Abstract: A flow control system includes a nozzle for controlling the flow of fluids into production tubing from a hydrocarbon containing reservoir. The nozzle comprises a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, wherein the passage comprises converging and diverging sections separated by a corner. The nozzle serves to effectively choke the flow of steam and thereby allows preferential production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating hydrogen or helium from gas having a mixture of gaseous components. A compressible feed stream that contains at least one target compressible component and hydrogen or helium is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which the target component(s) is/are capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the target component is absorbed from a compressible product stream containing the hydrogen or helium. The compressible feed stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating oxygen from air. A compressible air stream that contains oxygen is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which oxygen is capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the oxygen is absorbed from other compressible components of the air stream. The compressible air stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1.

Abstract: An air purification system comprises a chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, a plurality of flexible wires hanging from a ceiling of the chamber, a spray mechanism configured to spray droplets in the chamber, and a sound wave generator configured to generate a standing sound wave in the chamber. During operation of the air purification system, the plurality of flexible wires are elastically deformed by the standing sound wave generated by the sound wave generator such that portions of the plurality of flexible wires converge at nodes of the sound wave, and also the droplets move to the nodes of the standing sound wave, while trapping particles in the air during the movement to the nodes. The droplets collide against and are adsorbed to the plurality of flexible wires at the nodes of the sound wave.

Abstract: Sustor2 provides deep cooling of a gas flow, practically total condensation of a vapor, and fast and effective removal of the condensed liquid with a significantly reduced pressure losses compared with the prior art. Sustor2 performs the said operations by developing a strong swirling flow starting from its entrance, followed by spiral flow convergence in the inlet disc-like part, and then in a converging-diverging nozzle, by centrifugal removal of droplets, and removal of the liquid film through slits, then by spiral flow divergence and leaving the vortex chamber through tangential outlet. A gas enters from a pipeline (see the arrow in the A-A cross-section shown in FIG. 7) connected to Sustor2 by a flange and the inlet transition pipe ITP in FIG. 7, spirally converged in the disc-like part, marked by A-A in FIG. 6, enters the converging-diverging nozzle (FIG. 6). The flow is high-speed and swirling even at the near-entrance region of the vortex chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for gas separation through the supersonic expansion and subsequent deceleration of a gaseous stream. The gaseous constituent changes phase from the gaseous state by desublimation or condensation during the acceleration producing a collectible constituent, and an oblique shock diffuser decelerates the gaseous stream to a subsonic velocity while maintain the collectible constituent in the non-gaseous state. Following deceleration, the carrier gas and the collectible constituent at the subsonic velocity are separated by a separation means, such as a centrifugal, electrostatic, or impingement separator. In an embodiment, the gaseous stream issues from a combustion process and is comprised of N2 and CO2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separation system comprising a flow inlet (16). The separation system comprises a swirl valve (100), arranged to receive and control the flux of a fluid flow via the flow inlet (16) and to generate a swirling flow, swirling about a central axis (11). The separation system further comprises a separation chamber (40) positioned downstream with respect of the swirl valve (100) to receive the swirling flow from the swirl valve (100), wherein the separation chamber (40) comprises a first and second flow outlet (41, 42). The first flow outlet (41) is positioned to receive an inner portion of the swirling flow and the second outlet (42) is positioned to receive an outer portion of the swirling flow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to low emission power plant. A compressible feed stream is provided that is derived from a power production unit, where the compressible feed stream contains at least one target compressible component and at least one non-target compressible component, is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which the target component(s) is/are capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the target component is absorbed from a compressible product stream containing the non-target compressible component(s). The compressible feed stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1.

