via the plurality of passageways, at least a portion of the second fluid from at least a portion of the first fluid. The method may further comprise transferring heat between the multi-phase material stream and the substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the second fluid is absorbed through the wall of the passageway into the substrate. The at least the portion of the second fluid may be transported via capillary forces through the substrate. The at least the portion of the second fluid may be transported through one or more channels in the substrate. The method may further comprise applying, via the non-linear passageway, a centrifugal force on the least a portion of the second fluid. The centrifugal force may drive at least a portion of the second fluid to contact the substrate.

[0009] In an aspect, provided herein is a method of separating a multi-phase material stream. The method may comprise directing the multi-phase material stream comprising at least a first fluid and a second fluid to a filter. The the filter may comprise (i) a substrate and (ii) a plurality of passageways through the substrate. At least one passageway of the plurality of passageways may be non-linear. The method may further comprise separating, via the plurality of passageways, at least a portion of the second fluid from at least a portion of the first fluid. The method may further comprise transferring heat between the multi-phase material stream and the substrate.

[00010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying, via the non-linear passageway, a centrifugal force on at least the plurality of particles. In some cases, the centrifugal force drives at least a portion of the plurality of particles to contact the substrate.

[00011] In an aspect, provided herein is a filtration system. The filtration system comprises a filter comprising a plurality of passageways. In some embodiments, the plurality of passageways may comprise or be helical passageways. The plurality of passageways may be configured to capture a plurality of particles from a multi-phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the multi-phase flow and generating purified gas. In some embodiments, the filtration system may have a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about 7 kilograms per kilowatt-hour per square meters (kg/kWh/m²). As used herein, the term “multi-phase” may include two phases. For example, a two-phase flow may be a multi-phase flow. The term “two- phase” may refer to a material stream or flow that has two or more phases. For example, a two- phase flow may refer to a multi-phase flow. A two-phase material stream may be a multiphase material stream.

[00012] In some embodiments, the filtration system may comprise or be a gas filtration system and/or an air filtration system. In some embodiments, the multi-phase flow (e.g. a two phase flow) may comprise a gaseous content and a plurality of particles. The gaseous content may comprise or be a gas mixture comprising one or more gases and a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles such as droplets, droplet particles, or any combination thereof. For example, a droplet may comprise solid particles therein.

[00013] In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 500 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 200 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 100 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 1000 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 2000 Pa with the two-phase flow.

[00014] In some embodiments, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some embodiments, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 12,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some embodiments, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 15,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some embodiments, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 1000, 12000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000 cfm or more. In some embodiments, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000, 80000, 90000 cfm or more.

[00015] In some embodiments, the filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 80%. The filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, the filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 98%.

[00016] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, wherein the aerosolized liquid desiccant is configured to facilitate or improve capturing a plurality of droplets from the two-phase flow, and subject the plurality of droplets to filtration by the filter. In some cases, the desiccant chemically separates water vapor from air. In some embodiments, the filtration system is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, a controller, and a sensor, and the controller is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency (PRE) by changing a flowrate of the droplets generated by the aerosolized liquid desiccant, based on data collected by the sensor.

[00017] In some embodiments, the filtration system may be capable of filtering particles of 10 micrometers (microns) in diameter or smaller. In some embodiments, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 5 microns in diameter or smaller. In some embodiments, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns in diameter or smaller. In some embodiments, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns to 100 microns. [00018] In some embodiments, the plurality of passageways is configured to capture the plurality of particles by generating a centrifugal force upon the plurality of particles. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles. In some cases, filtration may comprise applying an electrostatic force on the particles passing through the filter such as to enhance the capture efficiency of the particles.

[00019] In some embodiments, the filter comprises at least two layers. In some embodiments, the at least a first layer and a second layer of the at least two layers comprises or is made of different materials. Differing materials may comprise or be materials with different chemical properties, physical properties, or both. Different physical properties may comprise porosity and/or density. In some embodiments, the different materials may be selected from the group consisting of a solid material, a porous material, a solid metal, a porous metal, a porous plastic, a fibrous material, and a cellulose-based material.

[00020] In some embodiments, the at least two layers may comprise two or more assembled sheets of differing materials. In some embodiments, assembled comprises or is stacked or horizontally stacked (e.g., two or more layers may be stacked together horizontally or at any angle to make up the filter). In some embodiments, the one or more assembled or stacked sheets of differing materials are injection molded or 3D printed to make the filter. In some embodiments, the filter dimensions may be at least about 10 inches by 10 inches. In some embodiments, the filter dimensions may be at least about 10 feet by 10 feet.

[00021] In some embodiments, the plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets. In some embodiments, the plurality of particles is a plurality of solid or semi-solid particles. In some embodiments, a passageway of the plurality of passageways comprises one or more substantially overlayed passageways. In some embodiments, a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a double helix comprising two substantially overlayed helical passageways. In some embodiments, a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a triple helix comprising three substantially overlayed helical passageways. In some embodiments, a passageway of the plurality of passageways comprises four or more substantially overlayed helical passageways.

[00022] In some embodiments, the filtration system or the filter may comprise a heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the filter further acts as a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the purified gas may have a lower temperature compared to the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the two-phase flow and generating purified gas and captured particles, wherein plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets, and wherein the plurality of captured particles (e.g., plurality of captured droplets) comprises a lower temperature compared to the two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the filtration system is a dehumidification system configured to remove moisture from air, and the particle removal efficiency is moisture removal efficiency (MRE).

[00023] In an aspect, provided herein is a filtration system comprising: (a) a filter comprising a plurality of passageways (e.g., a plurality of helical passageways) configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow; and (b) one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles, and wherein the system is configured to substantially purify the two-phase flow and generate purified gas.

[00024] In an aspect, provided herein is an filtration system comprising: (a) a filter comprising: (i) a plurality of passageways (e.g., a plurality of helical passageways), wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow; and (ii) a plurality of sheets comprising a first sheet made of a first material and a second sheet made of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different in at least one chemical or physical property, and wherein the sheets of the plurality of sheets are assembled together to make the filter, and the system is configured to substantially purify the two-phase flow and generate purified gas.

[00025] Provided herein are also methods of use of the filtration systems provided anywhere in the present disclosure. The filtration systems of the present disclosure may be used to purify and/or dehumidify air. The air entering the filtration system that is subject to filtration by the filter and the filtration system may comprise or be two-phase flow comprising a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles.

[00026] In an aspect, provided herein is a method of air filtration comprising: (a) providing or obtaining a filtration system comprising a filter, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of helical passageways, and wherein the filtration system comprises a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about 7 kilograms per kilowatt-hour per square meters (kg/kWh/m²); (b) subjecting the two-phase flow to enter the filtration system and pass through the filter; and, (c) filtering the two-phase flow using the filter, thereby generating purified gas.

[00027] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, wherein the aerosolized liquid desiccant is configured to facilitate or improve capturing a plurality of droplets from the two-phase flow, and subject the plurality of droplets to filtration by the filter. In some embodiments, the filtration system is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, a controller, and a sensor, and the controller is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency (PRE) by changing a flowrate of the droplets generated by the aerosolized liquid desiccant, based on data collected by the sensor.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[00028] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00029] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[00030] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a filter according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[00031] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of passageways with different shapes, bends, and turns;

[00032] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of passageways with cross sections different in shape;

[00033] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an filtration system and methods of use thereof;

[00034] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a plurality of particles or droplets passing through a helical passageway of a filter of the present disclosure and experiencing centrifugal forces, shear forces, and/or electrostatic forces leading the particles or droplets to the walls of the passageway to be captured and absorbed by the filter medium; [00035] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a filter system comprising a plurality of filters, the filters of the plurality of filters having passageways of various shapes, forms, sizes, and cross sections;

[00036] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a filter system comprising one or more filters such as a multiplexed filter and a pleated filter. The filter further comprises an electrostatic precipitator. The filter system is configured to apply an electrostatic force to facilitate or enhance particle capture;

[00037] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of overlayed layers. The overlayed layers comprising at least one layer made of a porous material and one layer made of a solid material;

[00038] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of assembled or overlayed layers. The assembled or overlayed layers comprising at least one layer made of a porous material and one layer made of a solid material;

[00039] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a filter comprising an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer comprising a densely packed medium and the inner layer comprising a sparsely packed medium;

[00040] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of regions comprising a densely packed region (medium) and a sparsely packed region (medium);

[00041] FIGs. 12A and 12B schematically illustrate a filter comprising a drain port for draining out liquid. The drained liquid may comprise or be a volume or stream of liquid collected from the filter medium as a result of capturing and coalescing a plurality of droplet particles filtered from a two-phase flow passing through the filter;

[00042] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a drain port and one or more channels therein for collecting captured liquid and draining it from the filter. The drained filter may be stored, recycled, or entered into a unit operation system;

[00043] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a filter comprising heat exchanging loops and heat exchanger capabilities;

[00044] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of pieces or layers such as 3D printed and/or assembled pieces, layers, sheets, or monoliths;

[00045] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a filter comprising a plurality of pieces (e.g., individual filter monoliths) assembled together in any shape to make up the filter;

[00046] FIG. 17 shows a filter assembly with respective filter parts and pieces;

[00047] FIG. 18 shows a filter solid frame including snap-on features in form of a cantilevered ball detent; [00048] FIG. 19A shows an example drift-eliminators capture. FIG. 19B shows a filter system according to the systems of the present disclosure comprising one or more multiplexed inertial coalescence filters (also referred to as “thirsty corkscrew filters”);

[00049] FIG. 20A schematically illustrates a reactor in which a filter of the present disclosure is not used. FIG. 20B shows an example of a spray reactor in which a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter according to the filters described elsewhere in the present disclosure is used. This filter may also be referred to as Helix MICRA as annotated on the figure.

