PRETREATMENT ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A SLUICE VESSEL

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a pretreatment arrangement (100) for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. The pretreatment arrangement (100) comprises a reactor vessel (101) having an upstream inlet (102) for receiving biomass and a downstream outlet for discharging biomass (103). The pretreatment arrangement (104) further comprises a sluice vessel (104). The present disclosure also relates to a method (200) for pretreating lig- nocellulosic biomass.

Claims

1. A pretreatment arrangement (100) for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprising: a) a reactor vessel (101) having an upstream inlet (102) for receiving biomass and a downstream outlet (103) for discharging biomass, b) at least one sluice vessel (104) arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with said outlet (103), wherein said sluice vessel (104) comprises a first discharge valve (105), a second discharge valve (106) arranged downstream of said first discharge valve (105) and a compartment (107) arranged between said first (105) and said second (106) discharge valve; said first (105) and said second (106) discharge valves being configured to be operable between an open and a closed position, and c) means (108) for increasing the pressure in said compartment (107) of said sluice vessel (104) when said first (105) and said second (106) discharge valves are in a closed position.

2. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said sluice vessel (104) is attached to said reactor vessel (101) or is connected to said reactor vessel by means of a pipe (109).

3. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said compartment (107) comprises a tank (107b) and/or a pipe (110).

4. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said means (108) for increasing the pressure is a means for supplying gas, such as steam, to said compartment (107).

5. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said sluice vessel (104) comprises means for measuring the pressure in said sluice vessel (104).

6. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said second discharge valve (106) is configured to be opened in one step or in multiple steps.

7. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 6, wherein said second discharge valve (106) is configured to be opened in multiple steps, such as two steps, wherein the first step is conducted at a lower speed than the following step(s).

8. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said reactor vessel (101) is a vertical reactor vessel.

9. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said sluice vessel (104) is adapted for steam explosion.

10. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said sluice vessel (104) is a first sluice vessel and wherein said pretreatment arrangement (100) further comprises at least a second sluice vessel; said second sluice vessel being arranged in parallel with said first sluice vessel (104) or downstream of said first sluice vessel (104).

11. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein said reactor vessel (101) further comprises a scraping device (111) configured to scrape deposits formed on the interior walls (112) of said reactor vessel (101).

12. The pretreatment arrangement (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a gas valve (120) configured to remove gas from said reactor vessel (101).

13. A method for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprising: a) pretreating said lignocellulosic biomass in a pretreatment arrangement (100) at a first pressure (p.sub.1), wherein said pretreatment arrangement (100) comprises a reactor vessel (101) having an upstream inlet (102) for receiving biomass and a downstream outlet (103) for discharging biomass; said pretreatment arrangement (100) further comprising a sluice vessel (104) comprising a first discharge valve (105), a second discharge valve (106) arranged downstream of said first discharge valve (105), and a compartment (107) arranged between said first (105) and said second (106) discharge valve, b) discharging said biomass into said compartment (107) by opening said first discharge valve (105), c) closing said first discharge valve (105), d) increasing the pressure in said compartment (107) to a second pressure (p.sub.2), e) discharging said biomass by opening said second discharge valve (106).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pressure is increased by supplying gas, such as steam to said compartment (107).

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said second pressure, p.sub.2, is 1-40 bar, such as 2-30 bar, such as 4-20 bar higher than said first pressure, p.sub.1.