Abstract: A particle reduction system and method is disclosed having an air stream accelerator, a feeder assembly, a variable speed wheel lock operably associated with the feeder assembly for releasing raw material into a conveying air stream created by the positive displacement pump, and a particle conditioning assembly. The raw material is carried by the conveying air stream through the particle conditioning assembly, where particle of the material are collided with each other for the purpose of reducing the size of the particles. In some embodiments, a non-thermal drying system can be used to extract moisture from the raw material. The moisture/solids separation occurs, in large part, due to a head-on collision of two conveying air streams. The collision creates a large squeezing force, much higher than a centrifuge or filter. This impact squeezing acts to squeeze the moisture out of the raw material.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound wave generator, a fluid cavity coupled to the ultrasound wave generator, an array of micro-machined ultrasonic-assisted electrospray nozzles coupled to the fluid cavity, an electrode configured to impart a charge onto the fluid output of the electrospray nozzles, and a carbon dioxide release unit configured to receive the ionic liquid after absorption of carbon dioxide by the ionic liquid and to remove carbon dioxide from the ionic liquid such that the regenerated ionic liquid can be recycled for additional carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: A cyclonic fluid separator has a tubular housing (10) in which the fluid is accelerated and swirl imparting means (2) for inducing the fluid to swirl through an annular space between the housing and a central body (1) mounted within the housing (10), wherein a low pressure fluid (80) is injected through a central opening (82) in the central body (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclonic separator comprising a throat portion (4) arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, to generate a swirling fluid flow in a downstream direction. The diverging fluid outlet section comprises an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6). The cyclonic separator comprises a volute diffuser (9, 9?) connected to one of the outlets (6, 7), which comprises a volute outlet duct (90, 90?) defined by a volute axis (I1), forming a spiral shape around the central axis (I). The outlet duct (90, 90?) comprises a vortex chamber 95. The vortex chamber is provided to transform axial momentum of the swirling fluid flow with respect to the central axis (I) into tangential momentum with respect to the volute axis (I1).

Abstract: An arrangement for removal of particulates in a gas flow includes at least one gas passage that is at least partly surrounded by a porous material. An arrangement for exposing the gas passage to sound that induces gas movements in a direction towards the porous material is provided. A method for removal of particulates in a gas flow is also provided.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Moreover, wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a chosen gas from a mixture of gases having no moving parts and utilizing no chemical processing is described. The separation of particulates from fluid carriers thereof has been observed using ultrasound. In a similar manner, molecular species may be separated from carrier species. It is also known that light-induced drift may separate light-absorbing species from carrier species. Therefore, the combination of temporally pulsed absorption of light with ultrasonic concentration is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of separation by ultrasonic concentration alone. Additionally, breaking the spatial symmetry of a cylindrical acoustic concentrator decreases the spatial distribution of the concentrated particles, and increases the concentration efficiency.

Abstract: Sustor2 provides deep cooling of a gas flow, practically total condensation of a vapor, and fast and effective removal of the condensed liquid with a significantly reduced pressure losses compared with the prior art. Sustor2 performs the said operations by developing a strong swirling flow starting from its entrance, followed by spiral flow convergence in the inlet disc-like part, and then in a converging-diverging nozzle, by centrifugal removal of droplets, and removal of the liquid film through slits, then by spiral flow divergence and leaving the vortex chamber through tangential outlet. A gas enters from a pipeline (see the arrow in the A-A cross-section shown in FIG. 7) connected to Sustor2 by a flange and the inlet transition pipe ITP in FIG. 7, spirally converged in the disc-like part, marked by A-A in FIG. 6, enters the converging-diverging nozzle (FIG. 6). The flow is high-speed and swirling even at the near-entrance region of the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A collection unit includes an exhaust conduit providing a path through which a process gas flows, a trap installed in the exhaust conduit, and a collection line connected to the trap. The trap has an inlet through which particles in the process are introduced into the trap, and the collection line penetrates a portion of the exhaust conduit to extend toward an outside region of the exhaust conduit. An apparatus including the collection unit and a method for collecting particles using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A system for depressurizing and cooling a high pressure, high temperature fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein. In one aspect, the system has an apparatus for cooling the high pressure, high temperature fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein and a pressure letdown device for depressurization by separating the cooled fine solid particles from a portion of the fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein, resulting in a lower temperature, lower pressure outlet of solid particles for disposal or handling by downstream equipment.