[00050] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system using the filters and filter systems of the present disclosure.

[00051] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates computer systems according to the present disclosure.

[00052] FIG. 23 provides data characterizing the volumetric dehumidification rate (kg/hr- m³) and dehumidification efficiency (1/kPa) for a few example filters.

[00053] FIG. 24 provides data characterizing the performance of a filter of the present disclosure. Panel (a) shows droplet particle capture efficiency versus unit cell flow rate and panel (b) shows pressure drop versus unit cell flow rate for a filter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00054] In an aspect, provided herein is a filtration system. The filtration system comprises a filter comprising a plurality of passageways. In some examples, the plurality of passageways may comprise or be helical passageways. The plurality of passageways may be configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the two- phase flow and generating purified gas. In some examples, the filtration system may have a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh/m²) or more. In some examples, the particle removal efficiency of the filter or filtration system may be at most about 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 kg/kWh/m² or less. Any suitable filter size may be used. In some examples, a characteristic filter size may be about 82 x 82 (mm²)

[00055] In some embodiments, the filtration system may comprise or be a gas filtration system and/or an air filtration system. In some embodiments, the two-phase flow may comprise a gaseous content and a plurality of particles. The gaseous content may comprise or be a gas mixture comprising one or more gases and a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles such as droplets, droplet particles, or any combination thereof. For example, a droplet may comprise solid particles therein. [00056] In some examples, the particle removal efficiency may be moisture removal efficiency (MRE). For example, a particle may be liquid. A particle may be a droplet. Droplet particles may also be referred to as moisture in the two-phase flow. Alternatively or in addition, the particle may be solid or semi-solid.

[00057] In some cases, the filters of the present disclosure may have low pressure drop. For example, upon filtering the air or filtering the two-phase flow, the pressure of the two-phase flow may drop to a lower degree compared to other systems. The pressure drop caused by filtration may be characterized by measuring the difference between the pressure of the purified gas and the air entering the filtration system (e.g., the two-phase flow that is subjected to filtration by the filter). In some examples, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 500 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some examples, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 200 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some examples, the purified gas may have a pressure difference of no more than 100 Pa with the two-phase flow. In some examples, the pressure difference between the purified gas and the two-phase flow and/or the pressure drop caused by the filter or filtration system may be less than about 3000, 2500, 2000, 1500, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40 Pa or less.

[00058] In some examples, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some examples, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 12,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some examples, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 15,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). In some examples, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 1000, 12000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000 cfm or more. In some examples, the system may be capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000, 80000, 90000 cfm or more.

[00059] In some examples, the filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 80%. The filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 90%. In some examples, the filter may be capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 98%.

[00060] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, wherein the aerosolized liquid desiccant is configured to facilitate or improve capturing a plurality of droplets from the two-phase flow, and subject the plurality of droplets to filtration by the filter. In some embodiments, the filtration system is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, a controller, and a sensor, and the controller is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency (PRE) by changing a flowrate of the droplets generated by the aerosolized liquid desiccant, based on data collected by the sensor.

[00061] In some examples, the filtration system may be capable of filtering particles of 10 micrometers (microns) in diameter or smaller. In some examples, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 5 microns in diameter or smaller. In some examples, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns in diameter or smaller. In some examples, the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns to 100 microns. The filter may be capable of filtering particles which may be at most about 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 microns in size. In some cases, the particles may be from about 0.5 to about 500 microns in size.

[00062] In some examples, the plurality of passageways is configured to capture the plurality of particles by generating a centrifugal force upon the plurality of particles.

[00063] In some examples, the filtration system further comprises one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles. In some cases, the one or more electrodes are configured to apply an electrostatic charge to the filter (e.g., the substrate) or the plurality of particles. As used herein, reference to applying an electrostatic force may comprise applying an electrostatic charge. In some cases, the application of electrostatic force to the filter and/or the particles passing through the filter enhances the particle removal efficiency of the filter and/or facilitates capturing particles that are smaller in size and more difficult to capture. For example, particles smaller than 10 micrometers (microns), 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 microns, or smaller may be captured. In some cases, the electrostatic force helps facilitate such capture. In some cases, by inertial forces alone (e.g., in absence of electrostatic forces), capturing particles smaller than 1 micron may be difficult. For particles that are larger in size, for example, larger than 1 micron in size, inertial forces may be sufficient and/or efficient. The efficiency may be increased by adding electrostatic force. The increased forces may facilitate capturing the smaller particles (e.g., smaller than 1 micron).

[00064] Electrostatic forces can be introduced by incorporating surface charges on the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters using electrodes, which will causing particles and droplets to be attracted to or repelled from the surfaces, thus increasing their chances of being captured by introducing an additional attractive force between the droplets and particles and the filter surfaces. [00065] The use of electrostatic forces may be especially advantageous for the filtration of submicron droplets and/or particles from air streams due to their lower inertia, which makes them more difficult to separate from air streams using inertial forces. The combination of centrifugal forces from the filter pathways and electrostatic forces improves the overall efficiency of the filter, enabling it them to effectively capture particles and droplets smaller than 1 micron in diameter. The improvements to submicron filtration efficiency have implications for many applications wherein the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may be applied. These applications may include: Air purification, for instance, to remove pollutants such as smoke, dust, and allergens from indoor environments, filtration in cleanrooms to ensure ultra-clean conditions for sensitive manufacturing processes like semiconductor fabrication and pharmaceutical manufacturing, in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to enhance both efficiency and air quality for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, filtration in engine emissions control systems that reduce particulate matter emissions from diesel and gasoline engines to comply with environmental regulations, industrial dust collection systems to remove fine particulates and liquid droplets from manufacturing processes to maintain a safe working environment, in pharmaceutical manufacturing where filtration ensures the sterility and purity of pharmaceutical products by removing contaminants, food and beverage processing facilities where filtration is used to remove airborne contaminants like bacteria and mold spores to ensure the safety and quality of their products, in nanotechnology applications where contamination control during the production and handling of nanomaterials and nanoparticles is critical for success, and spacecraft cabin filtration systems for maintaining clean cabin environments by removing particulate contaminants.

[00066] The filtration systems of the present disclosure may be used to filter or purify any air, gas, or mixture of gases with any composition. In some cases, the filtration system may be used to filter or purify two-phase flow comprising one or more gases and one or more liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles that can be subjected to filtration by the filter. The gaseous content of the two-phase flow may comprise or be atmospheric air, air inside a residential building, air in a commercial building, air in a hospital, air in a workplace, air in a vehicle, air in a factory, air in a unit operation facility, unit or system, or any other air or mixture of gases intended for filtration and/or purification. Air in a vehicle may comprise or be air in a car, a bus, a train, an airplane, an aircraft, a jet, or another vehicle. In some examples, gas subjected to filtration may comprise or be an exhaust from such vehicles.

[00067] In some cases, the filtration systems and filters of the present disclosure may be used for filtering and/or purifying air or a gas mixture in an industrial system which may comprise a reactor, a cooling tower, a heat exchanger, a CO2 or SO2 scrubbing unit, or any other unit system or facility. The air to be filtered (e.g., a two-phase flow comprising a gaseous mixture of one or more gases and a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles, droplets, droplet particles, or any combination thereof) may comprise or be an exhaust. An exhaust may be a gas exiting an industrial unit such as a cooling tower, a heat exchanger, a CO2 or SO2 scrubbing unit, or any other unit system or facility. Examples of this are mentioned and described throughout the present disclosure.

[00068] In some examples, the filter comprises at least two layers. In some examples, the at least a first layer and a second layer of the at least two layers comprises or is made of different materials. Differing materials may comprise or be materials with different chemical properties, physical properties, or both. Different physical properties may comprise porosity and/or density. In some examples, the different materials may be selected from the group consisting of a solid material, a porous material, a solid metal, a porous metal, a porous plastic, a fibrous material, and a cellulose-based material.

[00069] In some examples, the at least two layers may comprise two or more assembled sheets of differing materials. In some examples, assembled comprises or is stacked or horizontally stacked (e.g., two or more layers may be stacked together horizontally or at any angle to make up the filter). In some examples, the one or more assembled or stacked sheets of differing materials are injection molded or 3D printed to make the filter. In some examples, the filter dimensions may be at least about 10 inches by 10 inches. In some examples, the filter dimensions may be at least about 10 feet by 10 feet.

[00070] In some embodiments, filters may be manufactured in large sizes and/or at scale. Filters may be used for commercial applications, in industrial systems and buildings. In some cases, filters may be used in airplanes, air crafts, or other kinds of vehicles. Filters may be used in hospitals. Filters may be used in campuses. Filters may be used to purify air from droplets or solid particles/particulates. Filters may be used to clean the air. Filters may be used to remove viruses and/or pathogens from air. Particles may comprise or be any kind of particles mentioned anywhere herein including droplets, moisture, microbes, viruses, and pathogens.

[00071] In some examples, the plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets. In some examples, the plurality of particles is a plurality of solid or semi-solid particles. In some examples, a passageway of the plurality of passageways comprises one or more substantially overlayed passageways. In some examples, a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a double helix comprising two substantially overlayed helical passageways. In some examples, a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a triple helix comprising three substantially overlayed helical passageways. [00072] The internal flow passageways may be arranged in single, double, triple, or any number of overlapping geometries that may include overlapping helixes or any other repeating pattern (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). The flow pathways may be made of helical geometries, or any other overlapping geometry, for example, a series of 90-degree bends to complete a full rotation, a series of 45-degree bends to complete a full rotation, or any combination of bends to complete either partial rotations, full rotations, or a series of full rotations (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). These internal pathway geometries may have cross sectional geometries that are circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, and any other generic shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).

