Abstract: A gas and liquid contacting apparatus, illuminated, with circulation, and a method, are disclosed. To remove a trace component from a mixture of gases, for example to remove carbon dioxide from air, the inefficiency of attempting to dissolve all of the gas mixture followed by desorption of the non target components is overcome by injecting small bubbles (5) into a liquid filled chamber (1) which is inclined at an angle and has an abrupt change in cross section (2) & (3). The target component diffuses out of the small bubbles. The small bubbles, substantially relieved of the target component, are collected in a gas trap (4) created by the inclination and dimension change of the chamber. Large bubbles (8) escaping from the gas trap via an upper riser (9) to a reservoir (10) assist with the circulation of the contents of the system. A return tube (11) connecting the reservoir to the bottom end of the chamber completes the circuit.

Abstract: In order to prevent global warming, technology is developed for dissolving carbon dioxide gas in waste gas containing carbon dioxide, which is discharged in large quantities from stations gas generating facilities such as thermal power plants, in sea water and isolating it deep in the sea.

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: Apparatus for facilitating the mixing, absorption and/or retention of carbon dioxide ‘CO2’ in hydrocarbon fuel to economically produce a safety-enhanced and/or improved-combustion fuel. The apparatus includes at least one mixing receptacle having at least one coupling with a controllable inert gas supply; at least one coupling with a controllable hydrocarbon fuel supply; and at least one coupling with a CO2-enriched fuel fuel-line. The mixing receptacle(s) is configured to retain a volume of fuel and a volume of CO2 such that CO2-enriched fuel having a controllable gas-fuel ratio is the product of the mixing receptacle(s) and the gas of the ratio(s) exceeds 0.1 volume of CO2 per volume of fuel and is less than approximately 3 volumes per volume of fuel when conveyed from the receptacle(s). The apparatus controls the exposure of hydrocarbon fuel molecules to an optimal volume of CO2 within the receptacle(s).

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: An aerator for a body of water is disclosed comprising a structure for forming a column of water wherein the column has a longitudinally extending core devoid of water and a structure for injecting oxygenated fluid into the core. Also provided is a method for forming a column of water wherein the column has a longitudinally extending core devoid of water and injecting oxygenated fluid into the core so that the water is contacted with the oxygenated fluid only from points within the core.

Abstract: In typical hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water, the level of dissolved oxygen is low due to the high biological oxygen demand. The present invention increases dissolved oxygen levels in the ground water thereby increasing biological activity. The increased biological activity means that more of the dissolved hydrocarbons will be consumed at a greater rate. The instant process and apparatus for remediating dissolved hydrocarbon in ground water involves drawing ambient air down through a tubing and aeration stone into ground water by the vacuum created by a soil vapor extraction (SVE) system thereby increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the SVE well and in the ground water resulting in enhanced biodegradation by aerobic microbes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of increasing the oxygen transfer rate, residence time, and circulation pathways within waste water is provided. The process uses cyclic bursts of compressed air to establish flow patterns within waste water. The flow patterns increase the residence time of air supplied by conventional aeration sources. The increased aeration facilitates the treatment of the waste water. Additional benefits which result from the process include increased mixing of the waste water along with additional aeration brought about from the cyclic air bursts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a gas and a liquid while concomitantly mixing and suspending solids and sludge at the bottom of a deep tank. The present invention includes a gas-liquid aerator which is adapted to be submerged below the surface of wastewater in a deep tank. An expanding high velocity gas-liquid mixture is caused to exit from the bottom of the submerged aerator device with enough force to mix and suspend settling solids and sludge at the bottom of the deep tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the resistivity of water. The apparatus includes a diffuser injector for mixing water and a water soluble gas such as carbon dioxide gas and that defines an inlet conduit through which water to be treated is communicated and an output conduit from which treated water is discharged. A diffuser tube is disposed within one of the conduits for injecting carbon dioxide gas into the water. A proportional control valve provides carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide tank to the carbon dioxide diffuser tube. Downstream from the diffuser injector are a static mixer for further intermingling the water and carbon dioxide gas and a serially connected contact chamber for enhancing the stability in the resistivity level of the water. A resistivity monitor measures the resistivity of the water and carbon dioxide mixture and transmits a signal to a controller.

