Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the electrochemical production of hydrogen gas from salt water. In aspects of the invention, the apparatus and method can be used for the targeted production of hydrogen, oxygen and/or nitrogen gases from salt water.

Background

Water is an abundant natural resource, covering about 71% of the earth's surface. It is estimated that approximately 96.5% of this water is contained within the oceans as salt water. It would clearly be advantageous therefore to utilize salt water resources for the production of hydrogen, and/or other gases used in manufacturing processes, such as nitrogen gas.

Alkaline water electrolysis is presently the most commonly used technique for large-scale electrolytic hydrogen production. However, this technique typically utilises fresh water with a low salt content, rather than salt water. If salt water is used, at least partial desalination of the water is required before hydrogen gas can be produced by electrolysis. This leads to the additional capital costs associated with water treatment and desalination, as well as the need to dispose of the residual salts generated during the desalination. In addition, while significant improvements to the technology have been made in recent years, efficiency of these systems is typically maximised at around 70%.

A number of other inefficiencies are also associated with known processes for the production of hydrogen gas from salt water. In particular, standard electrolysis in unbuffered solutions causes salt water to generate oxygen (below ~2.25 V). Above ~2.26 V, however, chlorine is generated. Any chlorine generated at the anode undergoes immediate hydrolysis which also generates H ⁺ . As the anode becomes more acidic, chloride preferentially undergoes oxidation at the anode to form chlorine gas, CI ₂ , a corrosive substance. CI ₂ also reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid (HOCI).

In this process, the increasing acidity of the solution corrodes the electrode materials, requiring them to be replaced, and renders the solution toxic, necessitating the disposal of hazardous chemicals. All of these problems increase both capital and running costs and make scale-up difficult.

In addition, all of the atmospheric gases are found in solution in sea water. However, current processes typically rely on the extraction of hydrogen gas from sea water, and by-products such as nitrogen gas (N ₂ ) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ), which are heavily used in various industries such as oil and gas refinery production and chemical manufacturing, are not extracted or further utilised.

In summary, known processes suffer from low efficiencies, high current densities, and lack of efficient scale-up methodologies. Additional treatment and partial desalination of the salt water is also typically required before use in these systems. Known processes also target the production of hydrogen gas, with oxygen and nitrogen gases remaining unexploited.

As a result, there is a need for improved processes and apparatus for the production of hydrogen gas from salt water, which mitigate or eliminate some of the disadvantages associated with these prior art methods. A method and/or apparatus which could also be employed for the targeting of other gaseous products, such as N ₂ and O ₂ , would be advantageous.

Ideally, there is a need for an environmentally-friendly process for the production of hydrogen gas from salt water. A reduction in hazardous by-products would be an advantage, as would a reduction in the rate of decomposition of the electrodes. Increased efficiency, and low energy input requirements would also be advantageous, as would lower capital costs. An ability to also target other gases, such as N ₂ and O ₂ , would be particularly beneficial. Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the electrochemical production of hydrogen gas from salt water, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of cathodes; at least one anode spaced apart from each of the plurality of cathodes by a defined distance; cathode end connectors for electrically connecting each of the plurality of cathodes to a negative terminal of an electrical power supply unit; at least one anode end connector for electrically connecting the anode to a positive terminal of an electrical power supply unit; an electrical power supply unit comprising an AC power supply and at least one rectifier; wherein the cathode comprises a paramagnetic material and the anode comprises a diamagnetic material; and wherein the distance between the anode and each cathode is equal to the radius of the anode x 3.0 to 3.7.

Advantageously, the inventor has determined that when the configuration of the anode and cathode materials and the power supply are carefully controlled, the apparatus can be used for the production of hydrogen gas in a highly efficient process. The apparatus requires very low energy input, while still producing a significant amount of hydrogen gas. Decomposition of the electrodes is also reduced. Specifically, when a pulsating DC power supply is used, high hydrogen production efficiency is achieved.