[00073] The geometry of the 2D hole punches in each sheet may influence the flow passageway geometry. For example, circular holes (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8) may result in ellipsoid pathway geometry, while kidney-shaped holes yield circular pathways. A wide array of 2D hole punch geometries can be utilized, including unconventional shapes like stars, although they may not be ideal for certain applications, are still feasible. Any generic, repeated 2D hole pattern may be utilized to generate internal flow passageway geometries. In addition, more than one 2D geometry may be utilized to construct a filter, for example, mixing circular and square geometries in the same filter.

[00074] In some examples, the filtration system or the filter may comprise a heat recovery system. In some examples, the filter further acts as a heat exchanger. In some examples, the purified gas may have a lower temperature compared to the two-phase flow. In some examples, the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the two-phase flow and generating purified gas and captured particles, wherein plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets, and wherein the plurality of captured particles (e.g., plurality of captured droplets) comprises a lower temperature compared to the two-phase flow. The substrate may have a temperature that is different from a temperature of the multi-phase material stream. When a portion of the multi-phase material stream contacts the substrate in the passageways, heat may be transferred between the substrate and the multiphase material stream. As an example, a multi-phase material stream comprises water droplets in an air stream. When contacting the substrate, heat is transferred between the substrate and the water droplets. There may be a gradient of temperature along said substrate. There may be a temperature gradient of the multi-phase material stream within a passageway of the plurality of passageways. For example, the multi phase material stream may have a first temperature at an opening of the passageway and a second temperature downstream of the opening of the passageway. The wall of the passageway (e.g., the substrate) may have a first temperature at the opening of the passageway (e.g., an entry surface of the substrate) and a second temperature along the passageway downstream of the opening (e.g., within the substrate). The substrate may be thermally coupled to a heat source. Alternatively, or in addition, the substrate may be thermally coupled to a heat sink (e.g., a cold source). In some examples, the filtration system is a dehumidification system configured to remove moisture from air, and the particle removal efficiency is moisture removal efficiency (MRE).

[00075] In an aspect, provided herein is an filtration system comprising: (a) a filter comprising a plurality of passageways (e.g., a plurality of helical passageways) configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow; and (b) one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles, and wherein the system is configured to substantially purify the two-phase flow and generate purified gas.

[00076] In an aspect, provided herein is an filtration system comprising: (a) a filter comprising: (i) a plurality of passageways (e.g., a plurality of helical passageways), wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a two-phase flow; and (ii) a plurality of sheets comprising a first sheet made of a first material and a second sheet made of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different in at least one chemical or physical property, and wherein the sheets of the plurality of sheets are assembled together to make the filter, and the system is configured to substantially purify the two-phase flow and generate purified gas.

[00077] Provided herein are also methods of use of the filtration systems provided anywhere in the present disclosure. The filtration systems of the present disclosure may be used to purify and/or dehumidify air. The air entering the filtration system that is subject to filtration by the filter and the filtration system may comprise or be two-phase flow comprising a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles.

[00078] In an aspect, provided herein is a method of air filtration comprising: (a) providing or obtaining a filtration system comprising a filter, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of helical passageways, and wherein the filtration system comprises a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about 5 kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh); (b) subjecting the two-phase flow to enter the filtration system and pass through the filter; and, (c) filtering the two-phase flow using the filter, thereby generating purified gas.

[00079] In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, wherein the aerosolized liquid desiccant is configured to facilitate or improve capturing a plurality of droplets from the two-phase flow, and subject the plurality of droplets to filtration by the filter. In some embodiments, the filtration system is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises an aerosolized liquid desiccant, a controller, and a sensor, and the controller is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency (PRE) by changing a flowrate of the droplets generated by the aerosolized liquid desiccant, based on data collected by the sensor.

[00080] some cases, the filters may be comprised of passageways (e.g., a highly parallelized series of flow passageways or pathways) in a filter with either a solid or porous filter medium. An example filter 100 is shown in FIG. 1. Two-phase flow (e.g., liquid droplets in air) passes through the filter 100. The filter 100 comprises a plurality of passageways or pathways 110 which may be helical passageways. The two-phase flow comprises a plurality of particles. In this examples, liquid droplets that get captured in the passageways of the filter.

[00081] FIG. 2 shows an example of a filter according to the filters of the present disclosure. The filter comprises a plurality of passageways. In this example, the passageways are not helical. In this example, a passageway of the plurality of passageways comprises a bend. The bend may be at any suitable degree, such as, at least 10, 20, 30, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or larger degree. A passageway may comprise any suitable number of bends or turns, such as at least 1 bend, 2 bends, 3 bends, 4 bends, or more bends or turns. Examples of bends are shown in FIG. 2. Passageway (a) demonstrates 2 bends, passageway (b) demonstrates a single tapered bend, and passageway (c) demonstrates a single 45-degree turn. Other examples of bends and turns are also shown. In some cases, one or more geometries of passageways may be aligned and overlayed to make a filter. The flow pathways may be made of helical geometries, or any other overlapping geometry, for example, a series of 90-degree bends to complete a full rotation, a series of 45- degree bends to complete a full rotation, or any combination of bends to complete either partial rotations, full rotations, or a series of full rotations, as shown in FIG. 2.

[00082] The filter may be an inertial filter. The plurality of non-linear passageways may be configured to exert a centrifugal force on a fluid flowing through the non-linear passageways (e.g. a multi-phase material stream). The centrifugal force may result from accelerations of the fluid as it passes through the passageways. In some cases, the fluid may be a multi-phase material stream comprising two or more components. The two or more components may have different densities. By exerting a centrifugal force, components with higher density may be accelerated into contact with a wall of the passageway at a higher rate than components with a lower density. For example, passing a multi-phase material stream comprising air and water droplets through a non-linear passageway may apply a centrifugal force on the material stream due to radial accelerations of the material stream as it passes through the passageway. The water droplets, with a higher density than the air fluid, may be accelerated to the walls of the passageway to contact the substrate. In some cases, the substrate is porous. In some cases, the substrate is selective over the type of material it permeates. [00083] FIG. 3 shows a filter with a plurality of passageways. Each passageway has a cross-section. The cross-section of the passageway may have any geometry. For example, the cross-section of the passageway may be a Star, a Pentagon, a Hexagon, a Circle, a Square, a Triangle, an Ellipse, or any other geometrical shape. In some examples, the internal pathways may be straight channels through the filters.

[00084] In addition to varying filter cross-sectional flow passage geometries, such as those shown in FIG. 3, and variable flow passage geometry, such as those shown in FIG. 2, the filters of the present disclosure (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filters) may have variable flow passage geometries. These geometries may start with a large flow passage opening and may narrow-down to a smaller passage opening to form a cone shape. In addition, the passages may vary in passage size geometry, and potentially other features and feature sizes. In some cases, a passageway may transition from a first geometric cross section (e.g., a circle) to a second geometric cross section (e.g., a square). The passageway may have a non-geometric or nonlinear cross section. The passageway may have a cross section that transitions between a geometric cross section and a non-geometric cross section. The passageway may have one or more sections where a predominantly geometric cross section is interrupted by one or more sections of non-geometric cross sections. The advantage of specific cross sections may be related to the type of material flow or goal of separation. For example, cross sections such as circles and squares may offer low fouling benefits due to low acute angles between passageway wall surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition, cross sections such as multi-pointed star or other high surface area cross sections may increase a surface area along the passageway that may allow higher flux of permeate fluids or particles as compared to the volumetric flow through the passageway.

[00085] The substrate of a filter described herein may be planar. Alternatively, the substrate of the filter described herein may be non-planar. In some cases, the substrate may have at least one surface that is planar. In some cases, the substrate may have at least one surface that is non-planar. The substrate may be a non-planar shape, including but not limited to, a cone, a sphere, a cylinder, or other three-dimensional geometry with at least one non-planar surface. In some cases, a geometric shape may be formed by one or more filter substrates coupled together. As an example, two planar filters may be arranged to form two side of a triangle. In some cases, the substrate of the filter forms a cylinder. The cylinder may have non-uniform edges to increase surface area. For example, the exterior radius of the cylinder may have a non-circular surface (e.g., a zig-zag, pointed, or fin surface).

[00086] A non-planar surface of a non-planar substrate may be the entry surface. The entry surface of the substrate may be a surface in which a passageway of the plurality of passageways starts. The non-planar surface of the substrate may comprise one or more openings for one or more passageways of the plurality of passageways. For example, a substrate configured as a hollow cone may comprise openings for one or more passageways on an interior, non-planar surface of the cone. A second opening or a passageway of the one or more passageways (e.g. an exit from the substrate downstream from an entrance to the passageway) may be on an exterior, non-planar surface of the cone.

[00087] With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, In some examples, droplet-laden or particleladen flows will flow through the flow passageways of the filter whereby the droplets and/or particles will experience centrifugal forces and/or electrostatic forces that draw them toward the outer-edge of the flow pathway. In the case of centrifugal forces, the droplet-laden or particleladen flow experiences centrifugal forces due to changes in direction of the flow. These changes in direction may be continuous, in the case of a continuous helical geometry, or staged, in the case of a series of 45-degree bends for example. The changes in direction of the flow imparts centrifugal forces on air streams, which causes droplets and/or particles to traverse toward the outer edge of the internal pathway where they impact the outer edge. In the case of electrostatic forces, these droplets and/or particles are attracted to the walls of the internal filter pathways via electrostatic forces that are caused by dissimilar charges between the filter and droplet and/or particles, shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. This charge differential may be inherent to the system or may be intentionally generated using various techniques. Once these droplets and/or particles impact the outer edge of the filter, they may adhere to the filters. Once the droplets impact the outer walls of the pathways of the filter, they may get wicked into the filter porous medium via capillary forces and may be separated from the air stream. Once particles impact the outer walls of the pathways of the filter, they adhere to the internal filter geometries via capillary forces, where the filters are already wetted with a liquid, or via electrostatic or van der Waals adhesion forces.

