Abstract: A foam-generating assembly for use in generating a nitrogen-containing foam useful in preventing or extinguishing fires includes a foam generator, a first tank containing a foamable aqueous liquid and a second tank containing nitrogen gas, the foam generator including a header which is hollowed out to provide a swirl chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical wall and a floor, a spray nozzle in the center of the floor for spraying foamable aqueous liquid supplied from the first tank, and an orifice in the inner cylindrical wall to supply a tangential flow of nitrogen gas from the second tank into the swirl chamber and around the spray nozzle and the liquid spray emitted therefrom and provide a vortex flow of a mixture of foamable aqueous liquid and nitrogen gas. First and second foaming screens are provided through which the vortex flow passes to provide first a coarse nitrogen-containing foam and then a fine nitrogen-containing foam.

Abstract: The system for producing a micro-cluster liquid from a starting liquid utilizes a cavitation device with a plurality of reverse-fed pump volutes within a housing, where each volute establishes a rotational vortex for spinning the liquid in a circle and directing a liquid stream into a common chamber at a center of the housing. The starting liquid is pumped into the cavitation device at a first pressure and tangentially fed into each volute. The rotational vortex creates a partial vacuum within the spinning liquid so that cavitation bubbles are formed when the liquid exits the volute. The common chamber is maintained at a lower pressure so that the bubbles explode or implode upon exit from the volute to generate shock waves that break molecular bonds in the liquid. The volutes are oriented so that the liquid streams collide with each other within the common chamber, facilitating breakdown of molecular bonds.

Abstract: A system and devices to actively induce turbulent flow in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. At least certain of the devices include moving components which induce a swirling or rotating movement about a major intake axis. The adjustment to the flow provides more complete atomization or vaporization of liquid fuel components in an incoming fuel air mixture. Individual devices can be provided in individual intake runners. A single device can be provided in the plenum region of integral or monolithic intake manifolds. Rotation axes of rotating flow diverters can be inclined to also provide a tumbling or rolling component to the mixture flow. Inclined vanes of non-moving flow adjusters can also be provided to induce a tumbling flow component.

Abstract: A system for super-oxygenating water is provided that includes an oxygen generator for generating first oxygen, a combining unit coupled to the oxygen generator for combining the oxygen with the water, a diffusion chamber coupled to the combining unit for receiving the combined water and oxygen and manipulating them into a vortex so as to cause the oxygen to diffuse into the water and yield first oxygenated water, a source of second oxygen, a plurality of cones in communication with the source of second oxygen and configured to receive the first oxygenated water and spin the first oxygenated water to combine it with the second oxygen received from the source to yield super-oxygenated water. The spray nozzle is sized and oriented such that the vortex generated in the diffusion chamber is adequate to diffuse the oxygen into the water as they travel through the vortex and exit the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fuel processor for preparing fuel prior to introducing the fuel into a combustor utilized in connection with a gas internal combustion engine. The fuel processor of the present invention efficiently maintains an internal vacuum by balancing the surface area of the air intake with the atomized air/fuel combination output. In addition, the fuel processor eliminates the helical effects on the ejected air/fuel combination but maintains the atomized chemical state. The fuel processor conforms to industry standards and could therefore easily be incorporated with existing technology.

Abstract: A vapor horn device for use in an elongated, generally upright mass transfer and/or heat exchange column having an internal region comprises an elongated, generally arcuate wall arranged to be located within the internal region and disposed to extend around a longitudinal axis of the column. The arcuate wall includes an inlet area positioned for being contacted by a vapor or mixed phase stream entering the column and causing the stream to flow along an outer surface of the arcuate wall and generally around the axis. The device also includes a primary elongated vane extending outwardly from the outer surface of the arcuate wall. This primary vane has an inner end located adjacent the outer surface of the inner wall and an outer end disposed in spaced relationship relative to the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved apparatus (10) for treating a liquid with a gas having a generally cylindrical outer housing (24) and a coaxial inner housing (40) defining both an outer and an inner chamber (26, 46) and a plurality of inlets (70, 80) for introducing a fluid and a gas therein to generate a helical current throughout both chambers (26, 46). The present invention further includes a re-circulated fluid outlet (100) and a primary fluid outlet (104) for removing mixed fluid and gas that is disposed radially outwardly in a bottom portion of the inner chamber (46).

