MXPA00000462A - Fluid conditioning system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid conditioning system and method is disclosed for coupling to a first solution source comprising a suspension solution and particles suspended in the suspension solution. The fluid conditioning system includes a containment vessel (36) defining a treatment environment and including a wall defining a fluid passage and having an inlet apparatus (60). The inlet apparatus (60) is coupled to the solution source for receiving a solution stream and directing the solution stream through the passage helically along the cylindrical wall. The containment vessel (36) includes a sparging apparatus disposed downstream of the inlet apparatus for introducing a gas into the solution stream, and an outlet (46) for discharging the sparged solution stream. The system further includes a flotation tank (130) disposed proximate the containment vessel outlet (46) for receiving the discharged solution stream. The flotation tank (130) is adapted to carry a predetermined volume of a second solution to effect flotation of the particles to the surface of the second solution. The flotation tank (130) further includes a tank outlet for exiting processed effluent from the tank.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING FLUID Field of the Invention The invention relates to components, systems and methods for flotation separation of fluid conditioning, and more particularly to components, systems and methods for conditioning fluid that employ a gas to separate particulate matter or gases from the body. carrier fluid flow. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems are often used to separate particulate matter and gases from solutions such as wastewater. The systems typically employ the general principle that bubbles that rise through a solution bind to and transport suspended or dissolved particles or gases in the son. When the bubbles reach the surface of the solution, the particles come together. coalesce to form a foam or floccule that is easily collected while the gases trapped inside the bubble dissipate the air. Traditional DAF systems typically introduce small air bubbles into the lower portion of a relatively large tank filled with the solution to be treated. The air bubbles rise through the REF .: 32506 ^ ¿Sfe¿- ... y ^ tf; solution and bind to the particles in the solution and gases dissolved in the solution transferred from the solution to the bubbles. The tank includes an outlet that directs purified liquid through the tank as an effluent at a flow velocity consistent with the rate of solution entry. Although traditional DAF systems work well for their intended applications, the processing time and particle / gas removal efficiency typically depends on the residence time of the bubbles in the solution. The residence time, in turn, is related to the buoyancy of the bubbles, the depth of the bubbles within the solution, and the amount of turbulence of the solution. As a result, traditional DAF systems employ relatively large and expensive tanks that have correspondingly large "footprints". The fingerprints maximize the gas transfer time of the solution to the bubbles and the probability that the particles will come into contact with the bubbles during the residence time available inside the tank. In addition, the relatively large footprints also allow the bubbles to float for a sufficient time towards the surface. In an effort to reduce somewhat the size of the tank for a DAF system, a proposal described in The US Pat. No. 4,022,696 employs a rotary carriage and dewatering of floccules. The carriage directs an inlet solution substantially horizontally along the flow path to increase the length of the path for the displacement of the bubble, and correspondingly increasing the residence time. Unfortunately, although it is claimed that reducing the size of the tank is an advantage, the problem with the operation inherent to residence time still remains. This is particularly true with the level of turbulence created by the spinning cart and the bilge. Another proposal, described in U.S. Patent No. 5,538,631, seeks to solve the problem of turbulence by incorporating a plurality of deflectors separated and arranged vertically. The deflectors respectively include respective blades positioned angularly to redirect the flow of liquid in the inlet placed at the bottom of the tank. The liquid that flows through the tank deviates upwards and passes through the blades, alleging that the extent and intensity of the turbulence generated near the entrance of the tank is reduced. Although this proposal claims to reduce the problem of turbulence related to the residence time of the bubbles, the redirected fluid still seems to affect the bubbles that arise in other areas of the tank, and has ^ ._ ^. _- • __... influence on the residence time of such bubbles. Further. The proposal does not solve the basic problem of the operation of the DAF that depends on the residence time of the bubble. In an effort to overcome the limitations in conventional DAF systems, those skilled in the art have contemplated air-sprayed hydrocyclones (ASH) as substitutes for DAF systems. One form of air-sprayed hydrocyclone is described in U.S. Patent No. 0 4,279,743 to Miller. The device typically uses a combination of centrifugal force and air spray to remove particles from the fluid flow. The flow is fed under pressure to a cylindrical chamber having an inlet configured to direct the flow of fluid in a