[00088] With reference to FIG. 4, the filter may have positive charge which may attract negatively charged particles/droplets and enhance their capture efficiency by increasing the force experienced by the particles/droplets. Alternatively, the filter may have negative charge and may attract positively charged particles, thereby enhancing their capture efficiency, by increasing the force experienced by the particle (e.g., the sum of centrifugal force and electrostatic force). [00089] With reference to FIG. 5, a plurality of particles enters a passageway. The particles have a speed (u). The filter may be charged. Therefore, an electric force field may exist inside the passageway. As the particle travels through the passageway (helical passageway in this example), it experiences a centrifugal force and an electrostatic force. The forces experienced by the particle lead it to the edges and/or walls of the passageway. The particle gets captured by the filter (e.g., through the medium or material making up the filter). The droplets and/or particles impact the filter inner pathways, and either are wicked into the porous medium of the filter, such as in the case of liquid droplets, or are held in place with the attractive electrostatic forces, van der Waals adhesion forces, or capillary adhesion forces (in the case of a wet filter).

[00090] In some cases, the filter may comprise or be a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter. In some cases, the filtration systems may comprise more than one filter. The system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more filters. Each filter may be according to any embodiment mentioned anywhere herein. Each filter may be a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter comprised of any number of layers with any materials mentioned anywhere herein.

[00091] Multi-staging the multiple multiplexed inertial coalescence filters with multiple multiplexed inertial coalescence filters, or with any number of conventional filters (HEP A, pleated, fiberglass, rotary separators, electrostatic precipitators, etc.), or with any combination of any number of multiple multiplexed inertial coalescence and any number of conventional filters may be advantageous to numerous systems and applications. Any combination of filters may be used in any number.

[00092] FIG. 6 shows an example of a filtration system comprising a plurality of filters (e.g., three filters). In this example, a series of multiplexed inertial coalescence filters staged in a series of 3 filters. (Top) Three filters arranged with circular, triangular, and elliptical cross- sectional flow passages. (Bottom) Three filters arranged with large, medium, and small circular cross-sectional flow passages. The use of filter stages of differing filter geometry may be used in order to optimize for high droplet and particle capture efficiency while maintaining low overall system pressure drop. For example, multiple stages can be assembled together in series, where the first stage may be optimized for large droplet or particle capture (< 500 pm), the second stage may be optimized for smaller droplet or particle capture (< 100 pm), the third stage may be optimized for even smaller droplet or particle capture (< 20 pm), and the fourth stage may be optimized for even smaller droplet or particle capture (< 1 pm), shown in FIG. 6. These filter stages may be optimized in any fashion and can be made of at least 2 filter stages, and any number thereafter. The various stages may utilize only inertial filtration mechanisms, only electrostatic filtration mechanism, or any combination of the two mechanisms.

[00093] Any number of multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may be assembled in series with any number of conventional filters, where the conventional filters may represent any stage in the mutli-stage filter assembly (first filter, last filter, or any filters in between). Multi-staging the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters with conventional filters enable unique filtration performance optimization where overall filter assembly capture efficiency may be optimized while minimizing pressure drop. By combining the strengths of inertial filters and classical filters, the multi-staging system can provide high filtration efficiency across a wide range of particle and droplet sizes while minimizing pressure drop. FIG. 7 shows an example of a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter in series with a conventional pleated filter and an electrostatic precipitator.

[00094] Using a combination of filters as part of a unit system (e.g., in the filtration system) may have various advantages. For example, it may combine the low-pressure drop performance of inertial filters for large and medium-sized particles and droplets (> 0.1 pm) with the high efficiency of classical filters for smaller particles and droplets (< 0.1 pm). This multistaging approach can significantly improve filtration energy use in various applications, such as HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings, cleanroom manufacturing, CO2 capture using droplet sprays, dehumidification using droplet sprays, and more.

[00095] Provided herein are also methods of manufacturing of filters of the present disclosure. The filters may be manufactured using any suitable process or approach. In some cases, advanced and innovative manufacturing techniques may be used which may lead to more cost-effective and scalable filter production for various applications, including fog capture and large-scale filtration systems (industrial scale).

[00096] In some examples, a kirigami manufacturing process may be used for manufacturing the filters of the present disclosure. Kirigami is an art form that involves cutting and folding paper to create intricate shapes and designs. By applying kirigami methods to the manufacturing the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters, it is possible to create cost-effective and environmentally friendly filters made from paper. The internal geometries may be made to be helical, or a series of individual turns (45-degree, 90-degree, etc.). The primary application of this type of paper-based filter is in fog capture systems, where the paper filters can efficiently collect water droplets using capillary mechanisms. Using paper as the base material for helical filters offers several benefits, which include biodegradability, lightweight filters, and low-cost filters. Furthermore, the kirigami manufacturing process allows for precise control over the internal pathway design and that enables optimized performance in filtration applications.

[00097] Provided herein are multiplexed inertial coalescence filters. The multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may be manufactured from sheets of assembled (e.g., stacked) materials that have patterned holes which form internal flow passage geometries when they are assembled/stacked. Each subsequent assembled/stacked sheet may have a series of holes that are staggered from the sheet below it and every other consecutive sheet to form a continuous overlapping geometry that forms an internal flow passageway. The sheets may be made of similar or differing materials. Differing materials may be different from each other in at least one physical or chemical property. A physical property may comprise or be porosity or density. [00098] The stacked sheet manufacturing approach may enable cost-effective production of large multiplexed inertial coalescence filters, such as the sizes mentioned anywhere in the present disclosure, such as larger than 30 feet by 30 feet in size. Such manufacturing process may enable the use of manufacturing methods such as injection molding, stamping, casting, etc. The scalability of the stacked-sheet manufacturing process makes the filters suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial filtration systems, HVAC systems in large commercial buildings, and large-scale CO2 capturing systems.

[00099] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a single sheet with a plurality of holes therein. FIG. 8 shows view from the top. FIG. 9 shows view from the side. FIG. 8 shows an example of a single sheet with 2D circular geometries that can be used to manufacture a complete multiplexed inertial coalescence filter by stacking subsequent sheets of material with offset circular geometries that are rotated incrementally along the dashed circular lines to make a complete series of triple helix pathways, as depicted in Fig. 5.

[000100] With continued reference to FIG. 8, the outlined circular dotted patterns are the lines of rotation where the circular geometries may be rotated for each subsequent sheet.

Stacking sheets of material with circular geometries that may complete a 360-degree turn may result in a completed internal helical passage. These geometries may be translated in any manner to produce any shape of flow passages (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2). These stacked sheets may be either porous materials (e.g., cellulose-based materials, wools, fibrous materials, etc.) or solid (e.g., solid plastic, solid metal, etc.). Each sheet used in the stack may have a hole pattern cut out of it, and the hole patterns of subsequent sheets are staggered, forming a full helical turn when the sheets are stacked together. These holes in the individual sheets may be made via cutting holes of any 2D geometry (e.g., circular, triangular, square, or any shape of the cross-section) in a sheet of material (e.g., metal, plastic, cellulose-based, etc.) via a variety of cutting processes (e.g., laser cutting, laser jet cutting, punching, mechanical cutting via sharp blades, etc.). The 2D geometries may be repeated throughout each individual sheet, or a variety of 2D geometries may be used simultaneously.

[000101] Individual sheets with patterns of 2D geometries may also be made using other processes. For example, sheets with engineered patterns of 2D hole geometries may be manufactured using injection -mol ding processes of materials such as plastics, metals, and other materials. Other examples of manufacturing processes may comprise casting processes which may be used to manufacture individual sheets with tailored 2D geometries. Stamping processes may be used to manufacture individual sheets, which may involve stamping metal wool to punch geometric hole patterns while simultaneously creating a sheet with dense porosity (e.g., compressed metal wool). These sheets of stamped wool may then be stacked to create a filter. Punching processes may be used to stamp holes in sheets of materials of varying composition (e.g., solid and porous metals, plastic, cellulose-based sheets, fibrous wools, etc.).

[000102] FIG. 9 shows an example of a series of stacked sheets that make up a filter comprising a flow passage. The flow passage may have any geometry (e.g., helical, 45-degree, 90-degree, etc. as shown in FIG. 2). The layers of the filter may comprise a series of sheets made of similar or differing materials such as porous materials (e.g., cellulose, foam, fibers) and/or solid materials (e.g., plastics and metals). In some cases, multiplexed inertial coalescence filters made with the stacked sheets can integrate non-porous or non-wicking materials (e.g., solid metal, solid plastic) with porous wicking materials (e.g., cellulose-based materials, porous metal, porous plastic, porous ceramic), such as shown in FIG. 9. The materials can be stacked in a regular or irregular manner, which may allow for tailored filtration performance depending on the specific application. The integration of wicking and non-wicking materials in a single filter may be advantageous for applications where passive filter draining via capillary forces and gravity are of particular interest. In addition, the combination of wicking and non-wicking materials may enable the manufacturing of multiplexed inertial coalescence filters with tailored gradients in the filter porous medium in the vertical and lateral directions that can enable preferential wicking of liquid in the filter porous medium.