According to the invention, the electrical power supply unit comprises an AC power supply and at least one rectifier capable of converting the AC power supply to a pulsating DC power supply. The electrical power supply unit is therefore configured to supply a pulsating DC (direct current) to the apparatus. A pulsating DC (direct current) is one in which the magnitude of the signal changes periodically, but the polarity of the signal remains constant. Figure 1 shows, for comparative purposes, the different types of electric current, namely (i) pulsating, (ii) direct (commonly known as DC), (iii) variable, and (iv) alternating (commonly known as AC).

The pulsating DC current is produced by rectification of an input AC power supply. The rectification may be full-wave rectification. Full-wave rectification converts both polarities of the input waveform to pulsating DC (direct current).

The full-wave rectifier may use a centre-tapped transformer or a full-wave bridge circuit.

The full-wave rectifier may be a single-phase or three-phase rectification circuit.

In an embodiment, the rectifier is a full-wave bridge circuit.

In an embodiment, the electrical power supply unit comprises a transformer. The transformer may be a stray field transformer (also known as a leakage transformer). The transformer may be connected to an AC power input source.

In an embodiment, the electrical power supply unit comprises a plurality of rectifiers in parallel. In an embodiment, the electrical power supply unit comprises two rectifiers in parallel. The rectifiers may be bridge rectifiers.

The electrical components may be submerged in oil, for example in an oil bath. Suitable mineral oil would be known to one skilled in the art and includes, for example, the mineral insulating oil used in electrical apparatus as in ASTM D3487.

In operation, the AC power supply is rectified to produce a pulsating DC supply which is used to power the apparatus herein described. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises at least one anode spaced apart from each of a plurality of cathodes by a defined distance. The anode may be configured to be central to an array of cathodes. In an embodiment, the electrodes may be provided in a tetrahedral configuration. By 'tetrahedral configuration' is meant that each anode is surrounded by a plurality of cathodes which are spaced apart at an equal distance from the anode. For instance, each anode may be surrounded by between 2 to 20 cathodes, or between 4 and 10 cathodes, although this is not particularly limited once the overall anode surface area is roughly equal to the overall cathode surface area. By "roughly equal" it is meant that the surface area of the anodes is within 20%, preferably 15% and more preferably 10% of the surface area of the cathodes.

The distance between the anode and each cathode is equal to the radius of the anode x 3.0 to 3.7, preferably equal to the radius of the anode x 3.2 to 3.6 and preferably equal to the radius of the anode by approximately 3.5.

The distance between the cathodes in the array may be equal to the diameter of the cathode x 3.0 to 3.7. Preferably the distance between the cathodes in the array may be equal to the diameter of the cathode x 3.2 to 3.6, and more preferably equal to the diameter of the cathode by approximately 3.5.

Each anode may be in the form of a cylindrical rod.

Each cathode may be in the form of a cylindrical rod.

The distance between the electrodes can be measured by any conventional means, such as a ruler, digital calliper or tape measure.

A paramagnetic material is a material which has a weak attraction to an externally applied magnetic field and which forms an internal induced magnetic field in the direction of the applied magnetic field. The paramagnetic material is not particularly limited once it exhibits these properties, but may be, for instance, 316-904 L stainless steel, 317L stainless steel, 317 LM stainless steel, 317 LMN stainless steel, molybdenum, tungsten, aluminium, scandium, vanadium, manganese, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, rhodium, palladium, lanthanum, hafnium, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium or iron pyrite. In an embodiment, the paramagnetic material may be 316L stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the paramagnetic material may be iron pyrite -this can be advantageous due to its natural porous structure, affording it a large surface area for hydrogen production.

A diamagnetic material is a material which is repelled by the application of a magnetic field and forms an induced magnetic field in the direction opposite to the applied magnetic field. Again, the diamagnetic material is not particularly limited once it exhibits these properties and suitable diamagnetic materials are known to those in the art. The diamagnetic material may be, for instance, zinc, preferably Zn64, Zn66, Zn67, Zn68 or Zn70.

The apparatus may comprise an electrode housing. The electrode housing may be formed of any suitable material. Preferably, the housing is formed of a non-conductive/insulating material. In an embodiment, the housing is formed of Pyrex™ or glass.