Abstract: The method and apparatus for making a micro-dispersed gas-liquid mixture which includes a gas-liquid ejector unit, a cavitation unit and a jet dispersing unit installed in a sequence. All above referenced units are installed into a cylindrical housing which in turn includes bottom and top covers and also has a first partition having a conical orifice separating a gas-liquid ejector unit from a cavitation unit and a second partition separating a cavitation unit from a jet dispersing unit. The gas-liquid ejector unit has an inlet located at the bottom of the cylindrical housing for liquid and the inlet located on side surface of housing for gas, these being between bottom cover of the housing and the first partition. In addition, the inlet for liquid is a nozzle the top having both outside and inside parts of which are adapted to the conical orifice of first partition to provide a required flow-rate of an ejected gas through the gas inlet.

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 single port venturi device is provided for aeration of wastewaters containing suspended solids. The device has a non-obstructive design which prevents attachment or accumulation of suspended solids, and promotes even air distribution for efficient aspiration of air and mixing of air and wastewater. The device has provisions for adjustment of the venturi throat size, for protection of the throat from wearing out, for enhancing air and wastewater mixing capabilities, and for flushing of the solids accumulated in the air entrance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic vapor/liquid contacting device and distillation or related mass transfer or heat transfer processes employing its use, such as fluid catalytic cracking. Liquid feed is introduced near the floor of the cyclone via downcomer or plenum. Vapor enters through sieve holes in the bottom of the cyclonic device. Near the floor are angled tabs or vanes that impart a spin to the vapor rising up through the floor. The tabs or vanes mix the liquid and vapor. The liquid is then thrown toward the cyclone wall, where it exits through slots in the wall. A second set of tabs or vanes, located about in the middle of the cyclone, imparts additional spin to the vapor and entrained liquid rising through the cyclone. This improves liquid collection by the cyclone, especially in cases where a heavy liquid load dampens the spin action of the vapor in the base of the cyclone.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for effectively dissolving gas into liquid medium to obtain high concentration of gas solution includes a mixer and a tank enclosure, wherein the mixer primarily includes a quasi-Venturi tube and an expansion chamber. During operation, gas is introduced into the liquid in the quasi-Venturi-typed mixer. A valve mounted at the inlet of the mixer is used to regulate the gas flow so that the flow rate of the gas entering the mixer is lower than the rate of the gas drawn into the quasi-Venturi tube. With the gas drawn-in capability of the quasi-Venturi tube, gas can be mixed with the liquid flow through the quasi-Venturi tube under negative pressure and forms small gas bubbles in the liquid. The liquid carrying small gas bubbles flows out of the mixer, and subsequently flows into the tank enclosure and forms a whirlpool therein. As such, the gas bubbles can remain in the liquid for a prolonged time, which helps the gas dissolve in the liquid.

Abstract: The lower, liquid collecting section of a gas/liquid contacting column has an entrained substance depleting duct extending therearound wherein gas, for example, steam is fed by the duct into the lower section, steam depleted by gravity of liquid droplets, is deflected upwardly by deflectors in the duct through duct openings into a central, upper region of the lower section, while steam with the droplets is deflected downwardly by deflectors in the duct through other duct openings towards a liquid pool in the lower section. Any other liquid and/or solids entrained in the gas (steam) are also deflected downwardly in this manner.

Abstract: A method for contacting large volumes of gas and liquid together on a microscopic scale for mass transfer or transport processes wherein the contact between liquid and gas occurs at the interfaces of a multitude of gas bubbles. Multiple porous tubes assembled in a bundle inside a pressure vessel terminate at each end in a tube sheet. A thin film helical liquid flow is introduced into the inside of each porous tube around and along its inside wall. Gas is sparged into the porous media and the liquid film so that an annular two phase flow with a uniform distribution of tiny gas bubbles results. The gas flow is segregated from the liquid flow without first passing through the porous media and through the liquid film. Nozzles at the lower end of the tubes divert liquid flow to a vessel and redirect the gas flow in a countercurrent direction.

