Abstract: A diffuser (10) having a body (12) with a blind bore (18) having a closed impaction end (22). Fluids are diffused radially from the body (12) through slots (26). The diffuser (10) is characterized by a central slot (28), a lower slot (3) and an upper slot (32). The central slot (28) discharges a first fluid stream (34) substantially horizontally. The lower slot (30) discharges a second fluid stream (36) at an upward angle to impinge upon the first fluid stream (34). The upper slot (32) discharges a third fluid stream (38) at a downward angle to impinge upon the first fluid stream (34). The diffuser, as described above, has proven to be effective for use in aeration of water for aquaculture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A reactor (1) for gas/liquid or gas/liquid/solid reactions having a vertical longitudinal axis and an inlet (2) for a liquid or liquid/solid feed stream in the upper region of the reactor and an inlet (3) for a gaseous stream in the lower region of the reactor (1), wherein the gaseous stream (3) is conveyed through a gas distributor module (9) which is made up exclusively of straight tube sections (14, 15).

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater is placed directly in line with a flow of stock through a pipe. The steam injection heater includes a Mach diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes and an adjustable steam-plug cover that is positioned within a stationary diffuser tube to modulate the amount of steam added to the flowing stock by exposing a desired number of steam diffusion holes. The steam tube assembly includes an O-ring that forms a seal along the inner wall of the diffuser tube to prevent the flow of stock into the steam tube assembly when steam pressure is not present. Select areas of the steam injection heater, including the deflection plate, diffuser tube and heater body inner wall are coated with a wear coating such as tungsten carbide. Further, a pair of pressure ports are formed in the steam-plug cover to equalize the pressure between the open interior of the steam-plug cover to further facilitate rotation of the steam-plug cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozonization apparatus which is not only capable of dissolving ozone in material water with high efficiency and speedily but also enables the easy and proper control of the dissolved ozone concentration of ozone water. The present invention relates to an ozonization apparatus comprising an ozone gas-permeable membrane disposed to isolate material water and ozone gas from each other and allow said ozone gas to be dissolved in said material water by permeation, said ozone gas-permeable membrane being a nonporous hollow tube which is selectively gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating solids from liquids by means of flotation, particularly for separating impurities and ink particles from fibre suspensions, with several injectors 10, which are provided inside a flotation cell 1. It is mainly characterised by the injectors 10 being arranged in one row.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.

Abstract: A process where gas bubbles are produced under a partial vacuum and are dynamically agitated creating a vortex that allows for homogenization of the gas desired for dissolution into the affected aquifer. The technology is applied through installation of the apparatus into treatment wells. The treatment wells are installed as stand-alone wells where hydrogeological conditions are conductive, i.e. sandy aquifers, fractured bedrock aquifers, or in treatment cells where hydrogeological conditions are less conductive, i.e. saturated sediments that are clay rich. The system does not use a compressed gas, compressed air source, or forced air/gas through the use of compressors or blowers. Rather, it uses cavitation to produce a slight vacuum to draw gas or air through a snorkel apparatus that is attached to the gas mixing chamber of the unit. The unit is installed so that it is submerged in the treatment well below the water table.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: An improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids having a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers. Each infuser includes a circular cavity defined by an interior circumferential wall. A plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. An injecting stream of water and air impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates.

Abstract: Supporting brackets (9) formed by integrating fixed plates (8) extending generally through the overall length of a tube body (2) of a single tube drift generator (1) with support leg members (7) extending in the axial direction of the single tube drift generator (1), comprising a pair of right and left side frames (9a) and (9b) obtained by integrally forming the fixed plates (8) with the support leg members (7) and the cushioning material (9c) provided between the pair of right and left side frames (9a) and (9b), wherein the plurality of support brackets (9) are disposed on the side surface of the tube body (2) of the drift generator (1), and the tube body (2) of the drift generator (1) is connected, through generally the overall length thereof, to the fixed plates (8) of the support brackets (9).

