Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for pre-treating sewage sludge in a sewage treatment works (STW) to facilitate anaerobic digestion. These methods include (a) passing sewage sludge through one or more pre-treatment devices, wherein each pre-treatment device comprises (i) a passage of substantially constant diameter having an inlet in fluid communication with the STW and an outlet; and (ii) a transport fluid nozzle communicating with the passage and adapted to inject high velocity transport fluid into the passage; (b) passing the sewage sludge treated in step (a) to an anaerobic digester; and (c) collecting methane produced in step (b). Other methods are also provided for pre-treating a bio-degradable waste flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing microorganisms is provided. The method comprises mixing microorganisms with a working fluid to form an working fluid slurry, and injecting a transport fluid through a transport fluid nozzle into the working fluid slurry in order to disrupt the cellular structure of the microorganisms.