Abstract: A vortex reactor (200) for generating hydrogen gas through electrolysis of water, comprising: a reactor body having a first end (204) and a second end (206); one or more inlet ports (202) disposed at or near the first end (204) and configured to direct an electrolytic fluid into the reactor body so that the fluid moves toward the second end (206), the one or more inlet ports (202) being tangentially oriented with respect to an inner surface of the reactor body so that the fluid directed into the reactor body follows a vortical path as the fluid moves toward the second end (206); an anode (242) disposed at the first end (204); and a tubular cathode (244) disposed within the reactor body between the first and second ends, the cathode (244) disposed so that the vortical path of the fluid contacts an inner surface of the cathode (244) as the fluid moves toward the second end (206), wherein power supplied to the anode (242) and cathode (244) cause hydrogen gas to form at the cathode (244) and oxygen gas to form at

Abstract: A vortex reactor includes a reactor body having first and second ends, with one or more inlet ports coupled to the first end. The reactor is configured to form one or more vortices in a fluid passed into the reactor. The inlet port(s) may be positioned to advance a reactor fluid into the reactor body at an angle tangential to an inner surface of the reactor body, forming a vortex that advances toward the second end along the inner surface of the reactor body. A vortex induction mechanism can be disposed within the reactor to induce or augment a vortex within the reactor. The reactor includes an ultrasound-imparting device configured to generate cavitation bubbles in the reactor fluid. The fluid flow within the reactor concentrates the cavitation bubbles within the vortex, thereby providing beneficial physical and/or chemical effects, while protecting the reactor walls and other reactor components from cavitational erosion.

Abstract: A method of building a levee or an island is disclosed. The method includes dredging material from a surface of a body of water with a dredge assembly mounted to a hull and supporting a hopper with the hull. The hopper is adapted to receive the material. The hopper includes a floor with a portion of the floor moveable to permit movement of the material in the hopper, and depositing at a desired location dredge material from the dredge using a transfer conveyor.