Abstract: A nozzle assembly for generating cavitation includes an inlet nozzle having a first end and an opposing second end. The inlet nozzle further includes an inlet bore extending from the first end to the second end, the inlet bore defining a first cross-sectional area at the first end and a second cross-sectional area at the second end. The second cross-sectional area is less than the first cross-sectional area, such that the inlet bore is configured to decrease pressure in a fluid from the first end to the second end, thereby forming vapor pockets in the fluid. The nozzle assembly further includes an outlet nozzle having a first end and an opposing second end. An outlet bore extends from the first end to the second end, the outlet bore configured to receive fluid from the inlet bore.

Abstract: A binder material for binding a plurality of particles together to form a conglomerate such as a carbon-containing briquette, a sand casting core and the like is provided. The binder material can include a collagen and/or lignin and a plurality of inorganic particles. In some instances, the binder material can be used to make a composite material. The composite material can include a plurality of particles and the binder material that contains the collagen and/or lignin. The binder material affords for the plurality of particles to be bound together into a desired shape, the desired shape having desirable properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing contaminants from a waste fluid stream. The method includes contacting a waste fluid stream with a promoter of hydroxyl radicals to entrain the promoter of hydroxyl radicals in the waste fluid stream, passing the waste fluid stream having the promoter of hydroxyl radicals entrained therewithin along a substantially tortuous path to allow the promoter of hydroxyl radicals to dwell within the waste fluid stream and to further entrain the promoter of hydroxyl radicals in the waste fluid stream, and irradiating the waste fluid stream with ultraviolet radiation. The present invention also provides an apparatus for removing contaminants from a waste fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing contaminants from a waste fluid stream. The method includes contacting a waste fluid stream with a promoter of hydroxyl radicals to entrain the promoter of hydroxyl radicals in the waste fluid stream, passing the waste fluid stream having the promoter of hydroxyl radicals entrained therewithin along a substantially tortuous path to allow the promoter of hydroxyl radicals to dwell within the waste fluid stream and to further entrain the promoter of hydroxyl radicals in the waste fluid stream, and irradiating the waste fluid stream with ultraviolet radiation. The present invention also provides an apparatus for removing contaminants from a waste fluid stream.