generally spiral path along a porous wall. The angular momentum of the fluid generates a radially directed centrifugal force related to the velocity of the fluid and the radius of the circular path. The porous wall contained within a gas chamber having pressurized gas 0 to permeate the porous wall and overcome the opposite centrifugal force acting on the fluid. In operation, the unit receives and discharges the circulating solution rapidly while the air permeates through the porous wall. The air bubbles that are emitted from the wall are cut into the fluid flow by the Fast movement of fluid flow. The microbubbles formed by the cutting action combine with the particles or gases in the solution and float towards the center of the cylinder as foam in a vortex. The vortex of foam 5 located in the center is then captured and exits through a vortex finder placed at the upper end of the cylinder while the remaining solution leaves the bottom of the cylinder. A variation of the general ASH construction, as is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,838,434 and 4,997,549, including employing a foam pedestal at the bottom of the cylinder to assist in directing the foam vortex through the vortex finder. Another ASH modification includes replacing the vortex finder and the vortex pedestal with a fixed separator placed at the bottom of a cylinder and with a cylindrical blade edge. The edge is placed to divide the solution that flows helically into components depending on the specific gravity of the components. 20 Although the previous ASH constructions have significant advantages over conventional DAF systems, generating many more bubble-particle collisions and much more surface area for the gas transfer to decrease the solution processing time, the separation capacity of an ASH system itself remains HtfjagjM ______________ • ________________ * __ somewhat limited. This is due to the relatively large amounts of solution that typically remain in the foam, and the significant particle concentrations that often remain in the solution. Additionally, the presence of the foam pedestal tends to compromise the uniformity of the helically flowing solution. Therefore, there is a need for an economical flotation separation system capable of separating particulate matter and gases in the solution at relatively high efficiency rates without dependence on residence time. In addition, there is a need for a small size flotation separation system to minimize the costs and space required to deal with solutions. There is an additional need for a flotation separation system having a modularized capacity to adapt flexibly to a variety of solutions treatment environments and applications. The flotation separation system and method meets those needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The fluid conditioning system and method of the present invention provides an efficient and inexpensive way to treat solutions by minimizing the residence time of the bubble as a factor in the operation of the flotation system. In addition, the operation of the system improves greatly by maximizing particle-bubble contact and gas-bubble transfer. In addition, by eliminating the effect of the residence time of the operating equation, the dimensions of the flotation tank can be significantly reduced to minimize floor space and construction material costs. Additionally, improved performance is also achieved with a substantially reduced footprint through the unique combination of the building and modular components. In order to realize the above advantages, the invention, in one form, comprises a fluid conditioning system which is coupled to a first source of solution. The fluid conditioning system includes a containment vessel defining a treatment environment and including a wall defining a fluid passage and having an inlet apparatus. The input apparatus is coupled to the solution source to receive the flow of solution and direct the flow of solution through the helical passage through the cylindrical wall. The containment vessel includes a sprayer placed downstream of the input apparatus for introducing a gas into the solution stream, and an outlet for discharging the flow of sprayed solution. The system further includes a flotation tank positioned near the outlet of the containment vessel to receive the flow of discharged solution. The flotation tank is adapted to contain a predetermined volume of a second solution to effect the flotation of the particles to the surface of the second solution. The flotation tank also includes an outlet from the tank for the effluent to be processed from the tank. In another form, the invention comprises an input apparatus for coupling a hydrocyclone to a source of inlet solution. The input apparatus includes an inlet port for accepting the solution to be processed and an inlet chamber for receiving the solution and supplying the solution to the passage in a helical flow form. The input apparatus further includes a strip formed to form solution strips near the periphery of the input chamber. In still another form, the invention comprises a collecting apparatus for use with the hydrocyclone to collect and peripherally discharge a solution that flows helically through the hydrocyclone. The collection apparatus includes a tapered tube attached at its inner end to the containment container to allow the helically flowing solution to flare outwardly into the conical tube. A collection tube is attached to an inner end of the conical tube to collect the solution