Abstract: A diffuser for mixing and oxygenating water or other liquid with an airstrip employs a self supporting microporous tubular membrane, arranged in a spiral or grid configuration, with openings between proximate elements which, are at least equal to the diameter of the membrane. Gas, when forced through the tubular membrane, forms fine bubbles which agitate, oxygenate and entrain the surrounding liquid as it slowly passes through the openings. The tubular membrane is flexible and is to be mounted on a manifold which connects it to a source of air or gas, and which may also impart buoyancy or serve as anchor in the liquid.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes an inverted J-shaped pipe disposed under the sea and including shorter and longer open end portions, and a connecting portion joining them such that the shorter and longer portions extend downward from connecting portion to their respective open ends. An injector nut injecting the carbon dioxide-containing gas into a portion of said short pipe adjacent to said first open end into said shorter pipe. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the connecting portion for collecting gas, which remains undissolved in the seawater during the passage of the carbon dioxide-containing gas through said shorter pipe.

Abstract: The bubble elevator includes an orifice intermediate between the air tapping point for entraining liquid and the top opening for ejecting the air/liquid mixture. The liquid can be ejected through the orifice when the tank has a low liquid level and its content cannot therefore be entrained as far as the top, or on the other hand an additional suction of liquid can be produced. A bubble elevator is generally used to stir and homogenize the liquid content of a tank.

Abstract: An aerator for a water treatment plant or water conditioning application, includes a draft tube for vertical positioning within a volume of water and an outlet structure overlying a top open end of the draft tube. Water is lifted or pumped through the draft tube out of the top open end. The outlet structure includes a stepped splash plate which deflects the water flowing out of the top open end in a cascading fashion which increases the oxygenation efficiency and spray pattern of the thus aerated water. Additionally, a blinder bracket is applied to the outlet structure to reduce flow from the outlet structure at a particular preselected arc. The draft tube and outlet structure can be molded as a unitary plastic piece, and flow windows and openings can be cut into the piece.

Abstract: A gas distribution grid for a slurry reactor includes a plurality of gas injectors horizontally arrayed across, and extending through, an otherwise gas and liquid impervious plate. The injectors have a throat open at both ends, with a gas pressure reducing bore at one end which is the entrance end and with the other end opening into an upward opening cone. Flow diverting means in the injectors prevents slurry solids from entering the throat and being attrited by the high velocity gas jet exiting the bore into the throat. It is preferred that the gas injectors not protrude above the top surface of the grid and flat space is eliminated by means such as angular fillers, to prevent solids accumulation top of the grid. A chamfer may be present at the junction of the bore and throat to prevent unrestricted expansion of the gas jet entering the throat. This is useful for injecting gas into a reactive hydrocarbon synthesis slurry in a slurry reactor, with reduced catalyst attrition and deactivation.

Abstract: In a process for transferring oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas into water or aqueous solutions in the treatment of water or aqueous solutions, oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas is added to the water or aqueous solution continuously or at intervals through an injector and simultaneously through at least one tube sparger.

Abstract: Process for recovering and reusing effluent gas from an ozonization reactor in a plant for treating effluent, especially sewage, which includes a biological reactor, a clarifier and an ozonization reactor. The effluent gas from the ozonization reactor is brought, as a cocurrent, into contact with a stream of water containing compounds that can be oxidized by the ozone, so that the residual ozone is removed and efficiently consumed. The effluent gas thus stripped of the residual ozone is then, optionally, pressurized using a fluid taken from the plant so as to produce a gas/liquid mixture. The gas liquid mixture is converted into an emulsion of fine bubbles, and the emulsion is introduced into the biological reactor, preferably near the bottom of the latter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for oxidizing substances contained in sewage, a nozzle system, and a plant for carrying out this method. The method is characterized in that three radical chain circuits are superimposed, thus producing a continuous reaction chain which is maintained by incorporating a radical starter, a catalyst and oxygen into the sewage flow. The reaction is characterized in that the reaction partners are brought together via a nozzle system which creates unsteady flowing conditions. To reduce operational costs, the sewage is fed by the nozzle system to the autothermic reactor via a heat exchanger which is heated by the treated sewage flow. The method is characterized by its flexibility in treating different kinds of sewage flow of different concentrations. The advantages are, above all, the following: reduced sludge production, high biocompatibility of the residues to be transported, and low consumption of chemical substances.

