Abstract:
Method and apparatus for a continuous or intermittent supply of ozonated fluid, particularly water, from a closed loop system for sanitation, consumption, and other purposes. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus aspect of the invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone entraining system, and a closed loop water circuit. The closed loop circuit permits continuous recirculation and ozonation of fluid not drawn from the system for use. Optionally the apparatus provides for the removal of an arbitrary fraction of ozonized or ozonated water to any arbitrary service application, such as food- or medical-equipment sterilization, with simultaneous addition of makeup water to maintain a relatively constant mass balance in the overall system, so that ozonized water is continuously available. Unused water is stored indefinitely in a reservior. Further options include venting of off gases and destruction of any ozone gas fraction thereof.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.
Abstract:
An improved aerator for oxygenating water and generating a circulating current within a livewell or baitwell while minimizing damaging turbulence. The aerator includes a downstream expansion area to reduce exit velocity, and an air intake conduit positioned to minimize stagnation of the liquid flow. The new aerator has an increased negative aspiration pressure, and can be operated at lower depths than previously possible.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.
Abstract:
Fine bubbles or droplets of a first fluid are dispersed in a liquid; a stream of a first fluid (10) is injected under pressure into a body of liquid (16), such stream having a lateral dimension relative to the direction of flow of the stream, which lateral dimension is elongate; a stream of a second fluid (12) is injected, under pressure into the body of liquid, which stream similarly has a lateral dimension relative to its direction of flow, which lateral dimension is elongate; the streams are injected such that a large two-dimensional interfacial contact area is established between the two streams; at least the second fluid is a liquid, the first fluid may be a liquid or a gas; the fine bubbles or droplets are produced with a lower energy requirement than prior art devices.
Abstract:
A sewage purification method which includes a first step in which at least two kinds of flocculants are introduced in sewage for stirring and mixing therewith so as to float and settle inorganic and organic materials. The first step is sequentially repeated more than one time. Next, at least three kinds of flocculants are introduced into the supernatant obtained in the first step for stirring and mixing therewith so as to further float and settle remaining inorganic and organic materials. At least one of the first and second steps is sequentially repeated more than one time. In the above way, middle water, drinking water and super-pure water can be obtained from sewage. Purification of exhaust gas is also possible by introducing such exhaust gas in one of the above steps.
Abstract:
A flotation cell with at least one injector for introducing a fluid and aspirating air therethrough has a multi-hole aperture plate. Premixing tube sections are disposed in the injector downstream from the aperture plate at a distance from the plate of at least 0.1 times the diameter of a hole in the aperture plate. The tube sections are oriented perpendicular to the aperture plate and open into a mixing tube.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine and coarse particles, especially coal, and minerals so as to produce high purity and high recovery efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a flotation column, microbubbles, recycling of the flotation pulp, and countercurrent wash water to gently wash the froth. Also disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or in-line static generators.
Abstract:
A mixing device employs a rotating hollow column or pipe that is motor-driven for rotation, is open at both ends to, at its upper or outer end, receive an inflow of a mixing fluid, such a gas or liquid, and its opposite or lower end, to simultaneously receive a co-axial inflow of a fluid-like or flowable charge material that is to be thoroughly and substantially uniformly mixed with the counter in-flowing mixing fluid. A positive in-flow of the flowable material from a container, for example, is effected from the lower end of the device within the column, to combine with the in-flow of the mixing fluid and premix therewith in a swirling movement with respect thereto at an annularly open portion of the column and, as thus premixed, enter one or more annular out-flow chambers defined by spaced-apart disc assemblies which are being rotated to generate centrifugal force to finally complete the mixing of the materials and project them annularly radially outwardly therefrom, as into the container from which the flowable material is being drawn by reason of positive inward or suction pressure generated by a powered rotation of the column and its attached disc assembly or assemblies. Each disc or plate assembly may be shaped to provide a desired type and direction of outflow of the now fully mixed material from the outflow chamber or chambers back into the container from which fluid such as a liquid is being drawn.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for carbonating a liquid by creating a pressurized atmosphere of carbon dioxide in a container, spraying a liquid, including a caustic containing liquid, into the atmosphere to cause an interaction between the liquid and the carbon dioxide, collecting a pool of liquid in the bottom of the container, and sparging carbon dioxide under pressure through the pool, and an apparatus for same.