Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid stream includes a feed tank for containing an untreated liquid, a mixer for generating and mixing bubbles throughout the wastewater, and a settling tank for allowing the wastewater to settle for removal of impurities through dissolved gas floatation. The mixer includes a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing. The rotor is electrically isolated and the peripheral wall of the housing is electrically isolated and the rotor preferably has bores formed in its peripheral surface to produce cavitation to aid in mixing of fluid within the mixer. A power supply is coupled to establish a relatively positive electrical charge on the rotor and a relatively negative electrical charge on the wall of the housing. The charge causes electrolysis to occur within the fluid, which forms small low surface tension gas bubbles on the rotor and housing wall.

Abstract: A method of extracting sugar, starch, and/or carbohydrates from feed material such as corn or corn stover is disclosed. The feed material is mixed with liquid and perhaps accelerants to form a mixture. The mixture is pumped through a controlled cavitation reactor, where it is exposed to shockwaves from cavitation events. The shockwaves open pores in the feed material and force liquid in and out of the pores to liberate trapped sugars and starches, which are dissolved in the liquid for subsequent removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating fluids are provided. The method generally includes cavitating and irradiating a liquid. The irradiation of the liquid may include exposing the liquid to ultraviolet radiation. The apparatus generally includes a housing having a chamber formed therein and defined, at least in part, by a chamber wall that transmits radiation therethrough. The apparatus also includes a cavitator in flow communication with the interior of the chamber and a radiator aligned to direct radiation into the interior of the chamber. Cavitation generated by the apparatus and/or provided in the method tends to refresh the liquid exposed to the radiationt, thereby increasing the rate of radiation exposure for the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid stream includes a feed tank for containing an untreated liquid, a mixer for generating and mixing bubbles throughout the wastewater, and a settling tank for allowing the wastewater to settle for removal of impurities through dissolved gas floatation. The mixer includes a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing. The rotor is electrically isolated and the peripheral wall of the housing is electrically isolated and the rotor preferably has bores formed in its peripheral surface to produce cavitation to aid in mixing of fluid within the mixer. A power supply is coupled to establish a relatively positive electrical charge on the rotor and a relatively negative electrical charge on the wall of the housing. The charge causes electrolysis to occur within the fluid, which forms small low surface tension gas bubbles on the rotor and housing wall.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more dissimilar fluids such a gas and a liquid is provided. The method includes the steps of introducing one fluid into the other to form a mixture, inducing cavitation in the mixture to reduce at least one of the fluids to a large number of relatively small units, and distributing the small units uniformly throughout the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inducing cavitation comprises introducing the mixture into a chamber having a rotating disk formed with a plurality of irregularities such as bores. The irregularities on the rotating disk induce cavitation in the mixture. The cavitation also breaks down van der Waals attractions within the mixture to enhance mixing.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more dissimilar fluids such a gas and a liquid is provided. The method includes the steps of introducing one fluid into the other to form a mixture, inducing cavitation in the mixture to reduce at least one of the fluids to a large number of relatively small units, and distributing the small units uniformly throughout the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inducing cavitation comprises introducing the mixture into a chamber having a rotating disk formed with a plurality of irregularities such as bores. The irregularities on the rotating disk induce cavitation in the mixture. The cavitation also breaks down van der Waals attractions within the mixture to enhance mixing.

Abstract: Methods of treating lignocellulosic pulp with cavitation are disclosed. The methods include delignifying a slurry comprising lignocellulos pulp in the presence of cavitation and bleaching a delignified pulp in the presence of cavitation. Delignification can be done by contacting a lignocellulosic pulp slurry with an oxidizing agent in a cavitation zone. Bleaching can be carried out by contacting a delignified pulp slurry with a bleaching agent in a cavitation zone.

Abstract: Methods of treating lignocellulosic pulp with cavitation are disclosed. The methods include delignifying pulp contained in a slurry in the presence of cavitation. Delignification can be done by mixing the pulp slurry with an oxidizing agent in a cavitation zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating fluids are provided. The method generally includes cavitating and irradiating a liquid. The irradiation of the liquid may include exposing the liquid to ultraviolet radiation. The apparatus generally includes a housing having a chamber formed therein and defined, at least in part, by a chamber wall that transmits radiation therethrough. The apparatus also includes a cavitator in flow communication with the interior of the chamber and a radiator aligned to direct radiation into the interior of the chamber. Cavitation generated by the apparatus and/or provided in the method tends to refresh the liquid exposed to the radiationt, thereby increasing the rate of radiation exposure for the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more dissimilar fluids such a gas and a liquid is provided. The method includes the steps of introducing one fluid into the other to form a mixture, inducing cavitation in the mixture to reduce at least one of the fluids to a large number of relatively small units, and distributing the small units uniformly throughout the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inducing cavitation comprises introducing the mixture into a chamber having a rotating disk formed with a plurality of irregularities such as bores. The irregularities on the rotating disk induce cavitation in the mixture. The cavitation also breaks down van der Waals attractions within the mixture to enhance mixing.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more dissimilar fluids such a gas and a liquid is provided. The method includes the steps of introducing one fluid into the other to form a mixture, inducing cavitation in the mixture to reduce at least one of the fluids to a large number of relatively small units, and distributing the small units uniformly throughout the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inducing cavitation comprises introducing the mixture into a chamber having a rotating disk formed with a plurality of irregularities such as bores. The irregularities on the rotating disk induce cavitation in the mixture. The cavitation also breaks down van der Waals attractions within the mixture to enhance mixing.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more dissimilar fluids such a gas and a liquid is provided. The method includes the steps of introducing one fluid into the other to form a mixture, inducing cavitation in the mixture to reduce at least one of the fluids to a large number of relatively small units, and distributing the small units uniformly throughout the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inducing cavitation comprises introducing the mixture into a chamber having a rotating disk formed with a plurality of irregularities such as bores. The irregularities on the rotating disk induce cavitation in the mixture. The cavitation also breaks down van der Waals attractions within the mixture to enhance mixing.