Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for de-watering a sludge. The process comprises heating a de-watering fluid, and passing the de-watering fluid through the sludge, thereby de-watering the sludge. Also disclosed herein is a system for de-watering a sludge and a sludge which is at least partially de-watered according to the process.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assisting a thermally-induced change to a nano-sized solute or dispersed-phase in a liquid. The method comprises the step of passing gas bubbles through the liquid, the gas in the gas bubbles having a temperature higher than the bulk temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assisting a thermally-induced change to a nano-sized solute or dispersed-phase in a liquid. The method comprises the step of passing gas bubbles through the liquid, the gas in the gas bubbles having a temperature higher than the bulk temperature of the liquid.