that flows helically. The collection tube includes a space placed to collect the solution that flows helically in the form of a horn and direct the solution towards the exit. ^ g ^ U t ^^^? As a further form, the invention comprises a foaming apparatus for use with a hydrocyclone for directing foam from an inlet surface to a solution flowing helically in the hydrocyclone towards a foam collection apparatus 5 located in the center . The skimming apparatus includes a gas chamber located near the distal end of the containment vessel and a gas inlet formed on the chamber to provide pressurized gas. The gas chamber includes an open end that defines a skimmer exit port to direct gas from the chamber to the inner surface of the helically flowing solution. As another form, the invention comprises a flotation tank for separating matter from a solution. He The tank includes a flotation chamber and an inlet chamber positioned near the flotation chamber to receive a solution flow in the tank and direct the flow along a fluid path that slopes downward. An isolation unit is placed between the the inlet chamber and the flotation chamber and includes a plurality of separate vanes defining respective flotation cells. The vanes have respective bottom edges positioned near the fluid path. The tank also includes an effluent chamber that collects and 5 removes the solution extracted from the tank bubble.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^? In a further form, the invention comprises a hydrocyclone sprayed with gas to process a solution flow from a solution source. The solution comprises a solution of suspension and particles suspended in the suspension solution. The hydrocyclone includes a containment vessel that defines a treatment environment and includes a wall defining a fluid passage and respective proximal and distal ends. An input apparatus is positioned at the proximal end of the containment container. The input apparatus is coupled to the solution source to receive a solution flow and direct the flow of solution through the helical passage along the cylindrical wall. A sprinkler is placed downstream of the inlet to introduce a gas to the solution flow. The hydrocyclone also includes an outlet to discharge the flow of sprayed solution. The outlet includes a foam collection apparatus located in the center to collect bubble foam with a relatively high concentration of particles and a peripherally located solution collection apparatus positioned near the distal end of the containment container to collect and discharge the solution that It flows helically, which has a relatively low concentration of particles. In another form, the invention comprises a method for separating matter from a solution flow received from a solution source in a flotation tank having respective inlet and flotation chambers. The method includes the steps of directing the flow of solution along a fluid path sloped downward; accelerating the solution under a plurality of separate vanes defining respective buoyancy cells; extract the bubbles from the solution of the solution and the flotation cells; remove the solution extracted from the bubble as an effluent. In yet another form, the invention comprises a flotation system to separate matter from a solution. The system includes a first solution source to generate a bubble rich solution flow and a flotation tank. The flotation tank includes a flotation chamber and an inlet chamber placed close to the flotation chamber. The inlet chamber receives a solution flow in the tank and directs the flow along a downward sloping fluid path. An isolation unit is positioned between the inlet chamber and the flotation chamber and includes a plurality of vanes separate defining respective float cells. The blades have lower edges placed near the fluid path. An effluent chamber collects and removes the solution extracted from the tank bubble. Other features and advantages of this invention will be evident from the following -J > - ^^^^^^^^^^^^^. detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a fluid conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid conditioning system of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a side cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is an axial cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3 and illustrates an undesirable overlapping lath pattern for the helically flowing solution; FIGURE 5 is an axial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIGURE 4 and illustrating an undesirable ribbon pattern with intervening spaces; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a solution input apparatus for use in the system of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 7 is a side cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of FIGURE 6; áaáM¿¡¡ £ ^ = j & aa ??? fi ^^ j ^ AAE ^ FIGURE 8 is a cross-axial sectional along line 8--8 of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of a collection apparatus for optional use with the system of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional, horizontal view along line 10-10 of FIGURE 9; FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the collection apparatus of FIGURE 9; FIGURE 12 is a partial, vertical, cross-sectional view along lines 12-12 of FIGURE 11; Figures 13a - 13d are cross, vertical, respective of respective embodiments of a cutting frother optional use manifold FIGURE 9 and FIGURE 2 system; FIGURE 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a skimming apparatus of