Alternatively, the housing may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal. In this embodiment, the housing can be coated with a non-conductive material such as neoprene, or the outer electrodes (i.e. those in closest proximity to the housing) can be partially coated in neoprene. Alternatively, the electrodes can be configured such that there is a minimum distance equal to the diameter of the electrode by 3 - 3.7, preferably a minimum distance equal to the diameter of the electrode by 3.2 - 3.6, between the outer electrodes and the housing. In an embodiment, there is a minimum distance equal to the diameter of the electrode by approximately 3.5.

The housing may comprise electrode compartments containing the electrodes.

The apparatus may comprise one or more inlets and outlets.

The one or more inlets may comprise a sea water inlet pipe. The apparatus may comprise a sea water storage tank. The sea water storage tank may be set above the housing to allow gravity feeding.

The one or more outlets may comprise a hydrogen gas collection unit.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing hydrogen gas from salt water, the method comprising providing an apparatus as previously described, providing a pulsating DC current to the anode and the at least one cathode, and collecting hydrogen gas produced thereby.

The inventors have determined that increased hydrogen efficiency can be obtained when a pulsating DC power source is used. They have also demonstrated that when the voltage applied to the apparatus is controlled, the composition of the evolved gas can be manipulated. This can be used as a means to target other gases, e.g. oxygen or nitrogen, in embodiments of the invention.

Also described herein is a method of treating a diamagnetic material for use in an electrode, the method comprising immersing a diamagnetic material and a paramagnetic material in a sea water environment; connecting the diamagnetic material to the negative input of a DC power supply; connecting the paramagnetic material to the positive input of a DC power supply; applying a voltage to the materials; removing the materials from the sea water environment, and allowing the diamagnetic material to oxidise. In an embodiment, the paramagnetic material is molybdenum. The voltage may be applied for a period of time of from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The voltage may be applied for from 1 hour to 5 hours.

The applied voltage may be based on the dimensions of the diamagnetic material used, at from 0.075 to 0.65 V per cm ² (~0.5 to 10 volts per square inch) of material, or from 0.15 to 0.75 V per cm ² (~ 1 to 5 volts) of material. The treating step can be performed on the apparatus as previously described. The diamagnetic material may be allowed to oxidise for from 1 hour to 48 hours. In an embodiment, the diamagnetic material may be allowed to oxidise for from 12 hours to 36 hours, or from 15 to 33 hours.

The diamagnetic material may be allowed to oxidise under ambient conditions. The diamagnetic material may be allowed to oxidise at room temperature.

Prior to performing the above method, a further initial pre-treatment step may be performed by immersing the materials in a sea water environment; connecting the diamagnetic material to the positive input; connecting the paramagnetic material to the negative input and applying a voltage to the materials. The voltage can be based on the dimensions of the diamagnetic material used, at from 0.075 to 0.65 V per cm ² (~ 0.5 to 10 volts per square inch) of material, or from 0.15 to 0.75 V per cm ² (~1 to 5 volts) of material. The voltage may be applied for a period of time of from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The voltage may be applied for from 1 hour to 5 hours. This initial step can remove any materials left over from the manufacturing process and eliminate any contaminations before the pre-treatment is performed. The initial pre-treatment step can be performed on the apparatus as previously described.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates types of electric current, namely (i) pulsating, (ii) direct, (iii) variable and (iv) alternating. Figure 2 provides a schematic of an electrical power supply unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 provides a schematic of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an electrode configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 comprises waveforms from mains power supply (i), from the secondary winding (ii) and from the second stage bridge rectifier (iii) for each of examples 8a to 8c.

Detailed Description

As described above, Figure 1 shows for comparative purposes the different types of electric current, with a pulsating DC identified by (i). A pulsating DC is formed by rectification of an AC power supply resulting in a pulsating signal which varies periodically in magnitude, but which does not change in polarity.

