Abstract: A device for co-mingling fluids from separate sources comprises a jet pump having high and low pressure fluid inlets, and a main outlet for discharging a mixture of the two fluids. A phase separator, receiving fluid from another source of fluid, has a fluid-rich outlet connected to the high pressure inlet of the jet pump, and a gas-rich outlet connected to the main outlet of the jet pump. Fluids from the gas-rich outlet of the separator are mixed with fluids discharged by the jet pump.

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 method of aerating a liquid comprising the steps of providing a column, introducing liquid under pressure into an upper zone of the column in the form of a jet of liquid directed in a path, permitting gas to be entrained by the jet of liquid, obstructing the path of the jet of liquid to form a zone of turbulence in which bubbles are formed in the liquid to create a foam or froth bed in the column, and removing the foam or froth.

Abstract: Polluted waste waters are introduced into a tank (1, 100) in which a number of cavitation oxygenizers (5, 6, 11) are installed close and parallel to the bottom of the tank and divided into three types, one (5) that expels re-circulated water and air, a second (6) that expels water, air and sludge and foam sucked in from the upper region of the tank, both these two types suited to causing turbulence (F1, F2-F3, F4) of the polluted water within the tank, and a third (11) suited to cause a further turbulent motion of the polluted water.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from water by methods and apparatus that cause sufficient oxygen to be dissolved in the water for sufficient time at sufficient pressure to precipitate out solid elemental sulfur and other solid sulfur particles.

Abstract: A gas treatment system for liquids can increase gas exposure and contact time. A liquid stream is directed into a vortex chamber (130). The vortex chamber (130) creates a downward spiral flow of the liquid stream forcing it into an upper end inlet (145) of a contact tank (114) and downward in the contact tank (114). When the liquid stream reaches a lower region (170) of the contact tank (114), a portion is drawn into a draw tube (120) while the other portion is drawn into a re-circulation system (160). In the re-circulation system (160), a gas injector system (166) entrains bubbles of a treatment gas into the liquid stream creating a re-circulated stream that is displaced into an upper region (168) in the contact tank (114). The portion drawn into the draw tube (120) then moves upwardly to a degassing chamber (146) wherein the treatment gas is separated from the liquid and delivered through an outlet (124) for use.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for increasing oxygen concentration in water. The water purification apparatus includes a water pump provided in a water tank for pumping water to produce a water flow, an ejector connected to the water pump for mixing the water from the water pump with air and ejecting the water mixed with the air therethrough, an air intake pipe connected to the ejector for supplying air thereto, and a jetting outlet connected to the ejector and formed with a porous jetting nozzle having small punched openings on an end portion and outer circumference thereof and a bugle-shaped tube accommodating the porous jetting nozzle therein.

Abstract: A device for generating foam by the Venturi effect mixes liquid and gaseous phases. The device has a liquid insertion nozzle on the same axis as a Venturi stage having a converging portion disposed facing the nozzle, a throat of diameter "D", and a gas inlet coaxial with the nozzle and in communication with the converging portion. In operation, the gas is sucked in by the Venturi effect and directed towards a mixing chamber connected to a foam outlet. Mixing between the two phases takes place in a free jet, and the diverging portion of the Venturi has at least three zones of progressive cone angles, with discontinuities between the zones giving rise to a cavitation phenomenon, and opening out into a turbulent chamber.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the treatment of chemical wastes, particularly recalcitrant wastes such as spent caustic, from the oil, gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries, in which normally slow physical mass transfer of different fluid phases, as well as other chemical reactions, are facilitated. The method involves mixing together the different fluid phases and delivering the mixture to a reaction vessel in the form of an aerosol and froth which provides a large surface area between the phases. The aerosol and froth mixture is maintained and replenished for a period of time sufficient to effect mass transfer and stripping of the contaminants to a selected level of completion. The method enables the provision of more environmentally acceptable wastes for disposal.

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: An apparatus for producing ozone water by accelerated mixing and dissolving of ozone into water due to an enhanced contact efficiency of ozone gas and water with controlled temperature includes a circulation line for circulating ozone water and employs a jet nozzle (4) in a conduit (4) which returns the ozone water from the circulation line into a primary container. This causes negative pressure about the outlet of the nozzle, whereby the ozone gas is sucked into the water which is jetted. Thus, the ozone gas is rapidly mixed and dissolved into the water. Efficiency of stirring of the ozone water is also enhanced. A secondary container is provided in the circulation line, which specially facilitates cooling of the ozone water as well as prevention of freezing.