[000103] FIG. 10 shows an example of a filter porous medium made with a gradient in porosity with a sparsely packed core and a densely packed outer ring of material. The porosity gradient causes liquid to preferentially migrate from areas of sparely packed medium to areas of densely packed medium via capillary forces. Manufacturing the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters with tailored 3D printed porosity offers the advantage of creating filters with tailored gradients in the porous medium, allowing for preferential wicking and passive draining of liquids.

[000104] By utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, which may include fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) processes, multiplexed inertial coalescence filters can be designed with engineered porous media which may comprise tailored gradients in material porosity in the vertical and/or lateral directions. For example, a circular filter may be made with a porous medium that is sparsely dense in an inner core region (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10), with an outer ring of densely packed porous medium. Captured liquid in the porous medium will preferentially wick from regions of less densely packed medium to more densely packed medium. The gradients in porosity create a gradient in capillary force that cause liquids to preferentially wick from less dense regions to more dense regions of the filter porous medium. These gradients in porosity encourage preferential flow of liquids, either vertically or laterally, and can be tailored for specific requirements of the application. [000105] FIG. 11. Shows an example of a filter porous medium made with a gradient in porosity with a sparsely packed cross and densely packed outer squares. The porosity gradient causes liquid to preferentially migrate from areas of sparely packed medium to areas of densely packed medium via capillary forces.

[000106] In some cases, 3D printing may be used for manufacturing the filter. The 3D printing process may allow for precise control over the porosity of the multiplexed inertial coalescence filter porous medium or portions or sections thereof. Alternatively or in addition, the material composition of the porous medium may also be varied by using a variety of materials (plastics, metals, etc.) and/or by using multiple materials to manufacture the filter porous medium (e.g., using both metals and plastics). By adjusting print parameters, such as layer thickness, infill density, and material properties, filters can be made with highly specific and tunable porous structures. This level of control enables the development of filters optimized for various applications and performance criteria.

[000107] In some embodiments, the filter comprises one or more open channels in the filter medium to facilitate liquid draining out of the drain port (shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) or to facilitate particulate draining in the filter medium.

[000108] FIGs. 12A-12B show view from the top (FIG. 12A) and view from the side (FIG. 12B) of a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter with a drain port that may be used to drain liquid from the filter porous medium using a pump, and/or passively via gravity in a filter porous medium, in some cases, with a single characteristic porosity or in a filter with a porous medium that has open channels that manifold to the drain port to promote rapid liquid draining (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13).

[000109] FIGs. 13A-13B Show an example of a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter porous medium with no open channels (FIG. 13A), and with open channels (FIG. 13B) that manifold to a drain port for enhanced liquid draining from the porous medium.

[000110] An additively manufactured port, shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may be used to drain the filter porous medium whether the medium is of uniform porosity or with gradients in porosity, such as in examples shown in FIGs. 10-11. A pressure, using a pump, may be applied to the additively manufactured port to drain the filter, or may be drained passively via gravity. In addition, the porous medium may be manufactured with open channels, such as in FIG. 13, to enable greater liquid draining from the porous medium.

[000111] The open channels in the porous medium of the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may also be used to drain slurries from the porous medium. Slurries can come in the form of emulsions, or liquid-solid mixtures. In addition to open channels in the porous medium, e.g., as is shown in FIG. 13, larger pores in the porous medium matrix may be used to further enhance the transport of slurries and liquids through the filter porous medium.

[000112] In some embodiments, the filtration system may further comprise a heat exchanger. The multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may be modified into heat exchangers or may comprise heat exchangers by integrating fluids loops into the filter porous medium. This modification to the filters may expand their functionality and offer new capabilities for a variety of applications. The heat exchange capabilities of the filters can be used to regulate the temperature of process air streams (e.g., any air stream entering the filtration system and subjected to filtration, such as a two-phase flow comprising a plurality of particles to be filtered), captured liquids within the porous medium (desiccants, amines, etc.), and enable enhanced and more efficient chemical processes, including dehumidification and CO2 capture processes. [000113] FIG. 14. Shows a schematic of a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter (helical flow passages omitted from the figure) with a liquid loop integrated into the filter porous medium. The liquid loop may facilitate heat exchange, such as heating and/or cooling of the two- phase flow that is subject to filtration by the filter in the filtration system. In some cases, filtration and heating can be performed simultaneously using the same system. In some cases, filtration and cooling can be performed simultaneously using the same system.

[000114] The multiplexed inertial coalescence filters with cooling and heating loops may be useful for dehumidification and integrated air conditioning (AC) systems. Dehumidification processes that utilize liquid desiccants (calcium chloride, lithium chloride, and other desiccants) may generate heat in the form of the latent heat of condensation and in the form of an exothermic reaction between the liquid desiccant and the absorbed water. Liquid desiccants may be deployed in a spray and allowed to mix with humid inlet air, thereby capturing moisture from the air, which dries the air.

[000115] The desiccant may heat up substantially during the process, which will eventually get captured by the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters. The liquid desiccant may then get captured by the filter and get wicked into the filter porous medium. Fluid loops that have cool liquid flowing through them may be used to cool the captured desiccant, (as shown in FIG. 14). [000116] As the liquid desiccant heats up, its capacity for holding water may be reduced, so active cooling may increase the overall process moisture removal. The desiccant that is cooled may then be drained from the filter porous medium, which may be transported to reprocess, or may be re-sprayed in a secondary stage to further load the desiccant with moisture.

[000117] In addition to dehumidification through the use of a liquid desiccant spray, active cooling may be used to simultaneously dry the air and cool it. An integrated dehumidification and cooling process can enable a high-efficiency cooling process that can replace conventional AC systems. Similar to the dehumidification process, a liquid desiccant may be sprayed in the air stream, which dries the air. The liquid desiccant may then get captured by a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter, which may allow only air to flow past it. Cooling loops in the multiplexed inertial coalescence filter porous medium simultaneously cool the liquid desiccant and the air passing through the filter flow passages. The air is cooled in either a single stage or multi-stage system to cool air from a high temperature to a low temperature and may use multiple cooling stages, multiple dehumidification stages, or any combination of cooling and dehumidification system stages. Any filtration system described anywhere in the present disclosure may be upgraded to be both an filtration system and a heat exchanger system which may filter an entrant air and modulate its temperature.

[000118] In addition to dehumidification, the modified multiplexed inertial coalescence filters can also be employed for CO2 capture. In some cases, such filter or filtration system may comprise active cooling or active heating capabilities. Alternatively, the filter or filtration system may not comprise active cooling or hearing capabilities. A filtration system used for CO2 capture may be according to the any filtration system described anywhere in the present disclosure. For example, a plurality of particles captured or filtered from the two-phase flow may comprise or be CO2.

[000119] In an example, an architecture similar to the dehumidification setup can be used for CO2 capture. In the CO2 system, a liquid amine or another CO2 capturing liquid may be used instead of a liquid desiccant, like in the dehumidification system. The liquid amine may be deployed into an airstream as a spray of droplets. The sprayed amine may interact with CO2-rich air and pulls CO2 from the air. When the amine is loaded with CO2, the amine heats up via an exothermic reaction. The heated amine saturated with CO2 is caught by the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters and fills the filter medium. An active cooling loop in the filter medium can be used to cool the liquid amine. The liquid amine has a reduced capacity for CO2 at elevated temperatures, so cooling the liquid will enable greater capacity for CO2 and greater overall system CO2 capture rate. A system that captures CO2 may be a single-stage system with only one multiplexed inertial coalescence filter or can be multi-staged with multiple filter stages that employs multiple liquid amine sprays. Any filtration system mentioned anywhere in the present disclosure may be used for CO2 capture.

[000120] Additional applications for active cooling of a liquid in the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters include using liquids for general industrial emissions control, which include sulfur scrubbing, volatile organic filtration, and filtration of chlorides and fluorides. Alternatively or in addition particle capture for general industrial emissions control, sulfur scrubbing, volatile organic filtration, and filtration of chlorides and fluorides may be performed using any system described anywhere in the present application, with or without active cooling and/or active heating.

[000121] FIG. 15. Shows an example of a scaled up multiplexed inertial coalescence filter made of several 3D-printed monoliths adhered to one another using an adhesive. FIG. 16. Shows two examples of individual filter monoliths adhered together to form full multiplexed inertial coalescence filters. The filter comprises passageways; however, they are not shown in FIG. 16. In some cases, the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may be additively manufactured as a single monolith. Another rendition of the additively manufactured multiplexed inertial coalescence filters may comprise a filter made of multiple 3D-printed monoliths, (FIG. 15). Monoliths may be assembled using adhesives to bond multiple monoliths together, they may be geometrically fit using any variation of fits, including interference fits, they may be mounted together using clamps, using screws and bolts, or any combination of the assembly methods. These monoliths may also come in the form of irregular geometries, as shown in FIG. 16, and may incorporate mounting features, including features for interference fitting monoliths together. [000122] Fig 16. Shows two examples of individual filter monoliths adhered together to form full multiplexed inertial coalescence filters. The filters comprise a plurality of passageways (e.g., helical passageways) as described throughout the disclosure. The passageways are not shown in this figure for the purpose of illustrating the individual filter monoliths and/or layers. Pieces including layers, monoliths, sheets, or pieces in any other shape or form can be assembled, stitched, synthesized, fabricated, adhered, and/or connected together to make up a filter according to the descriptions provided anywhere herein. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates two examples of a filter comprising more than one piece or layer such as a plurality of monoliths assembled together. The pieces can be of any shapes and can be arranged and assembled in any shape. In some cases, the sheets may be monoliths and they may be overlay ed at an angle (e.g., horizontal, 180 degrees, 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or any angle in between).

