Abstract: Increased yields of middle distillate and jet fuel and increased catalyst activity are obtained in a hydrocracking process by the use of a catalyst containing a beta zeolite and a Y zeolite having a unit cell size from 24.37 to 24.43 angstrom. The catalyst has a relatively high amount of Y zeolite relative to beta zeolite.

Abstract: An improved oxidative process that employ a robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant for effective desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbons including petroleum fuels, hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (VGO), non-hydrotreated VGO, petroleum crude oil, synthetic crude oil from oil sand, and residual oil. Even at low concentrations and without the assistance of catalysts, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks. Furthermore, the process generates a valuable organic acid by-product that is also used internally as the extractive solvent for effective removal of the oxidized sulfur and nitrogen from the hydrocarbons without the need of a final adsorption step. Novel process steps are also disclosed to substantially prevent yield loss in the oxidative process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the removal of contaminating sulfur compounds, more in particular thiophenic sulfur compounds, from hydrocarbon feedstocks, said process comprising contacting the feedstock in the presence of hydrogen with a sulfided nickel adsorbent, of which adsorbent the rate constant for tetralin hydrogenation activity at 150° C. is less than 0.01 l/s.g cat and wherein in said adsorbent part of the nickel is present in the metallic form.

Abstract: A device for sorting different materials comprises a conveyor belt (30), at least one sensor (37) that is allocated to the conveyor belt (30) and detects pieces of material according to the location thereof on the conveyor belt (30), and at least one actuator (24) which separates pieces of material in accordance with signals of the sensor(s) (37). The sorting device has an electromagnetic actuator (24) which includes an ejecting part (15) that is rotatable about a shaft (7) and is connected to at least one coil (10). The coil (10) is located in the air gap between two pairs, oppositely poled permanent magnets (8, 9, 22) and can be rotated from a zero position between the first oppositely magnetized pair (8) into a second position between the second oppositely magnetized pair (9). A rotational movement of the coil (10) causes the ejecting part (15) to separate the respective pieces of material.

Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating assembly configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, and at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream includes fluid from the fluid stream; a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a fluid collection structure configured to receive fluid from at least the separating assembly and the second conveyor, wherein the first conveyor is configured to drain at least some fluid from the first debris stream, to the second conveyor, and the second conveyor includes a non-mesh conveyor belt configured to drain at least some fluid from at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream to the fluid collection structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sorting apparatus for the high voltage test of chip capacitors, which comprises: an align/position module, a sucker/transport module, a clamp/test module, and a diverter/store module, wherein the align/position module can simultaneously align multiple chip capacitors; the sucker/transport module can simultaneously suck the multiple chip capacitors and sends them to the clamp/test module for testing; and then, the diverter/store module can separate the chip capacitors according test results. In the present invention, in addition to that multiple chip capacitors can be tested simultaneously, the sucker/transport module can also simultaneously suck the next batch of chip capacitors ready for testing when the clamp/test module are testing the chip capacitors; therefore, the present invention can sort chip capacitors rapidly and promote the sort efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a moveable carriage system and a stationary carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the moveable carriage system and the stationary carriage system. The plurality of holders hold a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The mail pieces are sequenced as they are transported or moved from the stationary carriage to the moveable carriage.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting device for sorting gaming chips and counters. Said device comprises a collection container (1) located on a base frame (36), an adjoining oblique transport disc (3) for receiving and separating the gaming chips and counters (27), a characteristic identification system positioned in the vicinity of the transport disc (3), in addition to a transfer device (11), which distributes the gaming chips and counters (27) that are sorted according to characteristics in removal units (12) with a preferably U-shaped cross-section. The invention is characterised in that the gaming chips and counters (27) are transferred directly from the transport disc (3) to the removal units (12), the radially external region of said transport disc (3) having recesses (8), into which the gaming chips and counters (27) are separated.

Abstract: A micro-filter device and method of design therefore, for optimizing the same for use in a situation in which at different flows of oil through the device (1), different pressure differences Pd over the device (1) are allowed, including the steps of determining the minimum cross section of a restriction (26) for allowing a minimum amount of flow of oil for by-passing a micro-filter element (7), required for attaining a given maximum pressure difference (P2) over the device at a lowest given amount of flow of oil; limiting the maximum Pd to that of a largest given amount of flow through the device (1) by the use of a pressure valve system (22) opening once said maximum pressure difference (P1) has been reached. The device (1) is provided with both an orifice (26) and a pressure valve system (22) allowing a flow of oil by-passing the filter element (7).