16. A system (300) for treatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprising a pretreatment arrangement (301) according to claim 1 and a hydrolysis unit (302) arranged in fluid communication with and downstream of said pretreatment arrangement (301), and optionally, a fermentation unit (303) arranged in fluid communication with and downstream of said hydrolysis unit (302).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a pretreatment arrangement comprising a sluice vessel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a sluice vessel comprising a tank and a tube, which may be used in a pretreatment arrangement of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a method for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass according to the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system for treatment of lignocellulosic biomass according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the skilled person.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a pretreatment arrangement 100 for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprising [0052] a) a reactor vessel 101 having an upstream inlet 102 for receiving biomass and a downstream outlet 103 for discharging biomass, [0053] b) a sluice vessel 104 arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with the outlet 103, wherein the sluice vessel 104 comprises a first discharge valve 105, a second discharge valve 106 arranged downstream of the first discharge valve 105 and a compartment 107 arranged between the first 105 and the second 106 discharge valve; the first 105 and the second 106 discharge valves being configured to be operable between an open and a closed position, and [0054] c) means 108 for increasing the pressure in the compartment 107 of the sluice vessel 104.

[0055] Both discharge valves are in a closed position when the pressure is increased within the compartment 107.

[0056] Lignocellulosic biomass 119 enters the reactor vessel 101 by means of the inlet 102. In FIG. 1, the biomass is fed into the reactor vessel 101 by means of a plug screw feeder 124. The plug screw feeder 124 secures an even flow of biomass into the reactor vessel 101 without disrupting the pressure inside the reactor vessel. The pretreatment arrangement is not limited to a specific type of inlet or means for feeding biomass, but any inlet or feeding means known to those skilled in the art may be used. The inlet and/or outlet may e.g. be a blow line or a blow valve.

[0057] The lignocellulosic biomass may be, but is not limited to hardwoods, softwoods, sugarcane bagasse, energy cane, corn stover, corn cobs, corn fibers, straw from rice, wheat, rye and other crops residues.

[0058] When the biomass slurry has been pretreated within the reactor vessel 101, the biomass is discharged from the reactor vessel 101 through the outlet 103 and enters the sluice vessel 104. The biomass is discharged by first opening the first discharge valve 105, allowing an amount of pretreated biomass to enter the compartment 107. The second discharge valve 106 is kept closed during discharge from the first discharge valve 105 into the compartment 107. The first discharge valve 105 is thereafter closed. Both discharge valves are in a closed position when the pressure is increased within the compartment 107. When the second discharge valve 106 is opened, the biomass is discharged from the compartment 107 of the sluice vessel 104. Upon discharge, the pressure drop (from the pressurized atmosphere in the compartment to the lower pressure, e.g. atmospheric pressure) causes the biomass to become disintegrated into smaller particles. Typically, this is achieved by means of steam explosion. In other words, the pretreatment arrangement 100 of the present disclosure provides for an improved and more controlled discharge of biomass. Particularly, it allows for an improved steam explosion to be carried out.

[0059] The sluice vessel 104 is arranged downstream of the reactor vessel 101. The sluice vessel 104 may be a separate component from the reactor vessel 101 or it may be an integrated component of the pretreatment arrangement 100.

[0060] In other words, the sluice vessel 104 may be attached to the reactor vessel 101 or it may be connected to the reactor vessel 101 by means of a passage, such as a pipe, a tube or a screw. In FIG. 1, the sluice vessel 104 is connected to the reactor vessel 101 by means of a pipe 109.

[0061] In embodiments, the compartment 107 comprises a pipe. A compartment in the form of a pipe facilitates an increase of pressure in the sluice vessel 104.

[0062] In alternative embodiments, the compartment 107 comprises a tank 107b, as illustrated in figure lb. In figure lb, the tank 107b is connected to the first 105 and second 106 discharge valves by means of a pipe 110. Alternatively, the first 105 and the second 106 discharge valves are directly attached to the tank 107b. For example, the discharge valves 105 and 106 may form the inlet, and the outlet, respectively of the tank.

[0063] The means 108 for increasing the pressure in the sluice vessel 104 may be connected to the tank 107b or to the pipe 110. It may be advantageous that the compartment comprises a tank since more material can be treated at the same time at an increased pressure.

[0064] As used herein, the term “tank” means a receptacle or a chamber for holding, storing and transporting biomass from the first discharge valve 105 to the second discharge valve 106. The volume of a tank is considerably larger than that of a pipe.