Figure 2 shows the configuration of an electrical supply unit according to an embodiment of the invention. In detail, the primary winding (01) of the stray-field transformer is connected to an AC power input source providing the desired AC voltage to the coiled secondary winding (03). Through the magnetic shunt (02), a variable AC voltage signal is applied to the secondary coiled winding (03). The secondary coiled winding outputs are applied to the input ends of the first bridge rectifier (06) through AC output (04) and (05). A DC rectified signal from the first bridge rectifier output terminals (06) is provided to the input terminals of the second bridge rectifier (09) through terminal connections (07), (08). To support the current demand and back EMF of the reactor, further directional diodes are placed at (11), (12) and (13) and a capacitor is placed at (10) exiting the second-stage bridge rectifier output terminals (09), with the pulsating DC wave signal input directly to the apparatus of the invention via terminal end connectors (14) and (15). An embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figure 3. Referring to Figure 3, the apparatus comprises a housing (01) which in this embodiment is formed of Pyrex™. The housing comprises a sea water inlet (02) and an outlet (03) for the collection of hydrogen gas and water. The housing comprises two anodes (04), in the form of cylindrical rods of Zn64. Each anode is surrounded by a plurality of stainless steel 316 L cylindrical cathode rods (05) spaced equally apart from the anodes. The anodes and cathodes are connected to a positive DC power input and a negative DC power input, respectively, via positive input (06) and negative input (07).

The anodes and cathodes are arranged in a tetrahedral configuration, which is shown schematically in Figure 4. In Figure 4, each anode (08) is surrounded by a plurality of cathodes (09). Each cathode is spaced apart from the anode, and from each other cathode, at a predetermined distance. It is considered that in operation, this configuration means that the whole area is not conductive - simply the area around the rods, leading to a lower amp draw and therefore increased efficiency.

The invention will now be described by reference to the following examples, which are illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Examples:

Materials and methodology

Experiments were conducted in a purpose-built system connected to a Hoffman apparatus, and filled with 2 litres of sea water. The system comprised a Pyrex™ housing comprising an inlet for the introduction of sea water, and outlet pipe comprising a 100 ml standard syringe with inline tap for the collection of the gaseous reaction products . Voltage and current readings were measured using a Siglent™ Oscilloscope (Siglent™ SDS 1202 DL). A Sniffer BC gas detector (methane calibrated) was used.

Gas analysis was carried out by an independent ISO 17025 accredited facility, which is UKAS accredited for many analyses. Certified gas mixtures were used (Supplier CK Gases (now Buse gases)), with the exception of Hydrogen, supplied by Air Products (Certified at > 99.95% vol). To this end, sample traces were compared to calibrations, run at the time of the analysis.

Example 1: Analysis of sea water Sea water used in the experiments was independently analysed and the results are shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Sea water composition

Example 2: Initial Testing of Apparatus and Contaminant Removal 2L Initial tests were conducted by taking an initial weight measurement of a metallic sample using a scientific scale. The sample was then connected to a S/S 316L cathode in the apparatus and subjected to a positive charge of 3 volts @ 0.64 Amps = 1.92 Watts for a period of 1 hour. The sample was then allowed to dry at atmospheric pressure and temperature for 24 hours, before being re-weighed. The results of this experiment are shown in Table 2.1 below:

Table 2.1: Initial cleaning and testing with S/S cathode 2.2 The same methodology as for Example 1.1 was repeated, with samples being connected to a zinc anode (negative charge). The results of this experiment are shown in Table 2.2 below:

Table 2.2: Initial cleaning and testing with Zn64 anode Example 3:

The same materials as tested in Example 2 were connected to a paramagnetic anode - in this case stainless steel (S/S 316 L). Samples were subject to a positive charge of 3 Volts @0.64 amps for 1 hour. Resistance was measured throughout the reaction with an analogue probe. The results of this experiment are shown in Table 3.1 below.

Table 3.1: Paramagnetic anode connection

Visual observation of the output liquid showed a brown colour, indicating the generation of Cl ₂ .

The testing was repeated with connection to a diamagnetic anode, Zn64. The results of this testing are shown in Table 3.2 below.

Table 3.2: Diamagnetic anode connection Visual observation of the liquid removed after completion of the experiment showed a clear colour, suggesting that no chlorine was evolved.