Abstract: A liquid coater generating mists from liquid in a container and discharging the mists to the outside of the container. The liquid coater includes a lower nozzle having a gas injection port in the liquid, an upper nozzle having a gas injection port in the upper part of the container, and a mist conveying passage provided in the upper part of the container. The mist conveying passage conveys mists in the container to the outside of the container, and the mists are generated by injecting gas from the gas injection port of the lower nozzle. In addition, the gas injection port of the upper nozzle and the gas injection port of the lower nozzle are arranged so that gas is injected toward an inner-wall side face of the container from both the gas injection ports.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar powered aeration system that incorporates a battery. The device can be used for improvement of water bodies for use in aquaculture systems, reservoirs, water storage tanks, fish tanks, artificial ponds and lakes, and the like. The device does not require connection to the electrical power grid and may be used in any location. Further, the device can be used during periods of low oxygen content, which is typically the period of day just before sunrise. Additionally, the device uses a laminar column of water to enhance circulation of the water body. Increased efficiency can be obtained by matching the diffuser to the pump size, which is important in solar powered applications.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently remove foam produced in water by the aeration. Further, another object of the present invention is to improve water and air. Said objects can be attained by providing a foam removing apparatus consisting of a core having a spiral groove on its surface and a cylinder in which said core is inserted, and an air-water treating apparatus consisting of an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted in said outer cylinder, a block having gas permeability inserted in said inner cylinder, and a core inserted in said inner cylinder and disposed above said permeable block, to which block an air introducing pipe connecting from the outside, and on the surface of said core a spiral groove being formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolving a gas into a fluid which may contain at least one other dissolved gas. The apparatus includes an inlet tube for receipt of the fluid from a container containing the fluid. A gas inlet is operably connected to the inlet tube for the introduction of gas into the fluid. The mixture of gas and fluid is introduced into a gas transfer device via the inlet tube. The gas transfer device is positioned below the surface of the fluid in the container so that the gas transfer device is hydrostatically pressurized in order to increase the rate and concentration at which the gas is dissolved into the fluid. The gas and fluid mixture is allowed to flow downward through the gas transfer device such that bubbles of gas are dissolved in the fluid. The fluid having the gas dissolved therein enters an outlet means positioned within the gas transfer device.

Abstract: The Quick Connect Diffuser Assembly of the present invention includes a special saddle in fluid communication with an air distribution header pipe and a diffuser body connected to the special saddle. The saddle is connected to the air distribution header pipe with a two interlocking sections joined on one side with a hinge, and on the other with flanges. The flanges are connected with a wedge piece. The diffuser connects to the upper saddle section with a bayonet type Quick connection. Gas is forced from the air distribution header pipe through an orifice hole in the pipe, then through the saddle and exits the diffuser body through a diffusion membrane. The membrane forms the gas into fine bubbles that aerate liquid contained in a basin. A single saddle assembly is adaptable to mount on either US or Metric pipe, which have different outside diameters, by changing gaskets and an O-ring.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: This is an improved impingement jet aeration having steps of airlifting water in the body of the aerator and issuing a water jet into the body of water being aerated, wherein the efficiency of these two steps is greater than the sum of these step. The process is further improved by applying oscillations to the issuing water jet and rocking to a floating version of the aerator. The floating aerator can also be moved over the body of water being aerated. This aerator can also be selfpropelled.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: A reactor for aerating a fluid with a gas comprises a mixing tank (12) for the fluid and a centrally located vertical draft tube (13) submerged in the fluid to divide the mixing tank (12) into an inner chamber (21) and an outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises a motor driven axial flow impeller (14) located in the draft tube (13) for circulating fluid downwardly through the inner chamber (21) and upwardly through the outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises an external circuit for withdrawing a portion of the fluid from the mixing tank (12), aerating the fluid, and returning the aerated fluid to the mixing tank (12). The aerator is in the form of a venturi device (17).

Abstract: A bubbler for use in vapor generation systems that minimizes splashing and the formation of aerosol droplets of liquid, which are carried out of the bubbler in the vapor stream and result in erratic mass transfer of the process chemical liquid. A closed stainless steel vessel contains a carrier gas distribution plenum that distributes the carrier gas to a plurality of small diameter generator tubes, which are submerged into the process chemical liquid. The length, inside diameter and number of the generator tubes are designed to inject a high velocity, small diameter stream of carrier gas into the liquid such that a long small diameter cylinder of carrier gas is created in the process chemical liquid. The surface tension of the liquid-gas interface causes the cylinder of gas to be pinched off at intervals along the length of the cylinder to produce a plurality of small bubbles the diameter of which is largely independent of the carrier gas flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: A sparger for delivering fluid comprising a sparger pipe for carrying the fluid from a fluid source and downwardly directed nozzles to direct the delivery of fluid is disclosed. A substantially vertical connection pipe connects the sparger to the nozzles. Also, a method of delivering oxygen to an oxygen-depleted zone in the bottom of the fermenter using the sparger is disclosed.

Abstract: A supply system for feeding a fluid to a vessel (1) is described, which is provided with a feedline (10), having a reservoir which is filled with the fluid and a compressed-gas store (14) which can be brought into communication with this reservoir (13), in which system the reservoir (13) and the compressed-gas store (14) are arranged in immediate proximity to one another, and wherein the reservoir (13) can, when required, be brought into communication with the feedline (10) via connection pieces (11, 12).