[0065] As indicated by the arrow 108 in FIG. 1, the means 108 for increasing the pressure is a means for supplying gas, such as steam, to the compartment 107.

[0066] The means to supply gas may e.g. comprise a pipe connected to the compartment 107 of the sluice vessel 104, and which pipe is connected to a suitable gas source. The means 108 is adapted to supply gas, such as steam, e.g. pressurized steam, to the compartment 107. The supply of gas into the compartment 107 causes the pressure to increase within the compartment 107.

[0067] The pressure of the gas or the steam supplied into the compartment 107 may be in the range of from 25-55 bar, such as 35-45 bar.

[0068] The means 108 for increasing pressure may further comprise a valve 111 to control the supply of gas into the compartment 107.

[0069] The sluice vessel 104 may comprise means for measuring the pressure of the sluice vessel.

[0070] The means for measuring the pressure may e.g. comprise a pressure meter, a pressure sensor or a pressure gauge. The means for controlling the pressure may be arranged in the first discharge valve 105, in the second discharge valve 106 or in the compartment 107. Preferably, it is arranged in the gas supplying means 108. In embodiments, both the means for increasing the pressure 108, e.g. the tube, and the sluice vessel 104 are equipped with means for measuring the pressure.

[0071] The supply of gas (or pressure of the supplied gas) into the compartment 107 may be controlled and adjusted in response to the measured pressure, for example by means of the valve 111.

[0072] In embodiments, the second discharge valve 106 is configured to be opened in one step or in multiple steps.

[0073] In cases where the second discharge valve 106 is configured to be opened in one step, the discharge of biomass from the compartment 107 is performed simultaneously with the drop in pressure from the compartment to lower pressure, typically atmospheric pressure. In cases where the second discharge valve 107 is opened in multiple steps, the biomass is gradually and more gently discharged from the sluice vessel.

[0074] The second discharge valve 106 may be configured to be opened in multiple steps, such as two steps, wherein the first step is conducted at a lower speed than the following step(s).

[0075] This way, the time taken for the pressure to decrease from a higher compartment pressure to a lower pressure, e.g. atmospheric pressure is prolonged. The discharge is thereby performed in a more controlled manner.

[0076] The reactor vessel 101 in FIG. 1 is a vertical reactor vessel. However, the pretreatment arrangement of the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a vertical reactor vessel. Horizontal reactor vessels are also conceivable for the purpose of the present disclosure. However, a vertical reactor vessel is preferred due to a more simple construction and the fact that the flow of biomass does not require the aid of additional means to facilitate the transport of biomass through the reactor vessel.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reactor vessel 101 is a vertical reactor vessel extending along a longitudinal center line 118. The biomass 119 fed into the reactor vessel 101 flows from the inlet 102 to the outlet 103 by means of gravity, and does not require additional feeding or mixing means to support the flow in the reactor vessel 101.

[0078] Typically, the reactor vessel 101 is cylindrical and has a circular or oval cross-section, which cross-section area may be constant or vary along the longitudinal center line.

[0079] In embodiments, the reactor vessel 101 has a rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal center line 118.

[0080] Preferably, the sluice vessel 104 is adapted for steam explosion. In other words, the reactor vessel 101 is a unit in which the biomass is pretreated, and the sluice vessel 104 is a unit in which steam explosion of the pretreated biomass is carried out. The reactor vessel 101 may be adapted to operate under process conditions optimal for the pretreatment, whereas the more harsh or severe pretreatment conditions (large pressure increases and pressure releases) are performed in the sluice vessel 104. This way, the risk of deposit formation and formation of inhibitory agents are prevented within the reactor vessel. A more controlled steam explosion is thereby achieved.

[0081] In embodiments, the sluice vessel 104 is adapted to withstand pressures up to 100 bar, e.g. up to 75 bar, e.g. up to 50 bar.

