Abstract: A multi-stage cavitation subassembly is described. The multi-stage cavitation subassembly includes: (i) a first cavitation-inducing feature for cavitating a fluid; (ii) a second cavitation-inducing feature that is located downstream from the first cavitation-inducing feature and is designed to cavitate the fluid after the fluid has undergone cavitation in the first cavitation-inducing feature; and (iii) a velocity-imparting component that, in a state of motion and when in contact with the fluid, imparts the fluid with sufficient velocity after the fluid has undergone cavitation in the first cavitation-inducing feature so that the fluid traverses from the first cavitation-inducing feature to the second cavitation-inducing feature.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus is described. The fluid treatment apparatus includes: (i) a pulverizer designed to pulverize solids present in a fluid flow to produce pulverized solids admixed with the fluid flow; (ii) a rotatable shaft for rotating the pulverized solids and the fluid flow; (iii) a restrictor or filter for retaining a first portion of the pulverized solids, and allowing a second portion of pulverized solids and a second portion of the fluid flow to pass therethrough; and (iv) a first recirculating line configured to receive the first portion of the pulverized solids and a first portion of the fluid flow that did not pass through the restrictor or the filter.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus is described. The fluid treatment apparatus includes: (i) a pulverizer designed to pulverize solids present in a fluid flow to produce pulverized solids admixed with the fluid flow; (ii) a rotatable shaft for rotating the pulverized solids and the fluid flow; (iii) a restrictor or filter for retaining a first portion of the pulverized solids, and allowing a second portion of pulverized solids and a second portion of the fluid flow to pass therethrough; and (iv) a first recirculating line configured to receive the first portion of the pulverized solids and a first portion of the fluid flow that did not pass through the restrictor or the filter.

Abstract: A multi-stage cavitation subassembly is described. The multi-stage cavitation subassembly includes: (i) a first cavitation-inducing feature for cavitating a fluid; (ii) a second cavitation-inducing feature that is located downstream from the first cavitation-inducing feature and is designed to cavitate the fluid after the fluid has undergone cavitation in the first cavitation-inducing feature; and (iii) a velocity-imparting component that, in a state of motion and when in contact with the fluid, imparts the fluid with sufficient velocity after the fluid has undergone cavitation in the first cavitation-inducing feature so that the fluid traverses from the first cavitation-inducing feature to the second cavitation-inducing feature.

Abstract: A system including an ultrasonic resonance chamber containing a cavitation reaction chamber therein is described. In some embodiments, the resonance chamber or resonator comprises a spherical metal shell having fluid and other couplings and containing a first liquid that carries an acoustic field within the resonator. A second fluid or material that can flow within the reaction chamber or reactor is disposed at a location in the resonator so that the two fluids do not mix but the acoustic field in the resonator can generate cavitation inside the reactor to cause a desired transformation or reaction in the second fluid or material.

Abstract: A system and method for treating an alcoholic beverage product such as a distilled spirit are described. A process including acoustic (e.g., ultrasonic) processing and including acoustic cavitation and/or hydrodynamic cavitation are applied to the beverage product in a controlled fashion so as to achieve a desired transformation thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of high-intensity acoustic cavitation, including carried out under pressure in cavitation chambers to convert graphite powder or similar carbon based substances into low-cost, industrial diamonds. In some aspects, this can facilitate the development of an economical manufacturing process for the production of superior-quality, industrial-grade diamond materials.

Abstract: A system and method for loading gases or other soluble fuel or catalyst materials into a liquid cavitation medium such as a liquid metal, which may be cavitated under static pressure so as to cause a desired energetic reaction in the dissolved gaseous fuel substance at the cavitation sites. Examples of liquid cavitation media can include liquid metals such as liquid gallium, and examples of dissolved gaseous fuel substances can include deuterium. Sufficiently intense cavitation (for example carried out under high static pressures) may provide energetic reactions in the fuel that release subatomic particles therefrom such as neutrons. The present system and method may be used to load such gaseous fuels into other liquid metal systems, including systems that are non-cavitation-based or that cause cavitation in the liquid by means other than the acoustical drivers described in the preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A system including an ultrasonic resonance chamber containing a cavitation reaction chamber therein is described. In some embodiments, the resonance chamber or resonator comprises a spherical metal shell having fluid and other couplings and containing a first liquid that carries an acoustic field within the resonator. A second fluid or material that can flow within the reaction chamber or reactor is disposed at a location in the resonator so that the two fluids do not mix but the acoustic field in the resonator can generate cavitation inside the reactor to cause a desired transformation or reaction in the second fluid or material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for making an active bed for use in catalyst, filter or other chemical processing systems. A fluidic substrate material is combined with one or more active ingredients while in the fluid or substantially plasticized state. Acoustic energy is applied to the fluidic substrate and active ingredient mixture, and static pressure is applied as well. The pressure is released and the mixture is allowed to form porous fluid-permeable structures (sometimes a lattice) through which a fluid to be processed can be passed.

Abstract: A system and method for treating biomass so as to convert the biomass into a useful form is provided. In some embodiments, the system and method allow treating a biomass mixed in a fluid medium in an acoustic resonator chamber. The chamber may be used to mix the biomass with other chemical agents or catalysts. The chamber is also coupled to one or more acoustical drivers to provide an acoustical (e.g., ultrasonic) field in the chamber, which can also be driven to cause acoustic cavitation in some embodiments. The acoustic resonator chamber may also be placed under static pressure to enhance a mechanical, acoustical, or chemical effect during processing. Various examples of co-processing or pre-processing stages are also provided, including acid, base, AFEX, ammonia and other stages to enhance a desired effect.