Abstract: To promote nucleation of a solute in a solution (e.g. wax dissolved in lubricating oil), free excess charge which is net unipolar is introduced into the solution, for example by charge injection, and the solubility for the solute is reduced (for example by cooling), at least until nucleation of the solution takes place. Nucleation is the physical mechanism which leads to precipitation of the solute and so this method can be applied for the electrical pretreatment of the solution to produce a precipitate, following which the precipitate can be removed from the solvent by conventional separation techniques or be present to provide desired physical or chemical characteristics. An alternative method is to reduce the solubility of the solute in the solution almost to the point of nucleation, and only then to introduce the free excess charge so as to precipitate the onset of nucleation.

Abstract: A multi-stage gas/liquid reactor is disclosed which has several concentric internal baffles, which define reaction stage zones. A central liquid inlet and an array of gas inlets supply the reactants which flow sequentially through diametrically opposed baffle passages to the various reaction stage zones. A method of using such a reactor to provide radially outward, positive pressure against the baffles is also disclosed.