[0082] The pretreatment arrangement 100 may comprise more than one sluice vessel. In embodiments, the sluice vessel 104 is a first sluice vessel and the pretreatment arrangement further comprises at least a second sluice vessel; the second sluice vessel being arranged in parallel with the first sluice vessel 104 or downstream of the first sluice vessel 104 (not shown).

[0083] In case the second sluice vessel is arranged in parallel with the first sluice vessel 104, both the first and the second sluice vessel are arranged in fluid communication with the reactor vessel 101. If the second sluice vessel is arranged in series with the first sluice vessel 104, the second sluice vessel is arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with the first sluice vessel 104. In such embodiments, the biomass may be subjected to a step-wise pressure increase and decrease. For example, the pressure of the first compartment 107 of the first sluice vessel 104 may be lower than the pressure of the compartment of the second sluice vessel, and vice versa. A first steam explosion step may occur upon discharge from the first sluice vessel 104 and a second steam explosion step may occur upon discharge from the second sluice vessel.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement 100 for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass may further comprise a scraping device 111. The scraping device 111 secures a continuous flow of biomass in the reactor vessel, while scraping deposits formed on the interior walls 112 of the reactor vessel 101. The scraping device 111 prevents build-up of deposit inside the reactor vessel 101, and the full interior volume of the reactor vessel 101 can therefore be utilized for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

[0085] The scraping device 111 may comprise a shaft 113 and at least two scraping blades 114 extending from the shaft 113. The scraping blades 114 are preferably configured to follow the contour of, without contacting the interior walls 112 of at least a portion of the lower portion 115 of the reactor vessel 101. The shaft 113 may be arranged outside of the reactor vessel 101 or may be configured to extend into the upper portion 117 of the reactor vessel 101. Preferably, the shaft 113 does not extend into the lower portion 115 of the reactor vessel 101. In other words, the shaft 113 does not extend into a portion of the vessel where slurry is present. The reason is that a shaft 113 extending into the slurry may form an additional surface onto which deposit may form and develop.

[0086] The scraping blades 114 are arranged to rotate about the longitudinal center line 118 and are preferably arranged to provide an efficient scraping of the interior reactor walls 112 without risking that these become damaged by the blades. Therefore, a small gap should preferably be provided between scraping blades 114 and the interior walls 112.

[0087] In embodiments, the scraping blades 114 are arranged at a distance, dl, from the interior walls 112 of the reactor vessel 101, wherein the distance, dl, corresponds to from 0.5 to 20%, preferably from 2 to 15% of the inner diameter of the reactor vessel 101.

[0088] In FIG. 1, the exterior walls of the reactor vessel 101 are denoted 116. The exterior walls 116 may be configured to taper towards the outlet 103 in the lower portion 115 of the reactor vessel. This way, an improved discharge of biomass from the outlet 103 towards the sluice vessel 104 is achieved.

[0089] The arrangement 100 for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass may further comprise a gas valve 120 configured to remove gas from the reactor vessel 101.

[0090] The gas valve 120 preferably has an adjustable opening configuration. The gas valve 120 may be attached to the reactor vessel 101 or connected to the reactor vessel 101 by means of a tube (the latter of which is illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0091] The reactor vessel 101 may further comprise measuring means 121 for measuring a number of process parameters of the pretreatment in the reactor vessel 101. Such process parameters include at least a temperature parameter and a pressure parameter.

[0092] The pretreatment arrangement 100 may further comprise gas flow control means 122 configured to adjust the outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 in response to the measured process parameters. This way, a controlled outflow of gas from the reactor vessel 101 is achieved. Accordingly, a more controlled pretreatment is achieved. The temperature and pressure have been identified as key parameters, together sufficient for achieving stable pretreatment conditions, which implies an efficient pretreatment and reduced formation of deposits on the interior walls of the reactor.