Abstract: A process for enriching water with oxygen, wherein water is conducted through a water inlet into a sealed enriching space and through one or more turbulent mixers in the enriching space, open is introduced through an oxygen inlet into the water in the enriching space before passing through the turbulent mixer, and the oxygen-enriched water is recovered. The invention further includes an aerobic process by carrying out a chemical or microbiological reaction in the oxygen enriched water as the reaction medium, and a therapeutic process of carrying out a therapeutic treatment of a body with an agent containing the oxygen enriched liquid as a vehicle. The invention also concerns as apparatus for enriching water with oxygen, having a water inlet, a sealed enriching space containing an oxygen inlet, and one or more turbulent mixers, and an outlet for oxygenated water.

Abstract: A water aerator (1) has a vertically oriented aerator tube (2) with a plurality of water-inlet apertures (3, 16) that preferably are downwardly slanted intermediate an air-inlet end and a water-outlet end of the aerator tube. The aerator tube is positioned linearly inside of a water-input sleeve (4) having a water-input aperture (5) that is proximate a top of the aerator tube. A bottom end of the water-input sleeve is sealed to a portion of the aerator tube that is vertically below the plurality of water-inlet apertures. A one-way air-inlet valve (7, 14) can be provided in an air-inlet conveyance (6) to the aerator tube to prevent possible excess input of water from escaping through the air-inlet conveyance. Pluralities of air-inlet conveyances and aerator tubes can be provided.

Abstract: An improved aerator for oxygenating water and generating a circulating current within a livewell or baitwell while minimizing damaging turbulence. The aerator includes a downstream expansion area to reduce exit velocity, and an air intake conduit positioned to minimize stagnation of the liquid flow. The new aerator has an increased negative aspiration pressure, and can be operated at lower depths than previously possible.

Abstract: A gas treatment system for liquids can increase gas exposure and contact time. A liquid stream into which treatment gas is added is directed into a vortex chamber (130). The vortex chamber (130) creates a downward spiral flow of the liquid stream forcing it into an upper end inlet (145) of a contact tank (114). The liquid stream with entrained gas bubbles is forced to move downwardly through the tank to a lower end outlet (122). The flow then moves upwardly to a degassing chamber (146) wherein the treatment gas is separated from the liquid and delivered through an outlet (124) for use. Because the entrained bubbles are forced downwardly through the contact tank (114), the gas bubbles remain quite small and contact time is prolonged. Release of the treatment gas is further facilitated by positioning the degassing chamber (146) at an elevated position which promotes gas bubble expansion, combination and release.

Abstract: Carbonated beverage water is prepared on flow demand by a process that combines respective flow streams of water and carbon dioxide in a mixing venturi. Downstream of the venturi, the mixture of water and carbon dioxide is passed through a static mixer prior to dispenser discharge.

Abstract: The Water Ozonating System can take several forms. Generically, the system incorporates at least the following: a water inlet means, a water storage tank, a device for introducing ozone into the water in the storage tank, and a device for dispensing water from the storage tank. A unique and particularly advantageous feature of the Water Ozonating System is that the ozonated water is kept entirely within a closed system until it is dispensed to the user. This maintains ozone in the water and in its active state (i.e., with its decontaminating and sterilizing effect). The system provides storage tank of ozone within the effluent water. This invention has many applications but not limited to the following: residential and office water purification; supermarket produce, vegetable, meat, poultry and fish, rinsing; dental operatory procedures; laboratories and commercial rinse water functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine and coarse particles, especially coal and minerals, so as to produce high purity and high recovery efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a flotation column, microbubbles, recycling of the flotation pulp, and countercurrent wash water to gently wash the froth. Also disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or in-line static generators.

Abstract: A process for enriching a liquid with oxygen by introducing the liquid into an oxygen enriching vessel, subdividing the liquid, subjecting the interior of the vessel to an oxygen pressure of at least about 20 psi, conducting the introduced water in a substantially flowing contact with the oxygen, and recovering the water under oxygen pressure when it is to be bottled. The process is carried out in oxygen enriching apparatus having an oxygen enriching vessel, a number of horizontal trays vertically spaced apart from each other and having a central opening, a liquid supply tube ranging into the interior of the enriching vessel through the central openings, means for discharging liquid from the tube onto a tray, an oxygen supply source for providing the oxygen to the vessel, and a liquid outlet for the removal of the oxygenated liquid. The liquids oxygenated by the invention are used in various aerobic and therapeutic processes.