[000123] In some cases, filters (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filters) may be manufactured with mounting features that facilitate easy replacement of filter elements using snap-fit connectors or other quick-connect/disconnect mechanisms. In some cases, these features may be manufactured as an extension of the filter medium, as in the case of additively manufactured filters, or may be added after filter manufacturing, for example using a frame or a jig that mount to the filters with external mounting/snap-on features. An example of a filter with snap-on features is shown in FIG. 17, where a generic filter element has a solid frame surrounding the filter element. The solid frame includes snap-on features in the form of a cantilevered ball detent, which is shown in FIG. 18. The filter shown in FIG. 17 was manufactured using additive manufacturing, as shown in FIG. 15. [000124] The quick-connect mechanisms can be designed in various configurations to suit different filter types and applications, and can include the following types of connections:

1. Bayonet mounts: A simple twist-and-lock mechanism that allows for fast and secure connection.

2. Push-to-connect fittings.

3. Camlock couplings: A lever-operated system that can securely attach filter elements to housing materials.

4. Magnetic connectors that use low or high-powered magnets to install and secure filters in place.

5. Spring-loaded clips, using spring tension to attach filters assembly to housing materials.

6. Quick-release latches that utilize a latch mechanism to clamp filter housing on to other surfaces.

7. Slide-and-lock systems: A linear connection method that enables filter elements to slide into place and lock securely.

[000125] In some examples, the filters of the present disclosure may comprise one or more sensing elements. The addition of sensing elements to the filters (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filters) can enhance filter functionality and provides valuable data for better understanding and optimizing filter performance and maintenance for various applications. In some cases, the sensors may be integrated into the filters or into the filtration systems.

[000126] Sensors may be integrated into the filters to measure things such as CO2 concentrations in liquid captured in the filter medium, CO2 concentrations in air, humidity levels in air, conductivity measurements in the filter porous medium to sense whether the medium is retaining liquid or not, temperature measurements (air and liquid captured in the filter medium), pressure drop (across the filters), and altitude. Various types of sensors can be incorporated into filters to measure these different parameters and the sensors can be placed within the filter housing or the porous medium itself to capture accurate and real-time data on the conditions within the filter. Sensors may also be placed in regions where they may record data from air streams (e.g., two phase flow entering the filtration system which is subject to filtration), and may be mounted on the filters themselves, for example, on the filter porous medium, or on the filter housing.

[000127] The integrated sensors can be connected to a central control unit or data logging system, which may collect and process the sensor data. This information can be transmitted wirelessly or via wired connections to a remote monitoring system, allowing users to access and analyze the data remotely (e.g., using a computer system described anywhere in the present application). This connectivity may enable continuous monitoring of filter performance, early detection of potential issues, and the optimization of filter maintenance schedules. Such sensors may be used to adjust the performance of the filtration system in terms of any metric. For example, particle removal efficiency (e.g., moisture removal efficiency) may be adjusted based on the data collected by the sensor(s).

[000128] The incorporation of sensing elements into the filter (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filters) or the filtration system may allow for more precise monitoring of filter performance. By measuring parameters such as CO2 concentrations, humidity, and conductivity in the porous medium, users can gain insights into the efficiency of the filtration process and make adjustments as necessary. This data-driven approach can lead to improved filtration performance and extended filter life. In addition, real-time data from the integrated sensors can be used to optimize filter maintenance and replacement schedules. By monitoring parameters such as pressure and temperature, users can identify when a filter may be approaching the end of its useful life or when it requires cleaning or replacement.

[000129] The integration of sensing elements into filters can also enhance environmental monitoring capabilities, particularly in applications where accurate and continuous measurement of air quality parameters is critical. For example, in cleanroom environments, HVAC systems, and industrial emission control systems, the ability to monitor particle concentrations in air, CO2 concentrations in air, humidity levels in air, temperature, and pressure can help measure the impact of the multiplexed inertial coalescence filters in a filtration system.

[000130] The filtration systems and filters of the present disclosure may comprise various applications and use cases. Examples of such applications and use cases may include, for instance, for capture from air (e.g., water recovery from droplets in air), water recovery from cooling tower exhausts (e.g., water recovery from droplets in air), high-rate, high-efficiency liquid-gas chemical processes, air dehumidification for various applications, such as dehumidification for latent load reduction, desiccant-based water production from air, air purification using liquid sprays, filtration systems in industrial buildings of any kind including hospitals, and many more applications.

[000131] Provided herein are filters and filter systems configured to capture droplets from the air. In some examples, such filters and filter systems may be used for fog capture. Fog may comprise or be a two-phase stream of droplets in air. In some cases, droplets in fog may comprise a diameter in the range between 1 pm - 20 pm. A filter of the present disclosure as described in any embodiment herein may be configured to capture droplets from the air, such as to generate purified gas and a stream or volume of liquid. The stream of liquid may comprise or be the droplets captured from the air. In some cases, such stream or volume of liquid may be collected, sorted, recycled, and/or repurposed from the filtration system. Such capture, storage, recycling, and repurposing may be used for any application. The stream of liquid may comprise or be water. Water may be stored and/or purified. Water may be used for any application, including drinking, irrigation, cleaning, cooking, or any other purpose. Fog capture can be particularly beneficial in geographical regions with scarce water resources or in situations where alternative water sources are limited or costly.

[000132] Filters used for fog capture can be designed with specialized porous media or geometries to optimize the collection of droplets from the air and to facilitate draining from the filter porous medium. In some embodiments, as air flows through the filter, the droplets may be captured within the filter material, for example, through inertial forces, centrifugal forces, electrostatic forces, or any combination thereof, as described anywhere in the present disclosure. The captured water can be collected in the porous medium of the filters, where it may be drained and channeled into storage containers for later use. A filter system with draining and storage capabilities may be used for fog capture and any other application in which such features may be useful or needed.

[000133] In some examples, the filtration systems and/or filters of the present disclosure may be used for water recovery from cooling tower exhausts. Such method may comprise capturing water from droplets (particles) present in the exhaust air of cooling towers (inlet two- phase flow) by the filter of a system presented herein. This process can help minimize water waste, reduce the consumption of freshwater resources, and lower the overall operating costs of cooling tower systems, which are used in manufacturing plants, power generation systems, buildings, and other industrial applications.

[000134] One way of reducing losses of water from colling tower exhausts may be using drift eliminators. In some cases, such systems are only able to eliminate less than 10% of losses of water from cooling tower exhausts. In some examples, the filters and filter systems of the present disclosure may be able to reduce at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the water loss in a cooling tower exhaust.

[000135] FIG. 19A shows an example drift-eliminator. In some examples, the drift eliminator may be capable of capturing 10% or less of steam mists (a plurality of droplets). In some cases, the size of the droplets may be about 7 micrometers.

[000136] FIG. 19B shows a filter system according to the systems of the present disclosure comprising one or more multiplexed inertial coalescence filters (also referred to as “thirsty corkscrew filters”). The filters and filter system of FIG. 19B may be capable of capturing at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or more of steam mists (e.g., a plurality of droplets, a plurality of particles, a plurality of droplet particles, or fine droplet streams) present in an inlet flow of the system (e.g., in a two-phase flow entering the filtration system). In some examples, the inlet flow of the system (e.g., a two-phase flow mentioned anywhere herein) may comprise or be an exhaust from a cooling tower. Alternatively or in addition, such system may be used for capturing droplets from any inlet air flow or inlet two-phase flow as described anywhere throughout the present disclosure.

[000137] In some examples, the filters and/or filter systems of the present disclosure may be configured to capture deployed aerosolized liquids from a reactor (e.g., in a chemical facility). Using the filters and/or filter systems of the present disclosure to capture droplets from a reactor and recover the liquid from the captured droplets may help reduce the size of the reactor in which such filters and/or filter systems may be used. In some cases, an example of such a reactor may be a liquid-gas chemical reactor. In some examples, such reactor may be a vertical reactor. In some cases, using the methods and systems of the present disclosure (e.g., the filters and filter systems) may help reduce the size requirements of a reactor compared to a situation in which the filters and/or filter systems of the present disclosure are not used. Such size reduction may be at least 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, 10 times smaller or more.

[000138] FIG. 20A schematically illustrates a reactor in which a filter of the present disclosure is not used. FIG. 20B shows an example of a spray reactor in which a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter according to the filters described elsewhere in the present disclosure is used. This filter may also be referred to as Helix MICRA as annotated on the figure. Both reactors are vertical reactors configured for CO2 scrubbing. The reactor shown in FIG. 20B (having a filter according to the present disclosure) is significantly smaller than the reactor shown in FIG. 20A. Any kind of suitable reactors may be used as part of or in connection with the methods and systems of the present disclosure. In some cases, reactors may be vertical reactors. In some cases, reactors may be horizontal reactors.

[000139] With reference to FIG. 20B, a vertical spray reactor is provided or obtained for capturing CO2 from a Flue Gas. Flue Gas may be generated through an industrial process. Flue Gas may be processed in one or more operation units which in some cases may include a Flue Gas Quencher. The Flue Gas may be quenched in the Quencher. Flue Gas processed through one or more operation units (e.g., including a Flue Gas Quencher) may enter the reactor (e.g., spray reactor as shown in FIG. 20B or any other suitable reactor). The Flue Gas entering the reactor may have been cooled in the one or more operation units (e.g., in the quencher). The Flue Gas may be processed in the reactor such as to absorb CO2 from it. An absorber fluid may enter the reactor and may be sprayed. The sprayed absorber may absorb CO2 from the Flue Gas, thereby reducing the amount of CO2 in the Flue Gas, thereby reducing a CO2 scrubbed Flue Gas (Flue Gas - CO2) which exits the spray reactor from the top. The absorber droplets may contain a portion of the scrubbed CO2 which has been captured from the Flue Gas, therein. The absorber droplets containing CO2 may be subject to filtration by a filter of the present disclosure (marked as Helix MICRA and multiplexed inertial coalescence filter on the figure). The filter may be any filter described anywhere in the present disclosure. As the CO2 containing absorber droplets pass through the filter, they may get captured in the filter. The captured CO2 containing absorber droplets may be converted into a volume or a stream of CO2 containing absorber liquid, may be passed through a drain as described anywhere herein, and may be separated and led to exit the reactor.