Abstract: A multi-stage water purification device includes an untreated water compartment having an untreated water inlet and a treated water compartment formed from a resilient material. The compartments are segregated from one another. An outlet is in flow communication with the treated water compartment. A first unidirectional valve is disposed between the treated water compartment and the outlet and is configure to permit flow out of the treated water compartment only. A filter is disposed between the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment. The untreated water flows through the filter to produce treated water. A second unidirectional flow valve is positioned at the discharge of the filter and is configured to permit flow out of the filter and into the treated water compartment only. Water is introduced into the untreated water compartment and the treated water compartment is deformed to reduce the volume therein.

Abstract: Detection of oil pollution on water surfaces includes providing echo signals obtained from optical radiation of a clean water area at two wavelengths, optically radiating an investigated water area at two wavelengths and obtaining echo signals from the optical radiation of the investigated water area at the two wavelengths, comparing the echo signals obtained from the radiation of the investigated area at two wavelengths with the echo signals obtained from the radiation of the clean water area, and based on the comparison, determining presence or absence of oil pollution in the investigated water area.

Abstract: A support plate is used in a cog rake bar screen of a wastewater treatment facility and the cog rake bar screen includes an adjustable pin rack system coupled to a frame. The support plate includes a plate having a centerline extending between opposite side walls of the plate. The plate includes a fastener hole for receiving a fastener to couple the plate to the pin rack system and the frame. A set screw is connected to the plate for adjusting position of the plate relative to the frame and thereby adjusting position of the pin rack system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrifying wastewater wherein treated wastewater having a high DO and being highly nitrified is exchanged with wastewater which is anoxic to provide an environment for the denitrification of the highly nitrified wastewater, the method and apparatus including a system for controlling DO in the anoxic wastewater.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device that efficiently filters a filter element and vents pressurized vapors from inside the filter element. The liquid filtration device is comprised of a vent valve apparatus that is furnished within the main body of the filter head and a plug which is located on the filter housing. The main body has a first opening that is located on the outside of the filter housing, a second opening that communicates with the inside of the filter element, an opening that communicates with the second opening and the first opening and a third opening. The third opening permits communication between the filter element and the filter housing as well as between space and the passage found within the third opening. The plug is installed within this passage, and can move between a first position that does not vent pressurized vapors that are within the housing and a second position that vents pressurized vapors that are within the housing.

Abstract: A deep bed filter principally used for filtration of contaminated aqueous fluid comprises a top layer of polymeric cylindrical particles in combination with at least one layer of sand. The polymeric cylindrical particles are approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter and in one embodiment range 6-12 millimeters in length, with a specific gravity of approximately 1.15. When the filter is backwashed, sand particles mix with a portion of the polymeric particle layer, thereby creating larger surface voids for penetration of larger contaminant particles into the filter.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet and two or more spindles arranged in the device. Further included are at least two mutually axially offset diaphragm plates mounted on each of the two or more spindles. The two or more spindles are distributed in the container and rotatable relative to the container.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus has a horizontally oriented permeate conduit supported on the floor of a tank. A module of filtering membranes may be placed on or over the permeate conduit and communicate with the permeate conduit. The module may be of a variety of configurations including one with vertically oriented hollow fibers. A permeate collector may be connected to the permeate conduit by a second permeate conduit. The connection may be made near the top of the module and may be through an isolation valve. The apparatus is suitable, among other things, for installation in a sand filter tank. Permeation may be by gravity flow. This abstract is not to be used to construe the claims.

Abstract: A configuration of a blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems is disclosed which may allow a straight thin-walled tube to be used for a majority of the structure of the housing and other benefits disclosed.

Abstract: The fuel filter assembly of the present invention includes multiple tubes within a combination wash and barrier flow filter. The filter is designed to be used alternately between conventional wash flow mode and periodic barrier mode. The tubes are manufactured of a mesh or screen material. In wash flow mode, flow passes through the filter some of the fluid exits radially through the sidewalls of the tubes. The sidewalls filter particles out of the fluid and the particles blocked by the sidewalls are washed out the second end of the tube. In barrier mode, the motive flow is suspended and all of the potential contaminant is collected on the screen. Over time the screen will become increasing clogged and the pressure drop across the screen will increase. By adding additional tubes to the filter additional surface area of sidewalls is obtained without requiring an undesirable lengthening of the filter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an on-the-fly long-running rotary filtration screen comprising a rotating split-flow bar, a filtration sleeve, filtration screen, a large gear, a small gear, a motor, a stop disc, two square keys, a outlet housing and a residue-removing rod. The main feather of the present invention is to employ the filtration bar to rotate continuously, mix and transport the plastic raw material toward the space formed between the split-flow and the filtration sleeve, thereby allowing the plastic raw material to flow into the conical hole and to be discharged from the funnel-shaped outlet of the outlet housing. When the motor is actuated, the hydraulic cylinder is also actuated with the motor. The action of the hydraulic cylinder causes the round rod to move forward, which in turn causes the filtration bar to move forward to a certain distance and backward to its original position, thereby generating a reciprocating action.