[0093] The relationship between the pressure and the temperature is preferably monitored throughout the pretreatment reaction, and when the temperature (or the pressure) deviates from a desired, preferably substantially constant, pressure-to-temperature relationship, this is typically an indication that gases, e.g. inert gases, have started to accumulate within the reactor vessel 101. Such gases may then be removed from the reactor vessel 101 by means of the gas valve 120. The outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 may be adjusted and regulated in response to deviations in temperature or pressure.

[0094] In embodiments, the gas flow control means 122 is configured to adjust the outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 in response to the relationship between the temperature and pressure, e.g. expressed as a ratio between temperature and pressure, so as to achieve a controlled flow of gas out from the reactor vessel.

[0095] Furthermore, the gas flow control means 122 may be configured to determine a ratio between the temperature parameter and the pressure parameter and to adjust the outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 in response to the determined ratio. The gas flow control means 122 may be configured to adjust the outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 if the determined ratio deviates from a predetermined reference ratio interval for the pretreatment.

[0096] By adjusting the outflow of gas from the gas valve 120 in response to the relationship between the temperature and pressure, the temperature and pressure, or the ratio between temperature and pressure, can be held within a predetermined interval of deviation (basically constant, if the interval is comparatively narrow) for the specific pretreatment to be carried out.

[0097] Such pretreatment arrangements will counteract or compensate for imbalance between the temperature and pressure within the reactor caused by the liberation of gases from the biomass during degradation or partial degradation, and which is particularly problematic if the pretreatment is carried out by applying steam or additional catalysts, particularly gaseous catalysts, leading to an excess amount of accumulated gases in the reactor.

[0098] In embodiments, the pretreatment arrangement 100 comprises a flow meter 123 configured to measure the outflow of gas from the reactor vessel 101. The flow meter 123 may indicate that the flow of gas is too high or too low, and the gas flow control means 122 may be configured to adjust the opening of the gas valve 120 in response to the measured outflow of gas.

[0099] According to another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a method for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. The steps of the method are schematically outlined in FIG. 2. The references related to the pretreatment arrangement of FIG. 1 are kept throughout the description of the method.

[0100] The method 200 for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprises

[0101] a) pretreating the lignocellulosic biomass in a pretreatment arrangement 100 at a first pressure (p.sub.1), wherein the pretreatment arrangement 100 comprises a reactor vessel 101 having an upstream inlet 102 for receiving biomass and a downstream outlet 103 for discharging biomass; the pretreatment arrangement further comprising a sluice vessel 104 comprising a first discharge valve 105, a second discharge valve 106 arranged downstream of the first discharge valve 105, and a compartment 107 arranged between the first 105 and the second 106 discharge valve (this step is illustrated by 201 in FIG. 2),

[0102] b) discharging the biomass into the compartment 107 by opening the first discharge valve 105 (illustrated by 202 in FIG. 2),

[0103] c) closing the first discharge valve 105 (illustrated by 203 in FIG. 2),

[0104] d) increasing the pressure in the compartment 107 to a second pressure (p.sub.2) (illustrated by 204 in FIG. 2),

[0105] e) discharging the biomass by opening the second discharge valve 106 (illustrated by 205 in FIG. 2).

[0106] The pressure of step d) may be increased by supplying gas, such as steam, to the compartment 107. The gas may be supplied by means of a tube.

[0107] The second pressure (p.sub.2) may be 1-40 bar, such as 2-30 bar, such as 4-20 bar higher than the first pressure (p.sub.1). The pressure (p.sub.1) may be 15-30 bar, such as 10-20 bar. The gas for increasing the pressure inside the sluice vessel may be steam, such as pressurized steam. The higher the pressure of the saturated steam, the higher is also the temperature. The pressure of the saturated steam may be 30-55 bar, such as 35-45 bar. A second pressure (p.sub.2) that is higher than pl allows for an efficient division of the lignocellulosic biomass into small particles upon release of pressure to lower pressure, typically atmospheric pressure.