Abstract: An odor control apparatus for a facultative lagoon, and a facultative lagoon created and maintained thereby. The apparatus includes an aerator and a cover. The aerator can include a body with an inlet and an outlet and a support such as a float. The inlet and outlet are submerged slightly beneath the surface of the material in the lagoon. Air supplied under pressure to the aerator diffuses oxygen into the aerobic layer of the lagoon. The dissolved oxygen is used in the biodegradation of the hazardous and odorous gases of the waste material that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The cover is either porous or non-porous and covers some or substantially all of the lagoon surface. The cover promotes accumulation and concentration of desirable odor degrading bacteria in the lagoon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for preventing the growth of marine organisms on objects which are continually submerged in water, such as a boat hull or piling. The present invention operates by having a source of air deliver air through a conduit to an underwater aeration device placed in proximity to the object which is desired to be free of the marine organisms. The present invention comprises an underwater aeration framework having a plurality of air vents therein which supply air bubbles so as to constantly keep the water in motion around the boat hull, piling or other underwater structure, thereby preventing the growth of marine flora and fauna.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolving a gas into a fluid which may contain at least one dissolved gas. The apparatus includes an inlet through which fluid enters the apparatus. The fluid is then housed in a chamber. The apparatus also includes a feed for the introduction of the gas into the fluid housed in the chamber. The chamber has a first portion having a diverging interior surface and a second portion having a cylindrical surface, which configuration enhances gas absorption. Further, the apparatus includes an acceleration plate which accelerates the flow of fluids and gas bubbles in the chamber. In addition, the apparatus includes a helix-shaped bubble harvestor which removes fugitive (undissolved) gas bubbles from the fluid flow and returns them to the chamber above the harvester to increase the probability that those bubbles will be dissolved in the fluid. Fluid having gas dissolved therein exits the chamber through an aperture through the bottom surface of the chamber into an outlet.

Abstract: A floating fine-bubble aeration system for dissolving a gas in a liquid in which the system is floated. A grid of uniformly spaced fine-bubble diffusers is used to establish large area of bubble-laden liquid, having a substantially uniform density. The uniform density prevents the formation of any upwardly directed currents within the interior portion of the area. Bubble residence time is maximized, due to the absence of the currents, thus increasing the efficiency of dissolving the gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolving a gas into a fluid which may contain at least one dissolved gas. The apparatus includes a conventional U-tube oxygenator which includes a U-tube member having an inlet for the introduction of the fluid and the gas to be dissolved into the fluid, and an outlet. The fluid is housed in the U-tube member. The apparatus further includes a helix-shaped bubble harvestor located proximate the bottom of the inlet side of the U-tube member. The helix-shaped bubble harvester removes fugitive (undissolved) gas bubbles from the fluid flow and returns them to the bubble swarm located above the helix-shaped bubble harvestor. The resulting fluid, which contains a high concentration of dissolved gas, exits the outlet of the U-tube member.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.

Abstract: Waste carbon dioxide gas discharged in large quantities from stationary gas generating facilities such as thermal power plants, is dissolved in sea water and isolated deep in the sea to prevent global warming. A vessel is installed in the sea or at the water surface or in the vicinity thereof. A pipe forming a short leg is open at a lower end, functions as a dissolving pipe, and is equipped with a device for blowing a water-soluble gas. A pipe forming a long leg is open at a lower end portion and functions as a sinking pipe. The pipe forming a short leg and the pipe forming a long leg are connected through the vessel, and undissolved gas is diffused into the atmosphere or into the sea from the liquid surface within the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolving a gas into a fluid which may contain at least one dissolved gas. The apparatus comprises a conventional U-tube oxygenator which includes a U-tube member having an inlet for the introduction of the fluid and the gas to be dissolved into the fluid, and an outlet. The fluid is housed in the U-tube member. The apparatus further comprises a helix-shaped bubble harvestor located proximate the bottom of the inlet side of the U-tube member. The helix-shaped bubble harvestor removes fugitive (undissolved) gas bubbles from the fluid flow and returns them to the bubble swarm located above the helix-shaped bubble harvester. The resulting fluid, which contains a high concentration of dissolved gas, exits the outlet of the U-tube member.

Abstract: A biological oxidation filter system can be used as a pretreatment process in water treatment, or for processing sewage or wastewater by reproducing the purification mechanisms in nature environments. It has a physical screening function and an oxidation function through the aeration and biological decomposition. The biological oxidation filter system includes: a raw water inflow unit; a biological contact filter unit; a filtrate outflow unit; an oxidation air supply unit supplying air and/or oxygen in order to provide a proper growth environment for microbial flora and perform the oxidation in the biological contact filter unit; and an air backwashing unit and a water back washing unit for backwashing the filter media when the biological contact filter unit is blocked.