[000140] The process shown in FIG. 20B may be an example of liquid recycling using the filters of the present disclosure. The volume of liquid exiting the filter and the reactor may enter another unit (e.g., the absorber regenerator unit in FIG. 20B). The absorber regenerator unit may separate the CO2 from the absorber and recycle the absorber, thereby generating a recycled absorber which may be substantially CO2-free. The recycled absorber may enter the reactor. The cycle may be repeated for any number of times.

[000141] A similar approach may be implemented in any reactor for any suitable chemical reaction beyond CO2 scrubbing, wherein a filter of the present disclosure may be used to capture droplets and convert the droplets into a stream or a volume of liquid which may be collected from the filter or a drain therein and may be recycled into the same process, used in another process, or stored. For example, a portion of the recycled absorber in FIG. 20B may be recycled into the reactor and a portion of it may be stored. The recycled liquid may be processed in any suitable way. The recycling may provide the advantage of size reduction in the reactor. Other example processes which may benefit from a filter of the present disclosure and for which size reduction may be achieved include dehumidification systems, SO2 scrubbing systems, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) capturing systems, and other systems and processes.

[000142] FIG. 20A schematically illustrates a unit operation design including a spray reactor similar to that shown in FIG. 20B with the difference that in the system of FIG. 20A, the Helix MICRA multiplexed inertial coalescence filter is not used. The reactor of FIG. 20A is a thin film reactor which also comprises a demister. The reactor in FIG. 20A is significantly larger than the reactor shown in FIG. 20B, demonstrating the utility and advantage of the Helix MICRA filter in reducing the size of the reactor.

[000143] Among the applications of the filters of the present disclosure as described anywhere throughout the disclosure may comprise dehumidification, including compact dehumidification. In some cases, such dehumidification may help reduce latent loads on an air conditioning system or a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, a filtration system and the method of use thereof may comprise a liquid desiccant. A liquid desiccant may be a liquid with high affinity for water vapor. The liquid desiccant may be sprayed as droplets in the filtration system. This may provide a high surface area contact between the desiccant and the air. In some cases, the high surface area may enable a high rate and/or high efficiency dehumidification. In some cases, once the droplets of desiccant absorb water, the saturated desiccant may be caught or captured in the filter porous medium and drained away via a drain, in some cases with the aid of a pump or by gravity. Purified/dehumidified air may leave the filter outlet, substantially free of droplets, and may be sent to another unit for further processing. The other units which may facilitate further processing the purified gas may comprise or be an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, or any other suitable processing unit. In an air conditioning system, for example, dehumidified air may need substantially less energy to cool. This may reduce the energy requirements for the system, in some cases, the energy required for cooling the air may be reduced by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 99% or more, compared to a system in which the filters and filter systems of the present disclosure are not used.

[000144] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system using the filters and filter systems of the present disclosure. In case of dehumidification, the particle to be captured by the filter in the filtration system is a droplet. Such filter may be any filter described anywhere in the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 21, humid air (two-phase flow) enters the dehumidification system (filtration system) which comprises a filter (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filter or any suitable filter described anywhere in the present disclosure). The humid air (two-phase flow) is subjected to filtration in the filtration system (dehumidification system), thereby generating purified gas (e.g., dry air) as the air passes through the filter and the droplets in the air (the particles) are captured by the filter. The dry air or purified gas exiting the filter and exiting the filtration system may enter an Air Conditioning (AC) system. The filter or filter system may convert the captured desiccant droplets into a volume or a stream of liquid desiccant (e.g., dilute desiccant) which may be drained out of the filter using any drain in the filter described anywhere in the present disclosure (e.g., FIG. 12A-12B and FIG. 13). The liquid desiccant may further enter another operational unit for further processing.

[000145] In the example shown in FIG. 21, the collected liquid desiccant enters a liquid-gas separator unit (e.g., labeled as energy efficient desiccant regenerator on the figure) where it is heated and concentrated by removing a portion of water therein before exiting the separator unit. As such, a concentrated desiccant leaves the separator which may be stored or led back into the filtration system (dehumidification system), for example, with the aid of a pump. The separator unit may use resistive heating and recovery of the latent heat of condensation in a condensing heat exchanger to generate heat for condensing the liquid desiccant. [000146] In some embodiments, the filters and filtration systems of the present disclosure may be used to capture and produce water from air. Any air filtration described anywhere in the present disclosure may be used to capture droplet particles from air comprising such droplets, the droplets may be coalesced using the filter of the present disclosure and drained therefrom. For example, in a similar system as is shown in FIG. 21, a liquid desiccant-based dehumidification system may be used to produce water from air. The liquid desiccant may absorb moisture in form of water droplets from an air stream (e.g., two phase flow) entering it. Droplets captured in the multiplexed inertial coalescence filter, and then taken to the desiccant regenerator. The desiccant regenerator thermally heats the liquid desiccant, which drives water off the desiccant in the form of vapor. The vapor may be condensed in a condensing heat exchanger, which results in an outlet stream of fresh water.

[000147] In some examples, the filters of the present disclosure may be used for air purification using a liquid spray to capture particulates in air, such as dust, smoke, aerosols, and pollution particles. A liquid may be sprayed and turned into droplets. These droplets may be mixed with an inlet air stream, which may be laden with particulates. The liquid droplets may impact the particles in the air stream and adsorb them into the sprayed liquid droplets. The liquid droplets that are loaded with particulates may then be captured by the filters described anywhere in the present disclosure (e.g., multiplexed inertial coalescence filters), thereby generating purified gas which may leave the outlet of the filters and the filtration system. This form of filtration can be employed in numerous settings, including commercial, industrial, and residential environments, as well as specialized applications like in airplanes, vehicles, trains, ships, hospitals, cleanrooms, and manufacturing facilities.

[000148] In some cases, one or more filters according to the filters described anywhere in the present disclosure may be combined in one or more filtration systems, described anywhere herein for an application or multiple applications. In some cases, the filter may comprise or be a multiplexed inertial coalescence filter. The filter may capture liquid droplets, solid particles, or combinations of both. The filter may coalesce droplets. The coalesced droplets may be converted into a volume or stream of liquid which in some cases may be drained from the filter, may be stored upon collection from the filter, may be recycled into the filtration system or into a process unit comprising the filtration system.

[000149] In some cases, any number of filter stages (e.g., any number of multiplexed inertial coalescence filter stages) may be employed with one or more liquid solvents for air filtration in a single-stage or multi-stage filtration system. In some cases, one or more processes may be employed in a single system using multiple stages that perform various functions including the filtration of moisture from air, CO2 capture from flue gas streams in industrial processes, CO2 scrubbing from cabin air in aircraft to regenerate cabin air, SO2 from air in industrial plants, SO2 from air in the exhaust of ships, volatile organics (VOCs) from air, chlorides, fluorides, and formaldehyde from the air. Any combination of the applications may be used in a system.

[000150] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 22, the computer system 2001 may be programmed or otherwise configured to implement a method for air filtration using the filters and filter systems of the present disclosure. The computer system 2001 may be configured to, for example, be connected to one or more sensors of the filtration systems of the present disclosure. Data measured or detected from any sensor described anywhere herein may be processed using the computer systems.

[000151] The computer system 2001 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device. The computer system 2001 may include a central processing unit (CPU, also "processor" and "computer processor" herein) 2005, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 2001 also includes memory or memory location 2010 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 2015 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 2020 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 2025, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 2010, storage unit 2015, interface 2020 and peripheral devices 2025 are in communication with the CPU 2005 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 2015 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 2001 can be operatively coupled to a computer network ("network") 2030 with the aid of the communication interface 2020. The network 2030 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 2030 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 2030 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 2030, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 2001, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 2001 to behave as a client or a server.

[000152] The CPU 2005 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 2010. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 2005, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 2005 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 2005 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[000153] The CPU 2005 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 2001 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[000154] The storage unit 2015 can store files, such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. The storage unit 2015 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 2001 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are located external to the computer system 2001 (e.g., on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 2001 through an intranet or the Internet).

[000155] The computer system 2001 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 2030. For instance, the computer system 2001 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., a doctor, a surgeon, an operator, a healthcare provider, etc.). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 2001 via the network 2030.

[000156] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 2001, such as, for example, on the memory 2010 or electronic storage unit 2015. The machine executable or machine-readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 2005. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 2015 and stored on the memory 2010 for ready access by the processor 2005. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 2015 can be precluded, and machineexecutable instructions are stored on memory 2010.

[000157] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processor adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a precompiled or as-compiled fashion.

