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: A method and apparatus for regulating the temperature of the cavitation medium for a cavitation chamber is provided. A heat exchange fluid is pumped through a heat exchange conduit that passes through a portion of the cavitation chamber. An external heat exchanger, couples either directly or indirectly to the heat exchange conduit, regulates the temperature of the heat exchanger fluid which, in turn, regulates the temperature of cavitation medium within the cavitation chamber. The heat exchanger can be used to lower the temperature of the cavitation medium to a temperature less than the ambient temperature; to withdraw excess heat from the cavitation medium; or to heat the cavitation medium to the desired operating temperature. The heat exchanger can utilize heated heat exchange fluid, cooled heat exchange fluid, thermoelectric coolers, heat sinks, refrigeration systems or heaters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving cavitation at high static pressures which may be used in acoustic applications and research such as in liquid metal resonators. Novel preparation and electroplating methods are disclosed to improve boundary layer conditions. A chemical cleaning loop for containment and treatment for oxide removal and to develop a dynamic system for chemically treating liquid metal disposed in a liquid metal loop is also described. A liquid metal handling loop for containment and treatment is provided to maintain cleanliness of bulk liquid metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a liquid by acoustic cavitation. In a first stage, in a cavitation chamber under positive static pressure. In a second stage by hydrodynamic cavitation. The energy and pressure expended in the first stage is recovered in the second stage to make an efficient processing system for cavitating liquids. The process and system may be used for disinfecting water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.

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: 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 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 method and an apparatus for systematic suppression and separation of interactive acoustic modes within a liquid-filled spherical resonator are described. The method and apparatus allow for augmenting the response and acoustic energy of liquid-filled spherical shell resonators. In some aspects, manipulation of acoustic resonant modes is used to achieve desirable conditions. The response of a system can be influenced by one or more of the interactive modes, which are more sensitive to a change in the speed of sound. This is attained in some cases by changing parameters, which are a function of the speed of sound in a liquid medium, such as, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving cavitation at high static pressures which may be used in acoustic applications and research such as in liquid metal resonators. Novel preparation and electroplating methods are disclosed to improve boundary layer conditions. A chemical cleaning loop for containment and treatment for oxide removal and to develop a dynamic system for chemically treating liquid metal disposed in a liquid metal loop is also described. A liquid metal handling loop for containment and treatment is provided to maintain cleanliness of bulk liquid metal.

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: An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large spherical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. Although the chamber is preferably fabricated from a machinable material, such as a metal, it can also be fabricated from a fragile material, such as a glass. An acoustic driver assembly is incorporated within the chamber wall at one end of the cavitation chamber. The driver can be threadably coupled to the chamber or attached using an epoxy, diffusion bonding, brazing or welding. O-rings or other seals can be used to seal the driver to the chamber. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flush, recessed, or extended from the internal chamber surface. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flat or shaped. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be incorporated within the chamber wall at the other end of the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: Acoustic resonators and systems for controlling the same to cause desired reactions and physical effects therein are described. Some aspects are directed to an acoustic cavitation resonator that can be placed under high static pressure and to which a set of ultrasonic drivers are coupled so as to cause cavitation in the resonator during operation. Inlet and outlet ports allow introduction of one or more fluid species into the resonator so that the desired processing of the fluids can be accomplished under pressure and in the presence of cavitation.

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.

Abstract: A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller blade located within the cavitation chamber. The impeller assembly is magnetically coupled to an external drive system which is used to rotate the impeller, thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to, or during, bubble cavitation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the temperature of the cavitation medium for a cavitation chamber is provided. The cavitation medium is pumped through the cavitation chamber through a pair of chamber inlets and an external conduit connecting the two inlets. An external heat exchanger is used to regulate the cavitation medium temperature, the heat exchanger being either directly or indirectly coupled to the conduit. The cavitation medium can be circulated through the heat exchanger during chamber operation or, once the desired cavitation medium temperature is achieved, operation of the circulation system can be suspended. The heat exchanger can be used to lower the temperature of the cavitation medium to a temperature less than the ambient temperature; to withdraw excess heat from the cavitation medium; or to heat the cavitation medium to the desired operating temperature.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: A system and method for degassing a cavitation fluid is provided. The cavitation system of the invention includes a cavitation chamber with one or more cavitation drivers and a degassing system coupled to the chamber. One or more heaters, such as resistive heaters, are coupled to an external surface of the cavitation chamber such that heat from the heaters is transmitted through the wall of the cavitation chamber and into localized regions of the cavitation fluid contained within the cavitation chamber. The heater or heaters increase the temperature of the localized regions of the cavitation fluid to a temperature above the boiling temperature of the cavitation fluid, thereby creating vapor bubbles which capture gas trapped within the cavitation fluid through a rectified diffusion process. A cavitation fluid cooler can be used to insure that the average temperature of the cavitation fluid is below that of the boiling temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.