Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a gas into a liquid comprising a container, at least one vertical conduit in fluid communication with the container, the conduit having therein at least one mixer assembly for breaking up gas bubbles into bubbles having small diameters, and a means for introducing a gas into the conduit at a point below the mixer assembly, the mixer assembly comprising at least two freely rotating turbines which are spaced apart axially and have different direction or speed of rotation.

Abstract: A process for separating a dispersed phase from a continuous phase comprising immersing vertically in the mixed phases an apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas with liquid comprising:(a) an inner cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality of turbines, which are free to rotate about their longitudinal axis, mounted within the tube, the turbines being spaced apart from one and another and so constructed that adjacent turbines have different rotational direction or velocity;(b) optionally, an outer cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality of openings in the lower half of the tube wall;(c) a base member to which the lower ends of the outer and inner cylindrical members are attached so that the lower ends are sealed, the outer and inner cylindrical members being arranged in a concentric manner; and(d) a gas inlet pipe for introducing gas bubbles into the apparatus.The apparatus is useful for aerating sludge, separating the fine particles contained in a slurry, and separating particles having smooth surfaces from particles having jagged surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas with liquid comprising:(a) an inner cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality or turbines, which are free to rotate about their longitudinal axis, mounted within the tube, the turbines being spaced apart from one another and so constructed that adjacent turbines have different rotational direction or velocity;(b) optionally, an outer cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality of openings in the lower half of the tube wall;(c) a base member to which the lower ends of the outer and inner cylindrical members are attached so that the lower ends are sealed, the outer and inner cylindrical members being arranged in a concentric manner; and(d) a gas inlet pipe for introducing gas bubbles into the apparatus.

Abstract: An aerator for dispersing a gas in a liquid comprises an elongate tube having openings at both ends and having mounted therein one or more turbines which are free to rotate about the longitudinal axis thereof. The tube is vertically submerged in a liquid, for example in a lake or pond of water. Air or another gas is supplied to the lower end of the tube. Gas bubbles rising through the tube cause an upward flow of liquid therethrough. The turbines are rotated solely by this upward flow of gas and liquid. The turbine rotation causes the gas bubbles to be broken up into a vast number of very much smaller gas bubbles which are dispersed throughout the liquid, so that optimum gas absorption may occur. The turbines are preferably so constructed that adjacent turbines (if more than one turbine is used) rotate either at different speeds or in counter directions to thus optimize the breaking up of the gas bubbles. A method for aerating a liquid is thereby provided.