Abstract: A facultative lagoon, an airlift aerator for such a lagoon, and a method of operating such a lagoon. The aerator includes a U-shaped body with a down flow leg and an airlift leg and a float. The float sustains the U-shaped body with respect to the surface of polluted material contained in the lagoon. The upper ends of the legs are submerged slightly beneath the surface of the material in the lagoon. The down flow leg has a water inlet and the airlift leg has the water outlet. A bubble generator is connected to a lower portion of the airlift leg. Air supplied under pressure to the bubble generator introduces bubbles into the airlift leg which establishes a water circulation through the U-shaped body. Bubbles transfer oxygen to the passing water which is disbursed through the water outlet. 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.

Abstract: A gas distribution grid for a slurry reactor includes a plurality of gas injectors horizontally arrayed across, and extending through, an otherwise gas and liquid impervious plate. The injectors have a throat open at both ends, with a gas pressure reducing bore at one end which is the entrance end and with the other end opening into an upward opening cone. Flow diverting means in the injectors prevents slurry solids from entering the throat and being attrited by the high velocity gas jet exiting the bore into the throat. It is preferred that the gas injectors not protrude above the top surface of the grid and flat space is eliminated by means such as angular fillers, to prevent solids accumulation top of the grid. A chamfer may be present at the junction of the bore and throat to prevent unrestricted expansion of the gas jet entering the throat. This is useful for injecting gas into a reactive hydrocarbon synthesis slurry in a slurry reactor, with reduced catalyst attrition and deactivation.

Abstract: A water charging machine wherein the water being treated is moved downwardly through a vertically extending outer vortex and then moved in an upwardly extending inner vortex within the outer vortex. Oxygen may be introduced into the stream of water either upstream of the outer vortex or at the point of reversal of the water between the outer vortex and the inner vortex, or both, to provide a long shelf life incorporation of the gaseous oxygen in the water. The water and oxygen may also be exposed to a negative or positive magnetic field and a piezoelectric field to provide a substantial Zeta potential.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, preventing the formation of deposits on surfaces downstream of a mixer in which possibly supersaturated mixtures issuing from the mixer are surrounded by a sheath of unsaturated solution. In an arrangement described, the sheath of unsaturated mixture is obtained by bleeding off some of the mixture issuing from the mixer sufficiently downstream of the mixer definitely to be unsaturated and returning this portion of the mixture to surround that issuing from the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively aerating a pond. The inventive apparatus preferably includes a first conduit for receiving a fluid from an upper portion of a pond without substantially disturbing a fluid material contained in a lower portion of the pond; a gas delivery conduit for delivering a gas into the apparatus; and a discharge conduit, at least partially positioned in the receiving conduit, for discharging the fluid and the gas into the upper portion of the pond without substantially disturbing the fluid material contained in the lower portion of the pond.

Abstract: System and method for diffusing gas bubbles into a pond, lagoon or basin that is used for fish farming or other form of aquaculture. A small amount of water is continuously removed from the bottom of the body of water by one or more counterflow gas lift diffusers. This small amount of water is flowed down underground, has gas bubbles introduced into it, and is then returned to the body of water. The quantity of water removed and treated in this way is a small fraction of the total body of water in the pond, lagoon or basin. The ratio of (1) the total volume of the channels below ground through which the water flows downward, and then back up into the body of water, to (2) the volume of the body of water above ground is at all times less than about 1:100.