Abstract: A filter cartridge which is environmentally friendly in that it is made up of components which are all incinerateable. The ends of a filter element are sealed using potting compound and plastic endcaps. The upper endcap, which is closed, has a pressure relief aperture associated therewith to prevent bowing. In a plugged filter condition the high downward pressure introduced on the upper endcap is compensated by providing the cartridge with centering ribs which bottom on an associated ledge in the housing to provide a positive stop for the top endcap, preventing it from being driven down into and through the filter element. Rubber gaskets are associated with the respective endcaps, and are reliably secured to the endcaps by being snap fit into grooves molded into the plastic of the endcaps. The lower endcap utilizes a simple radial seal gasket which is both highly effective and also positioned to avoid structural crushing forces on the cartridge. A keying system prevents the installation of improper filters.

Abstract: The invention describes a separation device (11) for insertion into an interior space (10) of a holding container (5) of a holding device (1) for the components of substances to be separated such as body fluids, tissue parts and/or tissue cultures, whereby the separation device (11) comprises at least one separation element (42) with end faces (44, 45) set a distance apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis (15) and several channels (56) extending between the two end faces (44, 45) are arranged in the separation element (42). The channels (46) arranged in the separation element (42) are designed so that in a working position they allow the components of the substance to be separated to pass through exclusively while a compressive force is being applied to the substance, and in a separation position, the channels (46) suppress the passage of the components that are to be separated.

Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.

Abstract: The instant invention is a device for absorbing excess oil, grease and fat from liquid food products. The device has a porous outer layer completely enclosing an inner layer resembling a conventional tea bag. The inner layer of the device contains an oil, grease and fat absorbing material. When the device is placed into a liquid food product that contains unwanted hazardous liquid, the device will absorb the excess. The device can then be easily removed from the liquid food product by simply grabbing a string attached to the device that remains out of the food product by an anchoring means.

Abstract: Provided is a membrane filtration system which makes it possible to improve operation rate of the system by increasing the amount of water to be treated, and to reduce costs required for chemical washing and replacement of a membrane. Accordingly, a total running cost is reduced. The membrane filtration system is provided with temperature-responsive membrane modules for filtering supplied raw water to discharge it as treated water. In each of the temperature-responsive membrane modules, temperature-responsive membranes are formed into any one of planar and cylindrical forms, and are then filled into a container.

Abstract: A method for creating a highly breathable and waterproof fabric based on hydrophobic plastic (such as PVDF) as a membrane layer. This new fabric allows higher water vapor throughput and better water resistance than other PVDF and ePTFE membranes. This is achieved through control of pore size, thus creating a spongy porous structure, pre-stressing to make the membrane and subsequent laminated fabric soft, and a microscopically folded structure which increases the surface area for the porous media, thus gaining higher throughput, waterproofness and comfort. In addition, the invention provides a method of controlling pore size distribution, increased porosity and pre-stress relief during the gelation proces.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorine substituted oligomeric or polymeric ester including the reaction product of a fluorine substituted acrylate or a fluorine substituted methacrylate; an unsaturated anhydride; and an alkyl acrylate or an alkyl methacrylate. Also provided is a method of making the composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymeric membranes is disclosed, which has the following steps: (a) forming a casting solution by dissolving cellulose triacetate (CTA) and polyether-sulfone (PES) in a solvent mixture containing n-methyl pyrroridone (NMP) and hydrogen chloride (HCl); (b) forming a membrane from said casting solution; and (c) recovering said membrane. The method of present invention provides an asymmetrical, microporous, polymeric membrane with a high recovery rate of nucleic acids and desirable bulk and surface properties. Also, the membrane so-produced is useful to the application of material separations by filtration and the like, especially the condensation of nucleic acids from a crude sample by filtration.

