Abstract: Apparatus and system to mechanically lyse microbial cells and disintegrate particulate in liquid and recycling the lysed cells, cytoplasm and particulates to the aeration system of a wastewater treatment plant. The method of lysis is cavitation and impingement in a mill, which preferably has a plurality of stages, each with a rotor/stator set. A corresponding plurality of dividers within the mill channel the fluid sequentially through each of the plurality of stages. Orifice plates may be utilized to maximize cavitation by controlling flow into the rotors, which preferably have tapering slots to maximize cavitation.

Abstract: A device for producing suspensions of finely divided matter includes a dispersion mill of the type with a slotted rotor and stator. The stator has chamfers on the leading edges to permit fluid flow from the rotor into the stator which is longer in duration, of greater volume, and along a path resulting in an impact angle of 90 degrees. The impact angle generates stagnation forces of a magnitude that results in cavitation when the fluid accelerates away from the impact zone. Subsequent discharges of fluid from rotor to stator slot creates increased ambient pressure around the vapor cavity accelerating cavity collapse and generating high pressures through accelerated collapse and through reentrant jet effects. Shock waves are transmitted locally which disintegrate particulates such as cells.