[000158] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 2001, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as "products" or "articles of manufacture" typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. " Storage" type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical, and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links, or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[000159] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media including, for example, optical or magnetic disks, or any storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[000160] The computer system 2001 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 2035 that comprises a user interface (UI) 2040 for providing, for example, a portal for a doctor or a surgeon to view one or more medical images associated with a live procedure. The portal may be provided through an application programming interface (API). A user or entity can also interact with various elements in the portal via the UI. Examples of UI's include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface. Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 2005. [000161] In some cases, computer systems may be used for conducting, monitoring, controlling, and modulating properties in a unit processing system mentioned anywhere herein including an filtration system, dehumidification system, a reactor, a gas-liquid separator, a heat exchanger, a liquid recycling system, a draining system, a piping system, a pump, and any combination thereof. In some examples, data collected from one or more sensors in an filtration system of the present disclosure may be used to modulate the particle removal efficiency or droplet/moisture removal efficiency. Data from the sensor may be processed and/or controlled using computer systems as described herein.

[000162] FIG. 23 provides data characterizing the volumetric dehumidification rate (kg/hr- m³) and dehumidification efficiency (1/kPa) for a few example filters. The MICRA dehumidifier is a filter according to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, demonstrating superior performance in terms of both of the aforementioned parameters compared to membrane dehumidifiers, desiccant wheels, and thin film reactors. The filters of the present disclosure may be capable of removing liquid droplet particles from a stream of two-phase flow at high volumetric flow rates and high dehumidification efficiencies. In some cases, such high performance is highly valuable and unexpected in view of preceding filtration systems [000163] FIG. 24 provides data characterizing the performance of a filter of the present disclosure. Panel (a) shows droplet particle capture efficiency versus unit cell flow rate and panel (b) shows pressure drop versus unit cell flow rate for a 8.2 cm x 8.2 cm a filter according to the embodiments of the present disclosure (Helix MICRA filter). Data points denote experimental values and curves represent theoretical predictions.

[000164] In some cases, the filters, filter systems, filtration systems, and dehumidification systems of the present disclosure have superior performance including high dehumidification or particle removal rate and/or efficiency, low pressure drop, and other performance metrics mentioned and claimed throughout the present disclosure, examples of which have been provided in the figures and demonstrated through data presented throughout the disclosure, including in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24

[000165] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A filter for filtering a multi -phase material stream comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of passageways, wherein said plurality of passageways are configured to direct said multi-phase material stream through said substrate, wherein at least one passageway of said plurality of passageways is non-linear, and wherein said at least one passageway has a cross section selected from the group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, and a triangle.

2. The filter of claim 1, wherein said non-linear passageway is configured to apply a centrifugal force on said multi-phase material stream, wherein said centrifugal force drives at least a portion of said multi-phase material stream to contact said substrate.

3. The filter of claim 1, wherein said passageway has a first cross section at a first location of said passageway and a second cross section at a second location of said passageway.

4. A filter for filtering a multi-phase material stream comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of passageways through said substrate, wherein said plurality of passageways are configured to direct said multi-phase material stream through said substrate, wherein each passageway of said plurality of passageways is non-linear, and wherein said substrate is non-planar.

5. The filter of claim 3, wherein a surface of said substrate comprising one or more openings to one or more passageways of said plurality of passageways is non-planar.

6. The filter of claim 4, wherein said substrate forms at least a portion of a cone.

7. The filter of claim 5, wherein said cone at least partially surrounds an origination point of said multi-phase material stream.

8. A method of separating a multi-phase material stream, comprising: a. directing said multi-phase material stream comprising at least a first fluid and a second fluid to a filter, wherein said filter comprises (i) a substrate and (ii) a plurality of passageways through said substrate, wherein at least one passageway of said plurality of passageways is non-linear; b. separating, via said plurality of passageways, at least a portion of said second fluid from at least a portion of said first fluid; and c. transferring heat between said multi-phase material stream and said substrate.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least said portion of said second fluid is absorbed through said wall of said passageway into said substrate.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least said portion of said second fluid is transported via capillary forces through said substrate.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least said portion of said second fluid is transported through one or more channels in said substrate.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying, via said non-linear passageway, a centrifugal force on at least said second fluid, wherein said centrifugal force drives at least a portion of said second fluid to contact said substrate.

13. A method of separating a multi-phase material stream, comprising: a. directing said multi-phase material stream comprising at least a first fluid and plurality of particles to a system comprising a filter, wherein said filter comprises (i) a substrate and (ii) a plurality of passageways through said substrate, wherein at least one passageway of said plurality of passageways is non-linear; b. applying, via one or more electrodes coupled to said system, an electrostatic charge to at least a portion of said plurality of particles and/or said substrate. c. separating, via said plurality of passageways, at least a portion of said plurality of particles from said first fluid.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying, via said non-linear passageway, a centrifugal force on at least said plurality of particles, wherein said centrifugal force drives at least a portion of said plurality of particles to contact said substrate.

15. A filtration system comprising: a filter, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of passageways, wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a multi -phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the two-phase flow and generating purified gas, wherein, the filtration system has a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about

0.1 kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh/m²).

16. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is a gas filtration system.

17. The filtration system of claim 16, wherein the gas filtration system is an air filtration system.

18. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the multi-phase flow comprises a gas mixture comprising one or more gases and a plurality of liquid, solid, or semi-solid particles.

19. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passageways is helical passageways.

20. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the purified gas has a pressure difference of no more than 500 Pa with the multi-phase flow.

21. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the purified gas has a pressure difference of no more than 200 Pa with the multi-phase flow.

22. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the purified gas has a pressure difference of no more than 100 Pa with the multi -phase flow.

23. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the system is capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

24. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the system is capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 12,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

25. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the system is capable of operating at a purification rate of at least about 15,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

26. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter is capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 80%.

27. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter is capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 90%.

28. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter is capable of capturing particles of 30 micrometers (microns) or smaller in diameter, at an efficiency of at least about 98%.

29. The filtration system of claim 15, further comprising an aerosolized liquid desiccant, wherein the aerosolized liquid desiccant is configured to enhance capturing a plurality of droplets from the multi-phase flow.

30. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency.

31. The filtration system of claim 15, further comprising an aerosolized liquid desiccant, a controller, and a sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to automatically modulate the particle removal efficiency (PRE) by changing a flowrate of the droplets generated by the aerosolized liquid desiccant, based on data collected by the sensor.

32. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 10 micrometers (microns) in diameter or smaller.

33. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 5 microns in diameter or smaller.

34. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns in diameter or smaller.

35. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is capable of filtering particles of 2 microns to 100 microns.

36. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture the plurality of particles by generating a centrifugal force upon the plurality of particles.

37. The filtration system of claim 15, further comprising one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles.

38. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter comprises at least two layers.

39. The filtration system of claim 38, wherein at least a first layer and a second layer of the at least two layers comprise or are made of different materials.

40. The filtration system of claim 39, wherein the different materials are selected from the group consisting of a solid material, a porous material, a solid metal, a porous metal, a porous plastic, a fibrous material, and a cellulose-based material.

41. The filtration system of claim 38, wherein the at least two layers comprise two or more assembled sheets of differing materials.

42. The filtration system of claim 41, wherein said two or more assembled sheets comprises stacked or horizontally stacked.

43. The filtration system of claim 41, wherein a sheet of the two or more assembled or stacked sheets of differing materials is injection molded or 3D printed to make the filter.

44. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter dimensions are at least about 10 inches by 10 inches.

45. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter dimensions are at least about 10 feet by 10 feet.

46. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets.

47. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of particles is a plurality of solid or semi-solid particles.

48. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein a passageway of the plurality of passageways comprises one or more substantially overlayed passageways.

49. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a double helix comprising two substantially overlayed helical passageways.

50. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein a passageway of the plurality of passageways is a triple helix comprising three substantially overlayed helical passageways.

51. The filtration system of claim 15, further comprising a heat recovery system.

52. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filter further acts as a heat exchanger.

53. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the purified gas comprises a lower temperature compared to the multi-phase flow.

54. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a multi-phase flow, thereby substantially purifying the multi-phase flow and generating purified gas and captured particles, wherein plurality of particles is a plurality of droplets, and wherein the plurality of captured particles comprises a lower temperature compared to the multi-phase flow.

55. The filtration system of claim 15, wherein the filtration system is a dehumidification system configured to remove moisture from air, and wherein the particle removal efficiency is moisture removal efficiency (MRE).

56. A filtration system comprising:

(a) a filter comprising a plurality of passageways, wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a multi-phase flow; and

(b) one or more electrodes configured to apply an electrostatic force to the filter or to the plurality of particles; wherein the system is configured to substantially purify the multi-phase flow and generate purified gas.

57. A filtration system comprising:

(a) a filter comprising:

(i) a plurality of passageways, wherein the plurality of passageways is configured to capture a plurality of particles from a multi-phase flow; and

(ii) a plurality of sheets comprising a first sheet made of a first material and a second sheet made of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different in at least one chemical or physical property, and wherein the sheets of the plurality of sheets are assembled together to make the filter, wherein the filtration system is configured to substantially purify the multi-phase flow and generate purified gas.

58. The system of any one of claim 15-57, further comprising a drain.

59. The system of any one of claim 15-58, further comprising a storage system for storing the plurality of droplets upon their capture by the filter.

60. A method of filtration comprising:

(a) providing or obtaining a filtration system comprising a filter, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of helical passageways, and wherein the filtration system comprises a particle removal efficiency (PRE) of at least about 7 kilograms per kilowatt-hour per square meters (kg/kWh/m²);

(b) subjecting the multi-phase flow to enter the filtration system and pass through the filter; and,

(c) filtering the multi-phase flow using the filter, thereby generating purified gas.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the filtration system is the filtration system of any one of claims 15-59.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein filtering the multi-phase flow comprises dehumidifying the multi-phase flow, and wherein the filtration system comprises a dehumidification system.

3. The method of any one of claims 60-62, wherein the plurality of particles are a plurality of droplets, and wherein the method generates a volume of liquid out of the plurality of droplets upon their capture by the filter.