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: 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: A process of removing carbon dioxide from a liquor in a vessel comprises the step of continuously passing a portion of the liquor into a sidestream and introducing discrete bubbles of between 0.005 mm and 1.0 mm diameter of nitrogen rich gas into the liquor before returning it to the vessel in which the nitrogen acts to adsorb carbon dioxide from the liquor and is then expelled from the liquor as an off-gas. The process also includes introducing a gas to be dissolved in the liquor into the sidestream as discrete bubbles having a diameter of between 0.005 mm and 1.0 mm.

Abstract: An aquaculture process for dissolving gas in liquid by impinging two or more streams substantially and directly one to the other wherein the two streams enter an impingement zone from conveying means of substantially equal shape with a velocity greater than 2 ft/sec, wherein at least one of the streams is a gas/liquid mixture and at least one of the streams passes through a venturi prior to impingement, the impingement of the two streams taking place above a water line of an environment being discharged into so as to offset the pressure of the fluid discharging from the process, the impingement of the two streams further taking place in a contained environment such that the fluid dynamics of each stream just prior to and after the point of impingement is substantially turbulent, whereby after impingement, the streams are discharged at velocities that have substantially turbulent fluid dynamics with the discharge from the impingement zone not changing direction before discharge to the surrounding environment,

Abstract: A process for enriching water with oxygen, wherein water is conducted through a water inlet into a sealed enriching space and through one or more turbulent mixers in the enriching space, oxygen is introduced through an oxygen inlet into the water in the enriching space before passing through the turbulent mixer, and the oxygen-enriched water is recovered. The invention further includes an aerobic process by carrying out a chemical or microbiological reaction in the oxygen enriched water as the reaction medium, and a therapeutic process of carrying out a therapeutic treatment of a body with an agent containing the oxygen enriched liquid as a vehicle. The invention also concerns an apparatus for enriching water with oxygen, having a water inlet, a sealed enriching space containing an oxygen inlet, and one or more turbulent mixers, and an outlet for oxygenated water.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid employs means for determining the alpha factor of said liquid or a parameter related thereto and control means to control the pumping rate of liquid through the apparatus in response thereto thereby maintaining the gas to liquid flow volume fraction and hence the gas dissolution efficiency within desired limits.

Abstract: An air bubble generating apparatus has an air supplying device integrated with a pump. The air bubble generating apparatus comprises a pump for pumping water and for receiving a vacuum at a center portion thereof during pumping the water, a driving source for driving the pump, and an air supplying device for supplying air for the water by using an air pressure difference between the center portion in the vacuum state and an atmosphere. The air supplying device includes a hollow shaft through which the air flows, a first valve assembly adjacent to a first end of the hollow shaft and screwed in a bearing holder of the driving source, and a second valve assembly arranged at a second end of the hollow shaft. When the pump is operated so that a vacuum pressure is generated in the pump, the solenoid valve opens, so that there is a difference in pressure between the pump and the air supplying device.

Abstract: A urinal flushing control device, including a three-way pipe having a first end connected to a water intake pipe, a second end connected to a water outlet pipe through a mixing cylinder, and a third end in the middle mounted with a spring-supported ball valve and connected to an ozonizer. The spring-supported ball valve is drawn inwards by a vacuum suction force when water is discharged from the water intake pipe to the water outlet pipe, to open the passage between the third end of the three-way pipe and the ozonizer, permitting ozone to flow from the ozonizer into the three-way pipe for mixing with water passing therethrough.

Abstract: An aeration device disperses microbubbles into a liquid and maintains efficient transfer of gas to the liquid. The aeration device uses a number of sealed end, hollow fiber membranes that are hydrophobic and provided with pores in the walls of the tubular fibers that range from about 0.01 to 1.0 microns, so that very small bubbles are formed on the outside surface of the hollow fiber membranes. Gas pressures above the bubble point of the fiber membranes are used, and a cloud of microbubbles is expelled into the liquid as it is forced to flow past the fibers. These microbubbles provide a large surface area for the effective dissolution of gases into the liquid. The length of the hollow fiber membranes is controlled in order to obtain efficient small bubble formation.

Abstract: An electronic gas regulator is connected to a gas cylinder or other vessel to automatically measure and control the flow of gas to a desired application. Control and set up is accomplished through microprocessor based electronics, switches, sensors, encoders, indicators and electronic numeric display. Sensors, microprocessors and other electronics are thus provided in a single common apparatus to monitor and accurately dispense gas for a predetermined operation.

Abstract: A system for distributing a fluid to a plurality of locations, in which a first conduit is provided receiving the fluid and a splitter is provided having a housing in flow communication with the first conduit for receiving the fluid. At least two branch conduits extend from the first conduit and parallel to the axis of the housing for respectively receiving portions of said fluid.