Abstract: Intimate contact of water with a treatment gas is achieved by mixing the gas and water co-currently in a conduit containing static mixers, and directing the conduit into a gas contact apparatus that contains coaxial inner and outer tanks, the inner tank being open within, and shorter than, the outer tank, leaving a head space above the top of the inner tank. The conduit discharges the gas-water mixture at the base of the interior of the inner tank, permitting the water to flow upward through the annular space between the inner tank and the conduit, then over the weir formed by the open upper end of the inner tank and downward through the annular space between the inner and outer tanks. Gas is separated from the water at the head space, and treated degasified water leaves the apparatus at the base of the outer tank.

Abstract: A multi-stage system produces microbubbles in a liquid. A first bubble prcing stage generates bubbles of a first size range. At least one additional bubble producing stage has an inlet positioned in the liquid for capturing bubbles in the first size range. Each additional bubble producing stage terminates in an outlet and includes a pump. Each pump generates a pressure increase between the inlet and its outlet and generates a pressure drop across the respective outlet. As a result, bubbles of a second size range exit each outlet where the second size range defines bubble sizes that are smaller than bubble sizes defined by the first size range.

Abstract: A water charging machine wherein the water being treated is moved downwardly through a vertically extending outer vortex and then moved in an upwardly extending inner vortex within the outer vortex. Oxygen may be introduced into the stream of water either upstream of the outer vortex or at the point of reversal of the water between the outer vortex and the inner vortex, or both, to provide a long shelf life incorporation of the gaseous oxygen in the water. The water and oxygen may also be exposed to a negative or positive magnetic field and a piezoelectric field to provide a substantial Zeta potential.

Abstract: A device for mixing two fluids, of which at least one is a liquid, which has a tubular vessel open on both axial ends for receiving the fluids, at least two nozzles which are separated from one another in space for supplying the fluids and a guide device one end of which communicates with the nozzles. At a location approximately in the middle of the guide device, it discharges into the vessel, the vessel surrounding at this point an impact zone in which fluid streams emerging from the guide device impact each other. The guide device is joined securely to the vessel and, one of the walls of the guide device defining a closed passage is the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hollow shaft (6) with water jet vacuum pumps peripherally attached to the end thereof at a certain distance therefrom wherein the water pumps have vacuum pockets (3) communicating with the inside of the hollow shaft via ducts (5). The lower portion of the shaft is plugged, and its upper portion has peripheral perforations (8) providing free access for air or gas flowing into the shaft so that the air or gas can reach the vacuum pockets of the water pumps. The top end of the shaft is coupled to an electric motor (9) either directly or via a motor reducer (10). When the shaft and the water pumps are rotating within a liquid, the liquid pressure at the tips (2) of the water pumps create a vacuum, whereby fine bubbles of air or gas can be fed into and diffused through the liquid at a submerged depth of the water pumps.

Abstract: A process for generating microbubbles in a body of liquid includes immersing a tubular member defining a chamber having closed and open ends in a body of liquid with the closed end facing upward and the open end downward in the body of liquid; pressurizing the interior of chamber adjacent its closed end with a gas to maintain a level of liquid within the tubular member at a desired operating level; providing a liquid flow conduit conveying a liquid stream and having a terminal end within the chamber located such that the terminal end is fixed at a level just below the operating level of the liquid to thereby cause a stream of liquid flowing through the conduit to cause periodic oscillation of the level of liquid adjacent the conduit terminal end between positions just above and just below the terminal end, thereby causing periodic entrainment of gas from above the operating level of the liquid into the stream flowing through the conduit in the form of extremely small bubbles on the order to 30 .mu.

Abstract: Improved gas distribution and mixing is achieved in a gas/liquid mixing basin particularly for aerobic or anaerobic sewage digesters. In addition to a draft tube positioned generally centrally in the aeration or anaerobic basin and served by one or more gas-releasing diffusers, the system of the invention includes peripheral draft tubes surrounding the central draft tube, each tube having at least one gas diffuser within. The circulation of liquid and gas bubbles from the larger, central draft tube is supplemented by circulation from the peripheral draft tubes. In particular, "dead areas" or less active areas of the liquid, which are not sufficiently reached by gas-mixing from a single draft tube in many basin configurations, are reached by circulation from the peripheral draft tubes and such dead areas are virtually eliminated.