Abstract: A waste water separator device comprising a container having a base, the device also comprising an inlet with an exit therefrom and an outet with an entrance thereto and defined within the container first, second and third chambers through which waste water flows along a path between the inlet and the outlet, communication between the first and second chambers being by way of at least one aperture, in a wall separating the first chamber from the second chamber, close to the base of the container, and communication between the second and third chambers being either over the top of or through an aperture in a wall separating the second chamber from the third chamber at a height above the entrance to the outlet.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of nitrogen from anaerobically digested liquid waste and for the collection of the nitrogen as nitrate compounds that can be used to produce fertilizer and compost, includes stripping ammonia from anaerobically digested liquid waste, and converting the ammonia into nitrates via nitrification. The stripping gas is heated above ambient atmospheric temperature to improve nitrogen recovery. The heat can be reclaimed by burning gases generated during the anaerobic digestion process.

Abstract: An improved process for sludge treatment includes anaerobic digestion followed by post-mesophilic aerobic and/or anoxic digestion. The first anaerobic step may be performed under either mesophilic or thermophilic conditions. The subsequent aerobic/anoxic digestion may be performed using either simultaneous, sequential or pulsed aerobic and anoxic conditions. An apparatus for performing the improved sludge treatment may be one digester for performing the anaerobic followed by aerobic/anoxic digestion. Alternatively, the system for performing the improved sludge treatment techniques may be at least two digest reactors.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and a biological reactor usable in a wastewater treatment system are disclosed. Also disclosed is a media for supporting a growth biology and usable in a biological reactor. Each media includes a tubular cross-section and perturbated outer perimeter, which may be non-nesting. The perturbated outer perimeter creates a protected outer surface area for supporting a growth biology. Also disclosed is a screen sized so as to facilitate retention of the number of media within the biological reactor.

Abstract: A clarification process for the substantially aerobic purification of sewage containing biological waste, in particular kitchen and household waste, is described as well as in particular a decomposition device for carrying out the process. The decomposition device has a clarification container which has a supply and a drain and an air feeding device which feeds air at the bottom of the clarification container.

Abstract: An efficient system and process for removing nitrogen from wastewater while enriching seed sludge in the mainstream treatment process. Bioaugmentation of seed autotrophic organisms facilitate the nitrification reactions by enhancing the rates of reaction advantageously within a smaller volume or within a shorter activated sludge solids retention time. Likewise, bioaugmentation of seed denitrification organisms will also enhance rate of reaction within a smaller volume or shorter activated sludge solids retention time. Separate treatment of high ammonia digester reject water is an efficient method to treat nitrogen in recycle streams as well as to enrich the seed nitrifying and denitrifying cultures.

Abstract: A heat sanitization system for a reverse osmosis system that utilizes the pure water produced by a reverse osmosis unit to sanitize the various conduits and components of the reverse osmosis system. The pure water from the reverse osmosis unit is collected in a storage tank during a tank fill cycle and, during one of the sanitization cycles, that pure water is withdrawn from the storage tank, heated to a desired sanitizing temperature and the heated, pure water is circulated through a selected flow path of the reverse osmosis system for a sufficient period of time to carry out sanitization. A control system allows the user to select the particular flow path for the sanitization cycle or the flow path can be automatically determined by the control system. There are also cool down cycles that selectively cool the particular flow path after a sanitization cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a container or housing, such as a microcolumn, which contains an analyte separation (i.e., extraction) system is provided. The analyte separation system houses a separation media having a particle size diameter of greater than about 30 microns in diameter that is substantially free of interfering contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various sets of unit operations for treating aqueous effluents and logic for designing and effecting the treatment. The unit operations include stabilization of subterranean waters, sequential oxidation steps to alter selected target materials, oxidation to break up emulsions prior to removal of the emulsion components, and intense oxidation to break up difficult-to-remove organic target materials.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a system mass input, a blending system connected to the system mass input, with the blending system being configured to mix a polymer with a fluid to form a mixed solution, a liquid extraction assembly connected to the blending system, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the blending system and a second section between the blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the blending system through the first section of the piping, inject the mixed solution into the mass in the blending system, and transport the mass from the blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. The blending system comprises a mechanically movable assembly for mixing the polymer with the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer films and a polymer membrane having an improved mechanical property profile produced therefrom, to a process for producing them and to their use. The polymer films, polymer membranes and separation membranes of the invention are produced from selected polymer raw materials and have excellent chemical, thermal. and mechanical properties as are required for use as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in PEM fuel cells or in apparatuses for the filtration and/or separation of gases and/or liquids or for reverse osmosis.