Abstract: The cell 1 includes an upper cylindrical chamber 2 comprising at its center over its entire height a vertical ink removal pipe 4. A lower lateral pipe 9 receives via an opening 10 a paper pulp feed diluted in water and is fed with air from an upper pipe 12. Injectors placed on the pipe 9 inject the paper pulp and air into the chamber 2. Each injector has the shape of a tube with a constant diameter and opens at its outlet extremity through about twelve honeycomb-shaped orifices, thus ensuring a satisfactory dispersion of the air. The air bubbles lift up the ink particles so as to form a foam evacuated by the pipe 4.

Abstract: Fine bubbles or droplets of a first fluid are dispersed in a liquid; a stream of a first fluid (10) is injected under pressure into a body of liquid (16), such stream having a lateral dimension relative to the direction of flow of the stream, which lateral dimension is elongate; a stream of a second fluid (12) is injected, under pressure into the body of liquid, which stream similarly has a lateral dimension relative to its direction of flow, which lateral dimension is elongate; the streams are injected such that a large two-dimensional interfacial contact area is established between the two streams; at least the second fluid is a liquid, the first fluid may be a liquid or a gas; the fine bubbles or droplets are produced with a lower energy requirement than prior art devices.

Abstract: An air injector for the foaming of paper pulp, comprised of a hollow cylindrical tube inside which is arranged a cylindrical bore (3) leading into a convergent portion and a divergent portion (2a, 2b, 2c), said cylindrical bore being occluded by a stopper fitted with holes (8) providing a cylindrical air inlet chamber (3a).

Abstract: An aerator for aerating a body of first liquid such as a pond, waste-water site or marina. It consists of a pair of concentric elongated tubes whose lengths can vary depending on the needs of the aerator and the depth of the liquid to be aerated. Above the level of the first liquid, at least one air inlet port is secured to the upper region of the outer tube of the aerator to provide air flow in the annulus between the tubes while at least one second liquid inlet port is secured to the upper region of the inner tube for the passage of the second liquid therethrough. This second liquid and air travel along these separate flow paths within the inner tube and annulus, respectively, before reaching a mixing area in the lower end of the outer tube and adjacent a diffuser manifold positioned below the surface of the first liquid.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus in which spray nozzles for spraying slurry solution upward are arranged in a tower body through which gas passes, wherein a liquid inlet portion of the spray nozzle is of a bell shape having a radius of curvature of 0.

Abstract: An improved washing machine equipped with a bubble producing apparatus and a bubble producing control method thereof capable of advantageously reducing the needed amount of detergents and preventing laundry from being damaged and entangled. The washing machine includes a washing machine body; an outer tub disposed inside the washing machine body for receiving detergent-containing water therein; an inner tub disposed inside the outer tub for receiving detergent-containing water and laundry therein and having a plurality of water drain holes formed on the circumferential surface thereof; and a bubble producing apparatus disposed on the bottom of the outer tub for producing bubbles.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating polluted water is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a tubular section defining a primary chamber having an opening in the side for admission of air from the surrounding atmosphere. A principle distribution chamber for receiving water to be aerated is connected to an upper peripheral edge of the tubular section and delivers water to a plurality of high speed nozzles that deliver accelerated sprays into the primary chamber. A tapering section is connected to a lower peripheral edge of the tubular section. A venturi section is connected to the lower peripheral edge of the tapering section. A single drain pipe including an upper peripheral edge is connected to a lower peripheral edge of the venturi and constitutes the sole outlet of the device. The nozzles create an air water mixture in the primary chamber and are directed toward the venturi to create a suction effect thereby drawing additional air into the primary chamber through the inlet orifice.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus and to an improved process for the treatment of liquids, and particularly water for domestic consumption. The improved process for treating water to remove hydrogen sulfide and soluble mineral compounds while saturating the water with oxygen comprises feeding the liquid through a nozzle and contacting the liquid with an oxygen containing gas, e.g., air comprises utilizing a venturi nozzle having a nozzle extension that retains the water and air in the form of a confined stream as it is discharged therefrom. The nozzle extension preferably is equipped with restrictor means for directing water from the interior walls of the nozzle chamber toward the center and the nozzle extension directed so that the stream of water containing air is directly discharged from the nozzle extension into the water retained within the tank.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the introduction of a gas into a liquid comprising a mixing device formed by a first generally convergent section and a second generally divergent section, said first section having a narrow outlet end of smaller diameter than an inlet end of said second section and extending thereinto so as to form an annular gap therebetween, and supply means for supplying said gas to said annular gap so as to facilitate the mixing of said gas with any liquid passing therethrough. The mixing device is preferably positioned at or near the surface of the liquid so as to avoid problems associated with hydrostatic head. The apparatus is advantageous in the treatment of a liquid with oxygen which is preferably generated by a Pressure Swing Adsorption device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a gas with a liquid and for dissolving the gas in the liquid comprises a throttled section (12) formed in a fluid flow passage, a gas inlet (18) provided slightly downstream of the throttled section (12), a widened section (16) which is continuous with the throttled section (12), a mixing section (20) provided downstream of the widened section (16), for mixing the gas introduced from the gas inlet (18) with the liquid in the fluid flow passage, and a nozzle section (24) provided on the outlet of the mixing section (20) for outputting the liquid with the gas dissolved therein. The gas is dissolved in the liquid in the mixing section by pressurizing the liquid in the mixing section. The apparatus is useful for dissolving ozone into a liquid, for dispersing bubbles in a liquid and for floating small particles in a liquid.