Abstract: A pneumatic bubble aeration reactor and method for conditioning bodies of liquid comprising at least one upwelling bubble conduit, at least one return conduit fluidly connected to the upwelling conduit via a fluid reservoir and a secondary gas-diffuser positioned adjacent the top of the return conduit. A liquid driving diffuser introduces oxygen-rich gas bubbles into the upwelling conduit at a velocity sufficient to cause the downward flowing liquid in the return conduit to exceed the natural tendency of the secondary gas to flow upwardly. This driving action is coupled with a reactor geometry to assure a liquid velocity that exceeds the rise velocity of the bubbles, causing the bubbles to reach the exit end of the return conduit. An expansion chamber is provided at the exit end of the return conduit to present a decreasing velocity gradient to the fluid passing through the return conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing oxygen into a subsurface stratum of a thermally stratified body of water, while maintaining the thermal stratification thereof substantially undisturbed, comprising a closed flow path wherein water enters an inflow aperture, extends upwardly through an upflow chamber, through a horizontal chamber, downwardly through a downflow chamber, and through an outflow aperture. Both the inflow aperture and the outflow apertures are positioned within the subsurface stratum. Within the conduit is an aerator which introduces oxygen, an impeller which assists the flow of water through the conduit and which mixes water with oxygen, and a collector which collects undissolved gas within the conduit at the horizontal chamber. Outside the conduit, and above the outflow aperture, an interceptor means collects undissolved gas outside of the outflow aperture, and prevents vertical circulation of water discharged from the outflow aperture means.

Abstract: An HMDS tank for use in an integrated circuit fabrication process includes a tank configured to hold HMDS having an first inlet port configured to receive a carrier gas below an HMDS surface level, an outlet port configured to release said carrier gas saturated with HMDS above the HMDS surface level, and a second inlet port configured to receive HMDS. A sensor is positioned in the tank at a predetermined HMDS level and configured to generate a sensor signal when the HMDS surface level falls below the predetermined HMDS level. A processor is coupled to the sensor and configured to generate a fill signal in response to the sensor signal to initiate introduction of HMDS into the tank through the second inlet port. In another embodiment, the HMDS tank further includes a second sensor positioned in the tank at a low HMDS level. The processor is also coupled to the second sensor and configured to generate an alarm signal in response to the second sensor signal to warn an operator of a low HMDS level in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and efficient means for dissolving carbon dioxide gas discharged from sources such as thermoelectric power plants into the seawater and for isolating it at deep sea level. The means comprises an inverted U-shaped gas lift 1 having a shorter gas lift dissolving pipe 2 and a longer descending pipe 3 being connected with each other at the top, said gas lift dissolving pipe 2 is held at shallow sea level, and the lower end of the descending pipe 3 is opened at deep sea level. When carbon dioxide gas is injected in from the lower end of the gas lift dissolving pipe 2, the seawater is introduced from the lower end of the dissolving pipe by gas lift action of the carbon dioxide gas in the dissolving pipe 2, and the carbon dioxide is completely dissolved into the seawater until it reaches the upper end of the dissolving pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of a waste gas containing dust and chemical contaminants are disclosed. The apparatus includes a combination of a cooling/dust-eliminating chamber and a chemical treatment chamber in a single container. The first mentioned chamber is provided with sprayers for the cooling liquid, a perpendicular bulkhead or pipes, a collecting plate for the cooling liquid and gas-dispersing pipes in a special configuration, so that the dust-liquid separation can be efficiently effected without badly affecting the chemical treatment of the gas. Thus, the apparatus can be minimized in size as a whole and made economically attractive.