Abstract: A fuel evaporator composed of an evaporation chamber which evaporates a raw liquid fuel by a high temperature thermal medium to provide a raw fuel gas is disclosed. The evaporation chamber comprises a plurality of evaporation chambers serially connected to each other in a ventilation manner, and at least one raw liquid fuel injector for injecting the raw liquid fuel being provided on each of said plurality of evaporation chambers.

Abstract: Anti-swirl baffles are provided in a mass transfer column to reduce the swirling motion of a vapor or mixed phase feed stream introduced into the column. The column is of the type having an upper region of a preselected diameter, a lower region of reduced diameter, and an intermediate transition region that has a diameter that transitions from the preselected diameter of the upper region to the reduced diameter of the lower region. The column includes a vapor or mixed phase feed nozzle and a feed device such as a vapor horn located at least partially within the upper region for delivering the vapor or mixed phase feed stream into the column. The anti-swirl baffles are positioned in the intermediate transition region of the column to disrupt the swirling motion of the vapor or mixed phase feed stream as portions of it descend from the feed device into the transition region of the column.

Abstract: A mass transfer column includes a feed device that is used to de-entrain liquid and more uniformly distribute vapor across a horizontal cross section of the column after a vapor or mixed phase stream has been directed into the column through a radially oriented feed nozzle. The feed device includes an annular passageway formed in the spacing between the column shell and an inner wall spaced inwardly from the shell. A deflector with oppositely directed deflecting surfaces is positioned at an inlet from the feed nozzle to the annular passageway and splits the vapor or mixed phase stream into two roughly equal streams that flow in opposite circumferential directions in the annular passageway. At least one pair of turning vanes is spaced on opposite sides of the deflecting surfaces in the annular passageway to create subpassages through which the vapor or mixed phase stream flows.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic vapor/liquid contacting device and distillation or related mass transfer or heat transfer processes employing its use, such as fluid catalytic cracking. Liquid feed is introduced near the floor of the cyclone via downcomer or plenum. Vapor enters through sieve holes in the bottom of the cyclonic device. Near the floor are angled tabs or vanes that impart a spin to the vapor rising up through the floor. The tabs or vanes mix the liquid and vapor. The liquid is then thrown toward the cyclone wall, where it exits through slots in the wall. A second set of tabs or vanes, located about in the middle of the cyclone, imparts additional spin to the vapor and entrained liquid rising through the cyclone. This improves liquid collection by the cyclone, especially in cases where a heavy liquid load dampens the spin action of the vapor in the base of the cyclone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a supporting structure of a single tube drift generator. Supporting brackets (9) are 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). The supporting brackets have right and left side frames (9a) and (9b) 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). A 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: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting large volumes of gas and liquid together on a microscope scale for mass transfer or transport processes wherein the contact between liquid and gas occurs at the interfaces of a multitude of gas bubbles. Multiple porous tubes assembled in a bundle inside a pressure vessel terminate at each end in a tube sheet. A thin film helical liquid flow is introduced into the inside of each porous tube around and along its inside wall. Gas is sparged into the porous media and the liquid film so that an annular two phase flow with a uniform distribution of tiny gas bubbles results. The gas flow is segregated from the liquid flow without first passing through the porous media and through the liquid film. Nozzles at the lower end of the tubes divert liquid flow to a vessel and redirect the gas flow in a countercurrent direction.

Abstract: A mass transfer column (20) is provided with an external shell (22) defining an open internal region (24). Centrifugal contact trays (26) and return contact trays (28) are positioned in an alternating and vertically spaced apart relationship within the open internal region (24). Each contact tray (26) and (28) has a plurality of vapor passages (34) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck (30) and (31), respectively, to interact with liquid on the surface of the tray deck. At least one center downcomer (42) extends downwardly at an opening in the return tray deck (31) and has a lower discharge outlet (54). At least one annular downcomer (38) extends downwardly the periphery of the centrifugal tray deck (30) and has a lower discharge outlet (48) spaced above the return tray deck (31) for feeding liquid onto the return tray deck (31).