Abstract: In a chip (215), an inlet (217), a main channel (221), a separation region (218), and dispensing channels (222) are formed on a substrate (216). It is structured such that a plurality of the dispensing channels (222) are communicated with the main channel (221), and detection reservoirs (223) are communicated with the respective dispensing channels (222).

Abstract: A displacement chromatography process and displacer compounds used in the process and having the general formula (I): wherein: each group R1, R2, R3, R?1, R?2, and R?3, independently may be selected from alkyl, aryl, and aralkyl, and in which a ring containing one or more quaternary nitrogen may be formed by any one or more of R1 and R2, R1 and R?1, R1 and R4, R4 and R?4, or R4 and R5; each R4, R?4, R5 and R?5 independently may be selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and —(CH2)a—(CHY)b—(CH2)c—N+R1R2R3 An?, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined above; each Y independently may be selected from —H, —OH, —OR6, halo, alkyl, aryl and aralkyl, wherein —R6 may be alkyl or —(CH2)a—(CHOH)b—(CH2)c—N+R1R2R3 An?, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined above; each q and z independently may be any whole number from 0 to about 6, with the proviso that q+z is equal to or less than about 6; each a, b, and c independently may be any whole number from 0 to 2, with the proviso that the sum a+b+c in any fragment is at least

Abstract: To produce a bifunctional adsorbent capable of adsorption in the acidic region, a polymeric substrate is first exposed to a radiation and then a phosphonic acid group suitable for metal adsorption and a sulfonic acid group are introduced into the substrate by graft polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical industry and can be used for extracting perchlorate-ion from a highly concentrated processing solution having a complex nitrate-chloride-sulphate-iodate composition. The inventive method for extracting perchlorate-ion from an aqueous solution comprises passing the solution through a highly basic anionite and subsequent regeneration of the said anionite in a metal salt aqueous solution. The anionite in the nitrate form is used as an anionite, and its regeneration is performed in an aqueous solution of alkali or alkali-earth metal nitrate at the temperature of 0-60° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of phosphate removal from a body of water, especially in pools and spas. It is an improved method of removal of phosphate from pools and spas by the topical addition with a hand held, hose end sprayer of a phosphate scavenging agent or composition, such as aluminum chlorohydrate and a suitable chemical for pH adjustment, allowing the scavenging agent or composition and phosphate to interact and for the resultant product to settle to the floor of the pool or spa. After twenty-four hours the sediment on the floor is removed by vacuuming. After a second twenty-four hour period any additional sediment that has settled to the floor is removed by repeating the vacuuming procedure.

Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water and in some embodiments is routed through a sidestream inlet from the top of the reaction chamber to its lower portion. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. A fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.

Abstract: A process to improve the polymeric filtration aid performance used in removal of gypsum from phosphoric acid/gypsum slurry. A synergistic effect has been observed by using a Dual Injection method. This method more specifically involves using two polymers (A & B) of different chemistry and injecting into slurry at a different time. The polymer chemistry of filtration aid A is selected from the group consisting of non-ionic, anionic, and cationic polymers and the polymer chemistry of filtration aid B is selected from the group consisting of sulfonated polymers. The polymer (A & B) usage is reduced by around 50% and performance improved.

Abstract: A pipe separator for separation of fluids, for example separation of oil, gas and water in connection with the extraction and production of oil and gas from formations under the sea bed. It comprises an extended, tubular separator body (1) that has a diameter at the inlet and outlet ends that is mainly equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the transport pipe to which the separator body is connected. A cyclone (3) is arranged upstream of the separator body for separation of any gas present. An electrostatic coalescer (4) is incorporated in and constitutes an integrated part of the separator body (1).

Abstract: A grey-water utilisation system for an aircraft for treating grey water from the lavatory basins to become odourless clear water used for flushing the toilets. Freight compartment drainage can be by way of drainage valves embedded in the fuselage, or alternatively, by way of removal by suction into a waste-water collection tank.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides an apparatus and method for disinfection of ship's ballast water, such as sea water, based on hydrodynamic cavitation. The apparatus comprises a cavitating chamber of cross section such as circular or non circular shape housing a single or multiple cavitating element(s) in the form of plates of metallic, ceramic, plastic materials of varying thicknesses placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of liquid and positioned at uniform or non-uniform spacing. The cavitating elements are provided with single or multiple orifices of different cross sections, circular or non-circular, with or without sharp edges and with a fraction of cross-sectional open area of the passage. The disinfected water may be re-circulated through the system for additional disinfection or released from the tank into the surrounding waterways.