Abstract: A drying bed for waste sludge in a wastewater treatment facility having a vertical drainage riser extending vertically from a subnatant discharge pipe near the bottom of the drying bed. A sludge inlet at an end of the drying bed communicates with a source of watery sludge. Water communicates through a mesh screen that wraps the vertical drainage riser and through openings in the vertical drainage riser to the subnatant discharge pipe. A valve is selectively opened to control the flow rate of the water from the subnatant discharge pipe. A method of dewatering waste sludge is disclosed. The wastewater treatment facility provides a mixing/balancing chamber for initial mixing of activated return sludge with influent wastewater for aggressive assimilation of wastes and an improved airlift for removal of suspended solids in the wastewater. The airlift comprises a solids evacuation pipe having a lower open end for receiving solids, an upper open end for exiting solids, and a midsection defining a series of holes.

Abstract: A submersible liquid circulation apparatus comprises an upright open-ended draft tube and a bubble generator. The bubble generator is coupled to the exterior side of the draft tube, so that it continuously generates bubbles which are introduced into the draft tube for propelling the liquid material up through the draft tube. This continuous and cyclic movement of bubbles inside the draft tube facilitates continuous circulation and mixing of the liquid. A gas supply means is coupled to the bubble generator for supplying the necessary gas to generate the bubbles. The elongated draft tube comprises an upper section and a lower section separated by a slight gap. Thus, liquid entering the inlet end of the lower section is propelled upward and across the gap separating the two sections and is ultimately expelled through the outlet end of the upper section. This gap provides an additional inlet point for liquid located at a point above the bottom of the digester, to flow directly into the draft tube.

Abstract: An aerator for an aquarium has a connector for connecting the aerator to an existing filter system. An air receiving and dispensing chamber is annular and defined between a lower annulus and an upper perforate annulus. Walls on the lower annulus mate with skirts on the upper, perforate annulus to define inner and outer walls of the chamber. Water flows through the central openings in the annuluses, from the filter, upwardly, and air passes through the upper, perforate annulus. A mixing chamber is received over the upper, perforate annulus, and a tube can be connected to the mixing chamber to carry the aerated water up. An air supply tube extends down through the center of the aerator and connects to the chamber to supply air to the chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for jetting a pressurized water flow against a material under water to cause cavitation to wash the material. A negative pressure generated by the pressurized water flow is used to draw an air current and mix it into the pressurized water flow. A near-infinite number of bubbles are thus directed to the material through the pressurized water flow. As a result, the control of the water flow controls the movement of the bubbles, and the disturbance caused by the bubbles, the shock wave caused by the bursting of the bubbles, and the turbulent force of the flow serve to wash the material.

Abstract: A particle generator system is described which comprises a substantially closed tank for containing liquid, a pressurized air source connected to the tank, a plurality of Laskin type nozzles operatively connected to the pressurized source and immersed in the liquid for generating particles of the liquid by passing pressurized air through the nozzles, an outlet on the tank for discharging the atomized particles and a source of dilution air for mixing with the discharged particle stream.

Abstract: An air lift diffuser assembly is made up of an air lift tube and a fixed, non-rotating bubble-emitting diffuser horizontally spaced beneath an open end of the air lift tube, the air lift tube and diffuser being releasably positioned in centered relation to a casing which is submerged beneath a body of water and is dimensioned such that the annular space between the air lift tube and casing has a greater cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area across the tube, and an air supply pipe extends downwardly through the annular space into communication with the diffuser whereby to direct air under pressure into the diffuser which discharges the air in the form of fine bubbles upwardly through the air lift tube where the bubbles become intimately mixed with the water and dispersed in the form of dissolved oxygen over a substantial area of the body of water above the assembly.