Abstract: A pond insert more particularly intended for insertion in a garden pond is described and which has at least one electromotively driven pump (2) The pump has an inlet connection and two intercommunicating outlet connections (5, 6), whereof one is preferably oriented horizontally and one vertically. The pump can be fixed in a basket-like container (3), which can be filled with a weighting material such as gravel or the like for improving the stability of the pond insert.

Abstract: Oxygen is mixed with waste water at an early stage in a water treatment facility, to reduce odor caused by anaerobic reactions of sulfur. Waste water is withdrawn from a collection basin, by a pump connected to a suction pipe, and is mixed with oxygen from an external source. The mixture, having been saturated with oxygen, is then returned to the collection basin through a discharge pipe. The end of the discharge pipe is positioned at a higher vertical level than the end of the suction pipe, to prevent gas from entering the pump which would cause cavitation. Also, the end of the discharge pipe has a blind flange, such that the oxygen-enriched water exiting the discharge pipe flows in a direction which is non-parallel to the axis of the pipe. This arrangement provides better mixing of the oxygen with the water in the basin, and prevents the oxygen-enriched water from flowing too soon to the suction pipe.

Abstract: A water pressure-type aeration device including a water pump that generates powerful water pressure, with the water pumped through a water distribution head and a number of water distribution tubes which are placed throughout the water of a pond (or tank). The ends of the water distribution tubes are installed to cavitation housings, with the each of the cavitation housings connected at an angle of 90 degrees to the fresh air supply tubes which are directly conjoined to air filter and delivery devices floating on the surface of the water. When water is conveyed under pressure to the cavitation housings at the ends of the water distribution tubes, rear pressure constrictive openings in conjunction with a spray guide elements inside the housings generate powerful water pressure and the resulting friction across the tubular openings of fresh air supply tubes draw air in that is mixed with water in the cavitation housings and discharged from spray nozzles, thereby replenishing oxygen in the water.

Abstract: Waste carbon dioxide gas discharged in large quantities from stationary gas generating facilities such as thermal power plants, is dissolved in sea water and isolated deep in the sea to prevent global warming. A vessel is installed in the sea or at the water surface or in the vicinity thereof. A pipe forming a short leg is open at a lower end, functions as a dissolving pipe, and is equipped with a device for blowing a water-soluble gas. A pipe forming a long leg is open at a lower end portion and functions as a sinking pipe. The pipe forming a short leg and the pipe forming a long leg are connected through the vessel, and undissolved gas is diffused into the atmosphere or into the sea from the liquid surface within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater body is placed directly in line and allows axial flow of stock (i.e. liquid or slurry) through a pipe. The steam injection heater includes a Mach diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes. The Mach diffuser is mounted transverse to the axial flow of stock through the pipe and the heater body. High velocity steam is injected from the plurality of steam diffusion holes into the stock flowing through the heater body. An adjustably positionable cover in the Mach diffuser modulates the amount of steam added to the flowing stock by exposing a desired number of steam diffusion holes. Modulation is accomplished at constant steam pressure by an actuator that rotates the cover. The arrangement is able to efficiently heat large flows of viscous stock, such as slurries having suspended materials that tend to flocculate. The upstream surface area of the Mach diffuser is preferably free of steam diffusion holes to eliminate unnecessary plugging.

Abstract: A jet reactor pump as used to circulate heated water into a swimming pool at near sonic velocity to heat the swimming pool water.

Abstract: A device for regenerating the cooling emulsion (3) stagnating in the tanks (2) of the machine tools, characterized in that the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria responsible for the evil-smelling deterioration of said emulsion (3) is suppressed by the use of a plurality of oxygenation pipes (1) submersed in the cooling liquid and capable of producing air microbubbles that ensure a sufficient and uniform oxygenation of the emulsion and avoid the formation of the typical, continuous lubricating oil layer above the coolant (3). Said oxygenating microbubbles causes also a continuous displacement of the cooling emulsion (3) that reduce the risk of dissociation of the emulsion itself. Pipes (1) submersed in coolant (3) in tank (2) have holes (5) allowing internal pressurized air to escape regularly and to oxygenate cooling liquid (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a gas into a fluid which may contain at least one dissolved gas. The apparatus includes a first vertically oriented tube defining a first inner space and a second vertically oriented tube of diameter larger than the first tube and concentrically oriented about the first tube. The space between the first and second tubes is referred to as the second inner space. The gas is introduced through an inlet into the second inner space. The apparatus includes an acceleration device for accelerating the flow of fluid through the second inner space. The apparatus includes a helix-shaped bubble harvester which removes fugitive (undissolved) bubbles from the fluid flow and returns them to the second inner space to increase the probability that those bubbles will be dissolved into the fluid.