Abstract: Membrane tubes or similar membrane devices are arrayed in layers so that liquid placed on their outer surfaces may be evaporated and also drain onto lower membrane devices. The entire array is subjected to moving air to enhance evaporation. The membrane devices function as filters while permeating water from industrial fluids while also providing evaporative surfaces to reduce the volume of used aqueous industrial fluids. The retentate surfaces of the membrane devices may also be on the interiors of the devices, and the permeate contacted with flowing air to evaporate the permeate. Unevaporated permeate is collected in either configuration for use as clean water, and concentrated fluid may be more easily handled, disposed or, and/or its components recycled. A cavitation device may be used to heat the aqueous industrial fluid to enhance permeation and evaporation rates with minimal scaling.

Abstract: A compressor station having at least one primary compressor and a booster compressor is controlled to conserve energy and air, and to respond quickly to sudden changes in demand for air, by employing a volume bottle to buffer changes in air pressure and by recycling already compressed air from the intake to the output of the booster compressor. The system may be used in air drilling and to provide compressed air for generating low density drilling fluid on site by injecting microbubbles into a base drilling fluid. Two different methods of generating microbubbles are illustrated. The primary and booster compressors are kept in a state of readiness during drill pipe connection time, providing for a rapid resumption of pressure and air flow after connection is completed. The system can utilize gases other than air.

Abstract: Aqueous fluids are heated or boiled in a tank or vessel by causing cavitation in the fluid within the tank or vessel. A rotor having cavities on its cylindrical surface is rotated within a closely dimensioned housing submerged in the fluid, deliberately causing cavitation which heats the aqueous fluid without the use of flame or heat exchange surface. An electric motor which powers the rotor may itself be submerged in the tank or boiler vessel. The rotor includes radial channels for imparting centrifugal impetus to the fluid as it flows toward the cavitation zone.