Example 4: Hydrogen production

The 100 ml syringe was pre-weighed, and then attached to the apparatus set up with a S/S 316 L cathode and Zn64 anode. A voltage of 3v @0.64 amp was applied, and the gas produced collected in the syringe. The syringe was re-weighed. The results showed that the syringe at the end of the reaction weighed 50.33 g, versus 50.425 at the start of the reaction, suggesting the presence of hydrogen gas.

Gas was produced at a rate of 4.6 ml/min (276 ml/hr). The gas evolved was collected in a test tube over the output of the Hoffman apparatus and ignited with wooden splints. The gas gave a popping sound when ignited, again indicating the presence of hydrogen gas. Further gas detection was carried out with a sniffer and cross-checked against a density chart. Again, the presence of hydrogen gas was confirmed.

A syringe of the gas produced was sent for independent GC-TCD testing, under the following conditions:

Table 4.1: GC-TCD conditions

The results indicated that the composition of the gas was as follows:

*The lab has indicated a possible minor error in the abundance of nitrogen due to saturation of the detector by the nitrogen contained in the sample. Table 4.2: Composition of gas Example 5: Effect of electrode distance

The effect of the distance between an anode positioned central to an array of cathodes on the amps drawn by the apparatus was investigated. A schematic of the array system is shown in Figure 4. The distance, Di, is measured from the centre of the anode to the centre of the cathode. The flow rate was 4.6 ml/min.

Table 5.1: Effect of distance on amps drawn

These results demonstrate that when the distance between the anode and the arrayed cathodes was controlled between approximately 3 and 3.2 times the radius of the anode at an input voltage of 3 V, the amps drawn remains stable and low. This indicates that the overall design of the electrode array plays a key role in maintaining a stable and efficient method for producing hydrogen gas from sea water while mitigating some of the problems associated with standard plate configurations for electrolysis.

While temperatures increased slightly over time, the temperature can be controlled by the simple flow design structure of the housing. Example 6:

The experiment of example 4 was reproduced with a DC power input of 10 v @ 9 amp, and gas collection in a 1L cylinder. A filtration step was added after gas collection, and the gas was forced through a three-stage filter composed of 12 inches/30.48 cm each of 1) polymer filter (polymer beads pre-soaked in water); 2 carbon filter and 3) zeolite filter (38 inches/91.44 cm of filter in total). The three stage filtration serves to 1) absorb salt residue from the reaction process; 2) absorb the carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide and 3) absorb any remaining moisture. The gas was then compressed to 3 bar, before being sent for independent analysis. The results of the analysis are shown in Table 6.1 below:

Table 6.1 - composition of evolved gas ASTM D2504: Standard Test Method for Non Condensable Gases in C ₂ and Lighter

Hydrocarbon products by Gas Chromatography mod* indicates that modifications to the standard method were made, as detailed below:

Section 9.2 - Calibration

Prepare at least 3 synthetic standard samples containing the compounds to be determined over the range of concentration desired in the products to be analysed, using pure gases or certified blend. *mod: two or one point calibrations were used depending on the individual component concentrations in the sample.

Section 10.1 - Procedure

Connect the sample cylinder containing a gaseous sample to the gas sample valve with a metal tube and allow the sample to flow for about ½ min. at a rate of 70 to 100 mls/min. *mod: the flow rate is not measured but is run according to experience with this particular GC configuration, and the repeatability of successive runs. This will vary from system to system.

Section 12 - Precision and Bias Data relating to repeatability and reproducibility. *mod: There is no precision data for this particular application. IP 405. Commercial Propane and Butane - analysis by GC mod* indicates that modifications to the standard method were made, as detailed below:

Section 3 - Principle

Physical separation by Gas Chromatography. Identification of components by passing a standard reference mixture or pure hydrocarbons through the column, or by comparison with relative retention volumes of typical chromatograms. Calculation of concentrations of components by measuring peak areas and applying correction factors. Method excludes levels below 0.1%. *mod: All standard methodology applies except gas standards were used to calculate concentrations by relative areas, and the reporting limit reduced on discovery that the samples contained little or no hydrocarbons ppm gas standards were used and a signal to noise ratio of 3:1 used to calculate the reporting limits.