Abstract: A separation tray for mounting in a vertical column, which separation tray comprises horizontal upper and lower walls defining an inner space between them and at least one primary separation device for separating fluid into primary gas and liquid-enriched fluid, which primary separation device comprises:

Abstract: A mixer for mixing at least two flows of gas or other Newtonian liquids is provided herein. The mixer includes a main flow channel through which a first flow of gas passes, with an incorporated surface that is arranged therein and which affects the flow. This incorporated surface has leading edges that are orientated against the flow and about which the flow can move freely; the leading edges include a component that acts in the direction of the main flow of the gas flow as well as a component that acts transversely thereto. In order to ensure that an additional gas or liquid component is mixed in rapidly, provision is made such that the incorporated structure surface has a chamber into which a separate flow channel for a second gas flow leads and the chamber has outlet openings into the first gas flow on a rear side of the incorporated surface that faces away from the first gas flow.

Abstract: A direct injection contacting apparatus for contacting a first fluid with a second fluid which facilitates heat and mass transfer operations.

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: A vapor-liquid contact tray (26) is provided with a tray deck (28) having at least one opening for removing liquid from an upper surface of the tray deck and a plurality of vapor passages (44) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck to interact with the liquid on the upper surface. At least one can (34) extends upwardly from the tray deck and is formed by a perimeter wall (36). A downcomer (46) is interposed within the can to provide a passageway for liquid and has an upper inlet (50)for liquid entry, and a lower outlet (54) above the tray deck (28) for feeding liquid into the can and onto the tray deck. A plurality of deflector blades (56) are positioned above the tray deck to induce a swirling movement in the vapor ascending into the can. The portion of the tray deck surrounded by the perimeter wall of the can contains sieve holes, valves or other types of vapor passages. The tray may further include a sleeve (76), a plurality of cans (34) of two or more sizes or combinations thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mixing device includes a nozzle that is disposed tangent to a wall of a chamber. Gas flowing from the nozzle rotates in the chamber forming a vortex. Another gas may be flown near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby uniformly mixing the two gases. In another embodiment, an evaporation and mixing device includes a nozzle configured to impart rotation to a gas flowing into a chamber. An injector flows a liquid material near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby mixing the gas and the liquid material. A heater may be employed to help evaporate the liquid material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic vapor/liquid contacting device and distillation or related mass transfer or heat transfer processes employing its use, such as fluid catalytic cracking. Liquid feed is introduced near the floor of the cyclone via downcorner or plenum. Vapor enters through sieve holes in the bottom of the cyclonic device. Near the floor are angled tabs or vanes that impart a spin to the vapor rising up through the floor. The tabs or vanes mix the liquid and vapor. The liquid is then thrown toward the cyclone wall, where it exits through slots in the wall. A second set of tabs or vanes, located about in the middle of the cyclone, imparts additional spin to the vapor and entrained liquid rising through the cyclone. This improves liquid collection by the cyclone, especially in cases where a heavy liquid load dampens the spin action of the vapor in the base of the cyclone.

Abstract: A mass transfer column (20) is provided with an external shell defining an open internal region. Centrifugal contact trays (26) and return contact trays (28) are positioned in an alternating and vertically spaced apart relationship within the open internal region. Each contact tray has a plurality of vapor passages (33) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck to interact with liquid on the surface of the tray deck. At least one center downcomer (40) extends downwardly at an opening in the return tray deck and has a lower discharge outlet spaced above the centrifugal tray deck for feeding liquid onto the centrifugal tray deck. A rotation-inducing element may be placed within the center downcomer (40) to induce a rotational motion in liquid exiting the center downcomer (40). At least one annular downcomer (36) extends downwardly the periphery of the centrifugal tray deck and has a lower discharge outlet spaced about the return tray deck for feeding liquid onto the return tray deck.