Abstract: A particle reduction system and method is disclosed having an air stream accelerator, a feeder assembly, a variable speed wheel lock operably associated with the feeder assembly for releasing raw material into a conveying air stream created by the positive displacement pump, and a particle conditioning assembly. The raw material is carried by the conveying air stream through the particle conditioning assembly, where particle of the material are collided with each other for the purpose of reducing the size of the particles. In some embodiments, a non-thermal drying system can be used to extract moisture from the raw material. The moisture/solids separation occurs, in large part, due to a head-on collision of two conveying air streams. The collision creates a large squeezing force, much higher than a centrifuge or filter. This impact squeezing acts to squeeze the moisture out of the raw material.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream and having removable module(s) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, providing fixed boundaries at least between an inlet and an outlet and at least two sections arranged within said housing, the housing defining an interior exhaust passage that extends sequentially through said sections, wherein one or more treatments are to be performed upon a gas flowing through said sections. At least one of said sections is removable from within the fixed boundaries of the housing in a direction essentially perpendicular to said flow direction.

Abstract: A diffuser for a work machine having an air breathing fuel consuming internal combustion engine with an exhaust aftertreatment device periodically elevating the exhaust temperatures to a high level. The diffuser has a venturi section and the excess contaminants from an intake air pre-cleaner are directed to the throat of the venturi to aspirate and dispose of excess contaminants while cooling the exhaust flow. Additional openings in the divergent section of the diffuser assist in providing significant reductions in exhaust temperatures within a short axial envelope.

Abstract: An ultrasonic solution separating method wherein a solution is ultrasonically vibrated and atomized into mist in a carrier gas in an ultrasonic atomizing chamber (4) and the carrier gas including atomized mist is transferred to a collecting part (5) and in the collecting part (5) the mist component comprising solution atomized into mist is separated from the carrier gas. In the ultrasonic solution separating method, in the collecting part (5), mist component is separated from the carrier gas in an adsorbing step of causing mist component to be adsorbed onto an adsorbing agent (15) by bringing the carrier gas including mist component into contact with the adsorbing agent (15) and a separating step of separating mist component adsorbed onto the adsorbing agent (15) in the adsorbing step from the adsorbing agent (15), and mist component is separated from the carrier gas with the pressure of the separating step being made lower than the pressure of adsorbing step.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the performance of diesel particulate filters. Before entering the filter, the exhaust gas is subjected to sonic waves to agglomerate the particles.

Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin is provided. A degassing trough retains the resin, and an ultrasonic energy source applies ultrasonic energy to the degassing trough and resin. The application of ultrasonic energy to the resin reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.

Abstract: A method of separating a liquid atomizes a mixed liquid containing a plurality of components into an atomized fine particle by an ultrasonic vibration to obtain a mixed fluid of the atomized fine particle and air, separates the air from the mixed fluid and collects an atomized component, and separates the atomized component into liquids having different component contents. The method of separating a liquid atomizes the liquid while supplying a carrier gas heated with the thermal energy of the outside air to the surface of the liquid to be atomized or supplies the outside air to the surface of the liquid to be atomized, thereby atomizing the liquid while supplying the thermal energy of the outside air to the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a chosen gas from a mixture of gases having no moving parts and utilizing no chemical processing is described. The separation of particulates from fluid carriers thereof has been observed using ultrasound. In a similar manner, molecular species may be separated from carrier species. It is also known that light-induced drift may separate light-absorbing species from carrier species. Therefore, the combination of temporally pulsed absorption of light with ultrasonic concentration is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of separation by ultrasonic concentration alone. Additionally, breaking the spatial symmetry of a cylindrical acoustic concentrator decreases the spatial distribution of the concentrated particles, and increases the concentration efficiency.

Abstract: A particle separator which broadly includes: an inner wall, an outer wall and a splitter, wherein the inner and outer walls define an air intake passageway, and wherein the splitter is positioned between the inner and outer walls so as to define a scavenge air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway and a main air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway; the inner wall having a humped-shaped portion between the intake passageway and the main air flow passageway; the humped-shaped portion having a peak and a radius of curvature at any point on the hump-shaped portion of the inner wall after the peak corresponding to a degree of curvature of from about 30 to about 60 degrees; and a boundary layer control mechanism for providing active boundary layer control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway. Also provided is a method for providing active boundary layer flow control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for removing catalyst particles from a gas. The invention is particularly suited to separating particles from the gas in a vessel that has a dilute phase zone and a dense phase zone. An acoustic waveform is applied to the dilute phase zone to assist in separating small particles from the gas in the dilute phase zone.

