Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and process for reducing the size of solid particles are disclosed. In one embodiment the system includes a cavitation processor and a comminution processor in physical communication with one another to reduce the size of solid particles. In another embodiment, a process for reducing the size of solid particles includes passing the solid particles sequentially through a cavitation processor and a comminution processor which are in physical communication with one another. Examples of solid particles which may be used in the system and process herein, include pharmaceuticals, foods, inks and paints.

Abstract: Processes and systems associated with hydrodynamic cavitation-catalyzed oxidation of sulfur-containing substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, carbonaceous fluid is combined with at least one oxidant to form a mixture and then the mixture is flowed through at least one local constriction in a flow-through chamber at a sufficient pressure and flow rate to create hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture having a power density of between about 3,600 kWatts/cm2 and about 56,000 kWatts/cm2 measured at the surface of the local constriction normal to the direction of fluid flow. The creation of hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture initiates one or more chemical reactions that, at least in part, oxidize at least some of the sulfur-containing substances in the carbonaceous fluid.

Abstract: A method comprising applying controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks to a pretreatment process in order to reduce the free fatty acid content of a biodiesel feedstock. A feedstock comprising a high content of free fatty acids can be passed through controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks at a velocity capable of generating hydrodynamic cavitation zones and subsequent dwell times where the free fatty acid content can be reduced to below 2%.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and process for reducing the size of solid particles are disclosed. In one embodiment the system includes a cavitation processor and a comminution processor in physical communication with one another to reduce the size of solid particles. In another embodiment, a process for reducing the size of solid particles includes passing the solid particles sequentially through a cavitation processor and a comminution processor which are in physical communication with one another. Examples of solid particles which may be used in the system and process herein, include pharmaceuticals, foods, inks and paints.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to a biodiesel production process in order to increase fatty acid alkyl ester yield. A feedstock comprising free fatty acids can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the free fatty acids can be esterified. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of a biodiesel production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: A device and method for creating hydrodynamic cavitation in fluid is provided. The device includes a fluid passage having at least two local constrictions of flow provided in a parallel relationship therein, wherein each local constriction of flow configured to generate a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream therefrom. The at least two local constrictions of flow can include concentrically arranged annular orifices.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to a biodiesel production process in order to increase fatty acid alkyl ester yield. A feedstock comprising free fatty acids can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the free fatty acids can be esterified. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of a biodiesel production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks to a pretreatment process in order to reduce the free fatty acid content of a biodiesel feedstock. A feedstock comprising a high content of free fatty acids can be passed through controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks at a velocity capable of generating hydrodynamic cavitation zones and subsequent dwell times where the free fatty acid content can be reduced to below 2%.

Abstract: A system and method for heat treating a homogenized fluid product, the method comprising the steps of feeding a stream of fluid product ingredients through a local constriction of flow to effectuate high shear mixing of the fluid product ingredients in a high shear mixing zone downstream from the local constriction of flow and thereby form a homogenized fluid product at a first temperature and introducing a sufficient amount of the homogenized fluid product at a second temperature, which is less than the first temperature, into the high shear mixing zone to effectuate mixing of the homogenized fluid product at the first temperature with the homogenized fluid product at the second temperature to thereby heat treat the homogenized fluid product fluid product.

Abstract: Processes and systems associated with hydrodynamic cavitation-catalyzed oxidation of sulfur-containing substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, carbonaceous fluid is combined with at least one oxidant to form a mixture and then the mixture is flowed through at least one local constriction in a flow-through chamber at a sufficient pressure and flow rate to create hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture having a power density of between about 3,600 kWatts/cm2 and about 56,000 kWatts/cm2 measured at the surface of the local constriction normal to the direction of fluid flow. The creation of hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture initiates one or more chemical reactions that, at least in part, oxidize at least some of the sulfur-containing substances in the carbonaceous fluid.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mixing fluids are described. One exemplary method includes producing hollow cylinders of fluid, flowing the cylinders toward one another along the surface of a cylinder, and colliding the cylinders head-on to produce a radial outflow of fluid and cavitation bubbles.

Abstract: A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprising the steps of mixing at least one stream of a solution of such compound to be crystallized with at least one stream of an anti-solvent and passing the mixed streams at an elevated pressure through a local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing nucleation and the direct production of crystals. The compound to be crystallized can be, for example, an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Abstract: Devices for mixing and/or reacting combinations of one or more liquids, gases or solids is provided. The device can generally have at least one cavity into which a fluid flows by way of a tangential orifice, thereby forming cavitation bubbles. The cavity is configured to alternate between a closed position, where pressure increases in the fluid and the cavitation bubbles collapse, and an open position, where the fluid exits the cavity. Also provided are methods for mixing and/or reacting fluids. Also provided are mixture and reaction products made using the methods.

Abstract: A device and method for generating micro bubbles in a liquid. The method includes the steps of: providing a flow-through channel containing at least two local constrictions of flow therein; passing the liquid at a velocity of at least at least 12 m/sec through a first local constriction of flow to create a first hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from the first local constriction of flow; introducing a gas into the liquid in the first local constriction of flow, thereby creating gas-filled cavitation bubbles; collapsing the gas-filled cavitation bubbles formed in the first hydrodynamic cavitation field to dissolve the gas into the liquid, thereby forming a gas-saturated liquid; passing the gas-saturated liquid through a second local constriction of flow to create a second hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from the second local constriction of flow; and extracting the dissolved gas from the gas-saturated liquid, thereby generating micro bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprising the steps of mixing at least one stream of a feed solution of such compound to be crystallized with at least one stream of an anti-solvent in a nucleating section via collision of the feed solution and the anti-solvent, passing the mixed streams at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing nucleation and the production of seed crystals, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through an intermediate section to a crystal growth section, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through the crystal growth section at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing further crystallization of the compound contained in the solution.

Abstract: A homogenization device comprising a flow-through channel having at least two local constrictions of flow wherein the size of a first local constrictions is adjustable thereby permitting variable flow rate through one portion of the device and the size of a second local constriction is fixed thereby permitting constant flow rate through another portion of the device.

Abstract: Processes and devices associated with reducing the amount of organic substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, oxidizing agents may be introduced into a local constriction of flow in a flow-through chamber as the fluid is flowed therethrough. Cavitation bubbles which contain and/or are associated with the oxidizing agents may form. Collapse of the cavitation bubbles may produce pulses of ultraviolet light, thereby ionizing the oxidizing agents, producing hydroxyl radicals, and degrading and/or oxidizing the organic substances in the fluid. An example device may include a flow-through chamber including a local constriction of flow, a port configured to introduce oxidizing agents into the local constriction of flow, and may include an area configured to collapse the cavitation bubbles, thereby initiating events leading to degradation and/or oxidation of organic substances in a fluid flowed through the device.