Abstract: A mixer/aerator described herein may characterize in one aspect as includes a parallel spaced apart array of discs mounted on a drive shaft. Each disc includes flow apertures separated by spokes. Each spoke is shaped to induce a fluid flow through a corresponding flow aperture, wherein the flow aperture trails a trailing edge of the spoke relative to the rotational direction of the discs to thereby induce a columnar fluid translation of the fluid through the array of discs while simultaneously driving the fluid laterally radially outwardly relative to the discs. Upper discs urge the corresponding columnar fluid translation downwardly, and lower discs urge the corresponding columnar fluid translation upwardly. At least one annular turbulent-mixing passageway is formed between the upper discs and the lower discs wherein said upward and downward columnar fluid translations of the fluid mix while being forced radially outwardly relative to the discs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for more effectively dissolving a gas into a liquid stream. A gas is introduced into a liquid stream, at atmospheric pressure, to create a mixed/dissolved stream. The mixed/dissolved stream is then pressurized to an elevated pressure and directed into a hydrocyclone where the gas is further dissolved and more thoroughly distributed in the liquid thereby creating a more intimately mixed/dissolved stream. The intimately mixed/dissolved stream is then directed to a pressure retention vessel where the liquid is held at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time period for effectively treating, disinfecting and/or clarifying said intimately mixed/dissolved stream. The treated intimately mixed/dissolved stream can then be directed to further processing steps.