Abstract: An arrangement for removal of particulates in a gas flow includes at least one gas passage that is at least partly surrounded by a porous material. An arrangement for exposing the gas passage to sound that induces gas movements in a direction towards the porous material is provided. A method for removal of particulates in a gas flow is also provided.

Abstract: A gas treatment system has a housing defining an interior space adapted for holding liquid therein. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port so that gas passing through the interior space flows through the liquid therein. A gas delivery system directs gas to be treated into the interior space of the housing at the inlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An ultraviolet light source is for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus oscillates an undiluted solution containing a target material at an ultrasonic frequency to produce mist, and collects the mist to collect a target material containing liquid that contains the target material with higher concentration than the undiluted solution. The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus includes an atomization chamber that oscillates the undiluted solution at an ultrasonic frequency by using a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators to produce the mist; and a collection portion that aggregates and thus collects the mist produced in the atomization chamber. The atomization chamber is divided into a plurality of divided chamber sections so that the ultrasonic oscillators are disposed in the respective divided chamber sections. The ultrasonic oscillators oscillate the undiluted solution supplied into the divided chamber sections to produce the mist.

Abstract: A cyclonic fluid separator for separating condensable, liquid and/or solid components from a fluid mixture includes an upstream fluid inlet section in which the fluid mixture is accelerated to a supersonic velocity to expand and cool the fluid mixture such that one or more condensable fluid components are liquefied and/or solidified; a downstream separation section in which condensables depleted and condensables enriched fluid fractions are separated and fed into separate outlets; and a midstream vortex generation section which includes a plurality of tilted wings of which the wing tips are located at relatively large mutual spacings and at a small spacing from the inner wall of the midstream vortex generation section such that during normal operation of the separator adjacent to the various wing tips widely spaced vortices of swirling fluid are generated in the fluid stream flowing through the housing, which vortices are still separated from each other at the entrance of the downstream separation section.

Abstract: In the present invention, a solution containing a target substance is atomized into a mist by ultrasonic oscillation in an ultrasonic atomization chamber, and the target substance is collected by aggregating the atomized mist in a collection chamber, whereby the target substance is separated from the solution. Further, in the present invention, the gas phase pressure in the collection chamber is maintained to be higher than an atmospheric pressure, whereby the saturation vapor pressure of the target substance in the gas phase is made lower than the saturation vapor pressure under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic solution separator including an ultrasonic atomization chamber supplied with a solution containing a target material; an ultrasonic oscillator producing mist from the solution in the ultrasonic atomization chamber with ultrasonic oscillation; a power supply for ultrasonics connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and a collection portion transporting the mist produced by the ultrasonic oscillator with a carrier gas and aggregating and collecting the mist included in the carrier gas. The power supply supplying high-frequency power to the ultrasonic oscillator so that the ultrasonic oscillator oscillates at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic separator aggregates and collects the mist produced in the ultrasonic atomization chamber by means of the collection portion. With this ultrasonic solution separator, the temperature of carrier gas in the ultrasonic atomization chamber is at least 5° C. higher than the carrier gas in the collection portion.

Abstract: The separation of liquid and/or solid components from a multiphase fluid stream passing through a supersonic fluid separator is enhanced by injecting a surface active agent into the fluid stream passing through the separator. Preferably the spray is injected via an injection tube that has a positive or negative electrical potential, whereas one of the walls of the separator housing has an opposite electrical potential, so that the injected spray and any liquid droplets and/or particles formed around the injected nuclei are induced to flow towards said electrically loaded wall.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for removing catalyst particles from a gas. The invention is particularly suited to separating particles from the gas in a vessel that has a dilute phase zone and a dense phase zone. An acoustic waveform is applied to the dilute phase zone to assist in separating small particles from the gas in the dilute phase zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for particle collection (30) that is characterized by co-aerosolizing fluids (62) into an air stream (34) containing the particles to be analyzed to significantly enhance their collection and identification efficiency is provided.