Abstract: A reactor for introducing gas into a fluid comprises a mixing tank (12, 43) for the fluid and a partition means (13,45) for dividing the tank into at least two chambers (21, 89) and (23, 91). The reactor further comprises a first pump means (14, 47) located in one of the chambers for circulating the fluid downwards in one chamber and then upward in the other chamber and an aerator assembly (29, 49) for aerating a sidestream of the fluid and introducing the aerated fluid into the tank for mixing the aerated fluid with the circulating fluid in the tank. The aerator assembly comprises a bank of venturi aerators (38, 57) each having an aerator inlet; an aerator outlet; and a constriction intermediate the aerator inlet and the aerator outlet for creating a region of reduced pressure in the fluid, the constriction being elongate in a section transverse to the direction of flow of the fluid through the constriction; and a means for introducing the gas into the constriction to aerate the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerating nozzle for aerating liquids containing organic substances. To keep the foam formation in organic substances to be aerated within a controlled limits, the present invention suggests that the angles of inclination of the side walls defining the liquid channel should nowhere be greater than 30.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerating nozzle which extends in the direction of flow, with the distribution bushing whose liquid channel is of a straight configuration being arranged such that is can be replaced by distribution bushings which differ in number and/or size of the gas entry openings.

Abstract: The characteristics of a device for regulating and damping the composition fluctuations of a multiphase flow comprising a tank or surge drum and a sample tube located between a source of effluents and a multiphase pump are optimized by selecting the volume of the tank and the distribution of the apertures of the sample tube so as to define an average level around which the level of the liquid-gas interface is stabilized and so that the volume of the liquid phase corresponding to this average level is at least equal to the volume of liquid necessary to discharge any foreseeable volume of gaseous phase coming from the source of effluents. In case of a large volume of gaseous phase, an unpierced tube is introduced inside the sample tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aeration of waste water in a dissolved air flotation waste water treatment system includes a container for receiving and retaining waste water for settling of heavy particles and flotation of light particles to the surface of the waste water. Waste water is removed from the container and supplied to a free standing tank. Pressure in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level through the injection of compressed air into the tank. Waste water removed from the tank is pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein air from the tank is entrained in the waste water as the water is injected back into the tank. The aerated water is discharged from the tank back into the container, thereby providing an efficient aeration process. Aerating the water in a free standing tank separate from the container increases clarification quality as a result of reduced disturbance of the particles floated to the surface of the waste water and reduced need for chemical addition to the waste water.

Abstract: A flotation cell with at least one injector for introducing a fluid and aspirating air therethrough has a multi-hole aperture plate. Premixing tube sections are disposed in the injector downstream from the aperture plate at a distance from the plate of at least 0.1 times the diameter of a hole in the aperture plate. The tube sections are oriented perpendicular to the aperture plate and open into a mixing tube.

Abstract: Middlings from the primary separation vessel ("PSV") are recycled through a line to the PSV. The middlings are aerated with fine air bubbles using in line eductor/aerator assemblies. The aerated middlings are mixed as they are pumped through a line back to the PSV. Bitumen recovery from the PSV is increased as a result.

Abstract: An apparatus for expelling gas from within a sealed container. The apparatus may include a device for collecting gas in a predetermined area within the container as well as a device for drawing the gas out of the predetermined area and for directing the gas into the inlet of a pump. The apparatus eliminates problems related to the buildup of gas within the container such as water noise and vapor lock.

Abstract: A flue gas conditioning system uses the waste heat of the flue gas to heat a sulfuric acid solution to add sufficient heat energy to the solution to vaporize the solution before being injected into the flue gas to condition the flue gas so that particulate removal by a precipitator is enhanced.