Section 5.2 - Materials

Pure gases or a mixture of gases with certified compositions. *mod: used as stated above.

Section 6 -Apparatus

6.3 Column

The types of column described in this clause have been found suitable and are recommended. Other columns may be used provided that the resolution performance quoted in 6.3.3 is achieved and provided that the relative retention of other hydrocarbons are well known. *mod: The standard method allows for 'other' columns so long as they match resolution and correct identification by retention times. Capillary columns have now exceeded, in the main, packed column performances, as is the case in this analysis.

6.3.3 Resolution

Rab must be > 1.5 where R _a b is the resolution between peaks A and B where A and B are either propane and propene, or propene and isobutane. *mod: The resolution R _a b set at > 1.5 is easily exceeded by the column used where C3 elutes at 3.28", propene at 5.70" and isobutane at 8.11".

Section 8 - Quantitation 8.2.2.2. Flame ionisation detector

Peak area corrections factors are only employed if standard blends are not used according to a formula based on carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms and a mass factor for the component. *mod: peak area correction factors are not used, but certified standards are.

Section 10- Precision

Data relating to repeatability and reproducibility. *mod: There is no precision data for this particular application. Example 7:

The experiment of example 6 was reproduced with the exception that the filter length was increased to 12 inches/30.48 cm of polymer, 24 inches/60.96 cm of zeolite and 24 inches/60.96 cm of carbon (i.e. 60 inches/152.4 cm of filter in total). The results are shown in Table 7.1 below: Table 7.1: composition of evolved gas

Example 8:

The experiment of example 7 was reproduced with a number of modifications. The filter lengths were 12 inches/30.48 cm of polymer, 12 inches/30.48 cm of zeolite and 12 inches/30.48 cm of carbon (i.e. 36 inches/91.44 cm of in-line filter in total). A second-stage carbon filter (36 inches/91 cm) was positioned prior to the gas collection chamber and a copper mesh filter was connected to the gas bottle. The electrode distance was at a ratio of 3.5, and a pulsating DC input was generated through the electrical power supply unit configured as described with respect to Figure 2, and with an initial AC voltage of 151 V AC, 167 V AC and 185 V AC (Examples 8a, 8b and 8c, respectively). The AC voltage input to primary winding, output from secondary winding, and DC output from second-stage bridge rectification to the terminal input of the apparatus were measured and are shown in Table 8.1 below:

Table 8.1: AC voltage inputs and DC output to apparatus

The resultant AC output waveform from the mains power supply (i), from the secondary winding (ii), and from the second-stage bridge rectifier (iii) are shown in Figure 5 for each of examples 8a, 8b and 8c. Figure 5A shows results from Example 8a from mains power supply (151 V AC); from transformer (18V AC); from second stage bridge rectifier (14.2 V DC).

Figure 5B shows results from Example 8b from mains power supply (167 V AC); from transformer (20V AC); from second stage bridge rectifier (16.3 V DC). Figure 5C shows results from Example 8c from mains power supply (185 V AC); from transformer (23V AC); from second stage bridge rectifier (18.9 V DC). Further results suggested that a positive waveform is produced from the second stage bridge rectifier up to 20 V dc, at which point a reverse in polarity was noted with the cathode becoming positively charged and the anode negatively charged. To accommodate the voltage increase, the distance between the electrodes was increased to a ratio of 3.5 (i.e. distance between the anode and the arrayed cathodes was 3.5 times the radius of the anode). This greater distance appeared to prevent interaction of the filed lines and no reversal of polarity was noted at this distance.

Thus, the pulsating DC output from the second stage rectification (shown in 8a to 8c above) was applied to the apparatus as in Example 7, with the exception that the electrode distance was at a ratio of 3.5 (and with the filter modifications noted above). The composition of the evolved gas for each of these examples is shown in Table 8.2 below.

Table 8.2: composition of evolved gas

These results therefore highlight the efficiency of the process, with a hydrogen content of 79.9% being obtained. The compiled data demonstrates that an increase in hydrogen gas results with increasing voltage, and suggest that a final voltage of 21.4 V dc would lead to 99.98 % hydrogen production.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.