Abstract: Self cleaning air filtration machine and a method for using same comprising; a filter with a motor driven belt or disk or counter rotating disks that are perforated, a spray bar, a recirculation pump and supply line, a wet tank, a ultrasonic transducer, ultraviolet submersible bulbs, a water fill port, a liquid level sensor, a liquid and sediment drain port, and a power source. A preferred embodiment includes a subsonic transducer on the wet tank. A preferred embodiment includes a air diffuser, a toxic and noxious gas detection and recognition and radiation detection with automatic safety shut down and audible and visual alarm, a ultraviolet saturation chamber. A preferred embodiment includes a secondary wet filter, a secondary air diffuser, a secondary ultraviolet saturation chamber. A preferred embodiment includes a inline dryer assembly.

Abstract: A method for slowing down the increase in pressure drop across a gas filter caused by clogging as a result of a contaminant particles layer being formed on the filter. The method includes applying acoustic waves from an acoustic wave source to a gas to be filtered as it flows into the filter; thereby producing steady secondary acoustic streaming around dust particles already deposited on the filter, thus reducing pressure drop across the filter initially caused by clogging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream, at a wellhead, downstream of the wellhead choke thereof. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream at a wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: (A) inducing the natural gas stream to flow at supersonic velocity through a conduit of a supersonic inertia separator and thereby causing the fluid to cool to a temperature that is below a temperature/pressure at which the condensables will begin to condense, forming separate droplets and/or particles; (B) separating the droplets and/or particles from the gas; and (C) collecting the gas from which the condensables have been removed, wherein the supersonic inertia separator is part of the wellhead assembly downstream of the wellhead choke.

Abstract: Fine particles of dust and other pollutants in gas streams are agglomerated to form larger particles which are more easily filtered in downstream processing. In one embodiment, particles in successive portions of the gas stream are charged with opposite polarity, and the gas stream is introduced into an Evasé portion (12) to slow it down. Particles of different sizes have differential deceleration and therefore mix generally in the direction of flow, leading to agglomeration of oppositely-charged particles. In another embodiment, a gas stream is divided into substreams in respective parallel passages, and the particles in adjacent passages are charged to opposite polarity. Deflectors at the downstream end of the passages cause substreams of particles of opposite polarity to mix, with resultant agglomeration of oppositely charged particles.

Abstract: A system for particulate removal from fluid streams by using acoustic cavity technology. The technology can be applied to various applications, such as Diesel engine post-combustion emissions control systems, mist filtration systems, particle recovery systems, liquid degassing systems, and closed crankcase ventilation systems. An acoustic cavity can be used to replace an inertial separator, cyclone, or similar particulate removal equipment, providing a considerably lower pressure loss across the cavity compared to an inertial separator or cyclone, because an acoustic cavity does not appreciable alter the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing a selected component from a stream of fluid containing a plurality of components is provided. The stream is induced to flow at supersonic velocity through a conduit so as to decrease the temperature of the fluid to below a selected temperature at which one of condensation and solidification of the selected component occurs, thereby forming particles of the selected component. The conduit is provided with a structure for imparting a swirling motion to the stream of fluid thereby inducing the particles to flow to a radially outer section of a collecting zone in the stream. A shock wave is created in the stream so as to decrease the axial velocity of the fluid to subsonic velocity, and to increase the swirling motion of the particles which are extracted into an outlet stream from the radially outer section of the collecting zone downstream of the shock wave.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic device separates a mixture of gases. An elongated duct is provided with first and second ends and has a length that is greater than the wavelength of sound in the mixture of gases at a selected frequency, and a diameter that is greater than a thermal penetration depth in the mixture of gases. A first acoustic source is located at the first end of the duct to generate acoustic power at the selected frequency. A plurality of side branch acoustic sources are spaced along the length of the duct and are configured to introduce acoustic power into the mixture of gases so that a first gas is concentrated at the first end of the duct and a second gas is concentrated at the second end of the duct.