Abstract: A method according to the present invention for generating micro and nano bubbles of substantially five microns or less in a fluid, is accomplished by injecting a gas through a gas feed conduit into a liquid stream to create a combined flow of gas and liquid, the gas being up to 15 volume percent at STP of the liquid being streamed. This combined flow is contained within a closed container having at least one primary zone and a secondary zone. The combined flow is pressurizing within the closed container primary zone(s) and the pressurized combined flow is maintained at a predetermined first fluid pressure level of substantially between 100 and 150 PSIG within the closed container primary zone(s). Then the pressurized combined flow is directed from the closed container primary zone(s) to the closed container secondary zone through a plate/disk(s) having one or more orifices/ports restricting the combined flow through the orifice/port(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating micro-bubbles and for mixing and/or blending fluids includes providing a pressurized elongate container, having at least one tube mounted in the container inlet. A pre-mixing chamber feeds into each tube. Each tube is cantilevered from the container inlet and has a fixed internal diameter. The tubes are replaceable so that the length of each tube in the container may be optimized to generate micro-bubbles. Tuning or optimizing of the micro-bubble generating system achieves a required pressure drop to form micro-bubbles of five microns or less, and may form nano-bubbles. An upstream pump pressurizes at least two fluids which feed into the pre-mixing chamber. Pressure from the container outlet may be controlled by a valve. The valve leads to a second container, which may be open to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing and/or blending fluids in a pressurized container, where fluids flow through an elongated blunt ended stinger and/or an inwardly chamfered ended stinger within the container, where under controlled pressure the fluids are substantially mixed or blended within the container. An optional diffuser plate adjacent the stinger end may be used.

Abstract: A floating oil skimmer and gravitational separator system, consisting of a vessel adapted to be submerged in a body of water. Oil/water are drawn through the floating skimmer head by a water pump, pumping water through the skimmer head as water is pumped out of the vessel from the bottom of the vessel. The improved skimmer head design improves control of the skimmer head buoyancy and stability, thereby more consistently bringing oil/water into the vessel. An improved means of coalescence and collection of oil into the top of the inside of the vessel is also disclosed, where the oil once collected is then pumped out of the vessel for storage and the water is returned to the water body. Methods of manufacturing the system are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A floating oil skimmer and gravitational separator system, consisting of a vessel adapted to be submerged in a body of water. Oil/water are drawn through the floating skimmer head by a water pump, pumping water through the skimmer head as water is pumped out of the vessel from the bottom of the vessel. The improved skimmer head design improves control of the skimmer head buoyancy and stability, thereby more consistently bringing oil/water into the vessel. An improved means of coalescence and collection of oil into the top of the inside of the vessel is also disclosed, where the oil once collected is then pumped out of the vessel for storage and the water is returned to the water body. Methods of manufacturing the system are also disclosed.