Abstract: A method and assembly for pasteurizing and homogenizing low-viscosity liquids, the method including the steps of flowing the liquid through a tube comprising a transducer for converting electrical energy to acoustic energy, and providing electrical power to the transducer to generate ultrasound and to transmit the ultrasound through the liquid in the tube to induce acoustic cavitation in the liquid in the tube, wherein the cavitation so induced operates to inactivate microorganisms in the liquid and to reduce the size of fat globules in the liquid to a point at which the globules refrain from coalescing and rising to the surface of the liquid during the useful storage life of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for purification of drinking water and other liquids includes providing a generally cylindrically-shaped open-ended tube for flow of the liquid therethrough, the tube comprising a transducer for converting electrical energy to acoustic energy, providing a liquid moving means for flowing the liquid through the tube, and providing an electrical power source for providing electrical power to the tube. The method further includes operating the liquid moving means to flow the liquid through the tube, and operating the power source to transmit ultrasound through the liquid in the tube to induce cavitation in the liquid in the tube. The cavitation inactivates microorganisms in the liquid.