[0108] The residence time, t2, of the lignocellulosic biomass in the compartment 107 in step d) may be from 1 second to 10 minutes, e.g. from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, e.g. from 5 to 60 seconds.

[0109] The residence time, t1, in the reactor vessel 101 is preferably 2-500 times longer, such as 50-500 times longer, such as 100-400 times longer, such as 200-400 times longer, such as 300-400 times longer than the residence time, t2, in the sluice vessel 104 (step d). The residence time in the reactor vessel is suitably 3-60 minutes, such as 5-50 minutes, such as 10-40 minutes. The residence time, t2, in the sluice vessel is preferably limited so that burning of sugars and decomposition of sugars and lignin into undesired compounds is avoided.

[0110] Pressures above 20-22.5 bar, i.e. temperatures above 215-220° C., in combination with standard residence times e.g. 30 minutes, inside the reactor vessel may be harmful for the lignocellulosic biomass and may cause burning of sugars and decomposition of sugars and lignin into undesired compounds.

[0111] The pressure may be monitored to ensure that the desired pressure is obtained in the sluice vessel. This may be achieved by the provision of means of measuring pressure in the sluice vessel 104.

[0112] As illustrated by the step 206 in FIG. 2, the second discharge vessel 105 may be opened in one step, allowing the pressure to drop to a lower pressure (usually atmospheric pressure) than the pressure, p2, of the sluice vessel 104 at the same time as the lignocellulosic biomass is discharged.

[0113] Alternatively, the second discharge vessel 106 is opened in multiple steps (see 207 in FIG. 2) so that the pressure is dropped to lower pressure, typically atmospheric pressure while the lignocellulosic biomass is gradually discharged. For example, the first step may be conducted at a lower speed than the following steps, allowing for a milder pretreatment as the decrease in pressure is allowed to take more time.

[0114] By increasing the pressure inside the sluice vessel 104 and thereafter decreasing the pressure upon opening of the second discharge vessel 106, a steam explosion is conducted when the lignocellulosic biomass exits the sluice vessel 104.

[0115] In the context of the present disclosure steam explosion refers to an increase of pressure in one or several step(s) followed by a rapid decrease of pressure that causes the lignocellulosic biomass to explode into smaller pieces.

[0116] As an illustrative example, lignocellulosic biomass may be steam heated at a certain temperature and pressure for a given time, e.g. 205° C., at a pressure of 18 bar for 10 minutes, followed by a rapid pressure increase, e.g. to twice the amount of pressure for a short period of time, e.g. during less than 60 seconds, followed by discharge to a lower pressure, e.g. atmospheric pressure, causing the lignocellulosic biomass to explode. In FIG. 1a, the addition of steam into the reactor vessel 101 is denoted 125.

[0117] With reference to FIG. 3, the present disclosure further provides a system 300 for treatment of lignocellulosic biomass comprising a pretreatment arrangement 301 for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a hydrolysis unit 302 arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with the pretreatment arrangement 301, and optionally, a fermentation unit 303, such as a fermentation vessel, arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with the hydrolysis unit 302. The system 300 may comprise additional units and components known to those skilled in the art. For example, a separation unit may be arranged after pretreatment, such as between the pretreatment arrangement 301 and the hydrolysis unit 302, and/or between the hydrolysis unit 302 and the fermentation unit 303.

[0118] In the hydrolysis unit, the pretreated biomass is subject to enzymatic hydrolysis by means of saccharification enzymes. Fermentation of the hydrolysate into a target chemical is typically performed by means of fermenting organism, such as bacteria and/or yeast. The system 300 may also comprise a product recovery unit, such as distillation or ion exchange chromatography, arranged downstream of and in fluid communication with the fermentation unit 303.

[0119] Terms, definitions and embodiments of all aspects of the present disclosure apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0120] Even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

[0121] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.