Abstract: A liquid circulating device is provided for submersion in a large holding tank to effect continuous mixing and circulation of a liquid material, such as sewage sludge, contained therein in order to facilitate the digestion of the liquid material for environmentally safe disposal. The device includes an upright, elongated stackpipe secured to the floor of the holding tank and a gas bubble generator mounted to the stackpipe for generating gas bubbles into the stackpipe. The gas bubble generator includes an interior chamber with a substantially open bottom, a pair of baffle members transversely extending within the interior chamber and an inverted cone-shaped member positioned between and in spaced adjacency to each baffle member. Gas under pressure is discharged into the interior chamber of the bubble generator by a gas supply line attached to an externally located compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas and liquid comprising a generally rectangular concrete base, a vertically extending cylindrical housing mounted on said concrete base and having a hollow interior, an open end portion and a bottom portion embedded on said concrete base, said bottom portion being provided with horizontal reinforcing bars passing through the walls of said cylindrical housing to anchor said housing with said concrete base, said cylindrical housing being provided with a plurality of apertures disposed at the lower section thereof proximate said concrete base. Gas diffuser means concentrically held inside cylindrical housing, said gas diffuser means being defined by an elongated porous tubular member provided with a cap fitted at the top end portion thereof and an elbow fitting detachably secured at the bottom end portion thereof.

Abstract: An external-loop perfusion bioreactor for cultivating microbial, plant, animal or insect cells to produce valuable metabolites has a riser conduit; a cell culture medium inlet in the riser conduit; an inlet for an oxygen containing gas in the riser conduit; a downcomer conduit, having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the downcomer conduit being in the shape of a truncated cone; an upper and lower transfer conduit connecting the riser conduit and the downcomer conduit; a spent medium outlet port defining a liquid level surface in the upper portion of the downcomer conduit; and a baffle means having a fluid impermeable wall for creating a settling zone in the upper portion of the downcomer conduit. A series of conical lamellar settling surfaces can be arranged in the settling zone to enhance particle separation from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A pyrolytic converter utilizing a rotatable drum surrounded by an outer drum support structure and disposed in an oven chamber pyrolyzes materials including plastic waste, tires, materials from automobile shredding operations, containers and trays of plastic material, rubber, leather, garbage, sewage sludge, coal, oil shale, broken asphalt and the like. The gaseous products of pyrolyzation are collected and condensed in a series of three tanks; the later two of which are water filled and the intermediate one of which has a chamber in which expanding steam creates turbulence and provides an air lift which forms water into a spray for cooling incoming gases while simultaneously scrubbing the gases. The gases are condensed into oils of successively higher volatility in the first, second and third tanks.

Abstract: In its simplest sense, the present invention provides a method for improving the contacting of plural, distinct phases in a vertically disposed vessel containing distinct fluid phases by injecting a stream of dispersed distinct phases together into the phases contained in the vessel at a sufficient velocity to force the fluid in the vessel to circulate downwardly through a central region in the vessel and upwardly in the annular region surrounding the central region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biological treatment of waste water using microorganisms whose living conditions are maintained by addition of oxygen into a contact path. An underwater support frame has a double-walled duct arranged as a contact path such that the duct is placed angularly towards a surface of the water. The duct is made for holding air bubbles to prevent the premature rise of the air bubbles added by an aerator providing air at the beginning of the contact path. The contact path has a suction point at an end which is connected via a fresh organism pipe with the aerator. A connection piece connects the aerator to a suction pipe at the beginning of the contact path. The other end of the suction pipe is connected to a flowing-in opening located at a distance from the aerator contrary to the flow direction, for supplying contaminated water to the aerator before the water actually reaches the contact path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus, in which the quality of a large amount of water and/or the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the water is improved. Water in which slaked lime is dissolved in advance and/or water of a high oxygen content which is generated in advance is supplied into water pumped by an intermittent pneumatic water pumping unit so that the water having the slaked lime dissolved therein and/or the water of high oxygen content is diffused in the large amount of water. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus, in which the quality of a large amount of water and/or the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the large amount of water is improved by water with slaked lime dissolved therein and/or water of high oxygen content being conducted to the bottom of a lake or the like. An intermittent pneumatic water pumping unit is operated in the lake or the like so that the large amount of water is caused to flow up and down and be agitated.

Abstract: An organization to direct increased fluid flow through the tube to effect filtration and aeration thereof is provided formed with an upper tube coaxially aligned within and spaced from a lower tube having a venturi central tube portion. An aeration tube is coaxially directed through the venturi tube structure, with constriction of the central tube effecting increased lifting of water through the venturi tube structure.