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: An aerator has a housing which contains a fluid inlet nozzle and a fluid discharge nozzle positioned on either side of an air inlet formed in a T-pipe. The fluid inlet nozzle has a bore with a flared inlet, and a cylindrical outlet, in which a spiral groove or rifling is formed which extends to the end of the inlet nozzle, allowing the infed contaminated water to pass through, being swirled by the spiral groove, and then exit into an expansion chamber in communication with the air inlet, where air is entrained within the swirling water. Banks of the aerators are used in a wastewater treatment system, having a rectangular tank with a serpentine flow path. Dissolved oxygen meters provide data to a Programmable Logic Controller to control the pumps recirculating liquid within the tank. Pumps are turned on and off to achieve target minimum levels of dissolved oxygen.

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: A humidifier having a lighted water tank. A lamp illuminates the tank so that the water level of the tank is visible from across the room. The lamp may extend into a lens, which in one embodiment is faceted to aid in dispersing light into the tank. The illuminated tank may also serve as a night light.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as medicine, and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. This present invention may be used for nebulizing and vaporizing fluids, powders and liquids for inhalation by a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as fuel and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential supply jacket is provided to normalize the amount of flow through the tangential apertures according to the location of the apertures. A centrifuge chamber is also disclosed which has a plurality of output conduits on a bottom surface and a tapered extension member downwardly extending from a top surface to enhance the centrifugal flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.

Abstract: A direct injection contacting apparatus for contacting a first fluid with a second fluid which facilitates heat and mass transfer operations.

Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.

Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first material and a second material is described in which the first material comprises a mixture of two or more dissimilar components which it is desired to separate. The method and apparatus involve forming an intimate mixture of the two materials prior to separating the two dissimilar components of the first material. The apparatus involves the use of a hydrocyclone for aerating or gasifying a feed stream, such as waste water containing oleophilic residue or food residue, to entrain the particles of residue within the air or gas bubbles prior to separating the oil or food residues from the carrier material, typically water. Instead of using the hydrocyclone as a separator, it is used as a mixer which provides surprising results and facilitates separation of the aerated components.

Abstract: A fuel evaporator raw fuel injection apparatus 40A includes an evaporator having an evaporating chamber 11 in which raw fuel liquid FL is evaporated by a high temperature heating chamber (heating gas) into raw fuel gas, and which is provided with a first injection portion (fuel injection portion 41A) that injects the raw fuel liquid FL into the evaporating chamber 11, and a second injection portion (air injection portion 42A) that injects gas or liquid (air A) with a prescribed directional property into the raw fuel liquid FL injected from the fist injection portion (fuel injection portion 41A), adequately atomizes and disperses raw fuel liquid and achieves highly efficient evaporation of raw fuel liquid.

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 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: An apparatus for the efficient dissolution of fluids, both gas to liquid and liquid to liquid. A flow splitter divides the influent to an upper and lower stream. The lower stream is injected with a gas and the gas-enriched lower stream is subsequently discharged proximate to the bottom of a contactor in tangential fashion. The upper stream is discharged in similar tangential fashion proximate to the top of the contactor producing a vortex flow pattern. The countercurrent flow of the gas-enriched lower stream and upper stream ensures a high degree of dissolution of the gas in the liquid. Alternatively, two liquids of differing densities may be dissolved together with the present invention.

Abstract: Static mixers are arranged so that its longitudinal direction is substantially vertical. A liquid supply mechanism supplies the liquid containing impurities from the upper end of the static mixer into the static mixer. A gas supply mechanism supplies gas from the lower end of the static mixer into the static mixer. The static mixer is fabricated so that one or more mixing elements comprising a passage tube through which fluid can pass and one or more spiral blades arranged inside the passage tube are, continuously or through one or more spacers, arranged in the longitudinal direction thereof. The liquid drops down inside the static mixer and the gas rises up inside the static mixer, so that the two are subjected to gas-liquid contact inside the static mixer.

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: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as fuel and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential supply jacket is provided to normalize the amount of flow through the tangential apertures according to the location of the apertures. A centrifuge chamber is also disclosed which has a plurality of output conduits on a bottom surface and a tapered extension member downwardly extending from a top surface to enhance the centrifugal flow of the fluid.