FIGURE 13a; FIGURE 15 is an amplified view of the air circulated by line 15 of FIGURE 13a; FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view, in block diagram form, of a fluid conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 17 is a partial, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the flotation tank of FIGURE 16; ? gfi ^^^^ gSájgj ^^ FIGURE 18 is a partial cross-sectional view, similar to that of FIGURE 17; FIGURE 19 is a block diagram of a fluid conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional, longitudinal view of the system of FIGURE 19; FIGURE 21 is a top plan view along line 21-21 of FIGURE 20; and FIGURE 22 is a side, elongated, cross-sectional view along line 22-22 of FIGURE 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Contaminated fluids such as water and petroleum-based liquid often include a variety of undesirable particles and / or gases. The particles and / or gases typically cose various forms of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand / Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Fat / Oils / Lubricating Grease (FOG), and Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOC). The fluid, when mixed with the particles and / or gases, provides a suspension medium for suspending and distributing the particles and / or gases. Due to environmental concerns related to the disposal of contaminated water it is highly desirable to separate the particles and / or gases from a solution in a safe and inexpensive manner. Particles and gases suspended in a carrier fluid, such as water, integrate an array of complex dynamic and static forces that affect the characteristics of the fluid. Factors such as physical size, intermolecular effects in the solid-liquid-gas interfaces and mobility through the fluid all affect the behavior of particles and / or gases. Many of these forces work against each other, creating complex interactions which complicate the manipulation of the particle in the fluid.

First Mode of the Present Invention To use and handle gaseous particles and / or pollutants subjected to the above forces, the present invention is directed to an ived fluid conditioning system employing a primary gas, for example air or a reactive gas such as ozone to create a bubble rich environment to remove undesirable secondary particles and / or gases from a carrier fluid. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the fluid conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 30, includes a plurality of modularized components for progressively processing an incoming carrier fluid flow 32 that is originates from a solution source (not shown). The respective modules include a conditioning chamber 36 positioned downstream of the incoming carrier fluid to receive the fluid and create a bubble rich environment for a high incidence of bubble-particle collisions and gas transfer from the fluid to the bubbles. The entrance to the conditioning chamber is provided for the application of liquids or solids that affect the surface chemistry, such as salts and / or polymers, 37, to promote the coagulation and / or modification of the desired zeta potential of the target contaminants for efficient collection and removal. Placed near the outlet of the conditioning chamber is a flotation tank 130. The The previous unique modularized construction allows the efficient flotation and separation of particles and gas for a broad spectrum of industries and applications while minimizing the footprint, and consequently the size of the system as a whole. Continuing with reference to Figure 1, the entrance to the conditioning chamber 36 allows the release, in 37, of surface chemical compounds such as liquid or solid coagulating agents and polymeric compounds or other forms of applied energy (e.g. electromagnetic, sonic, ionic and the like) and inject in It is the fluid to break and reverse the attraction of the particles to the water and increase the particle to particle or hydrophobic interfaces attractions. One form of energy is disclosed in copending US Patent Application No. 08 / 979,405 filed November 26, 1997 and entitled "Multimodal Method and Apparatus for Treating a Solution", the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Other potential inputs include in-line mixers or static oil intersectors, flocculation tubes or chemical injection media. The general objective of the added surface chemical is to change the attractiveness of the natural particles with the fluid to a repulsion towards the fluid and the attraction towards the air bubbles. It is highly desirable to have the particles in the proper state for the satisfactory operation of the present invention. The particles can then be extracted from the fluid by introducing large amounts of air, or bubbles, to which the particles have a greater chance of joining. Referring now to Figures 1-7, gas bubbles such as air, ozone or chlorine are injected into the fluid by means of the conditioning chamber 36 which preferably comprises an air-sprayed hydrocyclone (ASH). The ASH creates a predetermined spectrum of bubble sizes of less than , £ ¿__. a micron to several hundred microns in very long quantities. The ratio of air to water created in the chamber ranges from approximately 2: 1 to 50: 1, with relative velocities of the particles and bubbles of approximately one meter per second. Those high ratios and velocities ensure that the bubbles and particles collide instantly to form an association. This is especially important for small colloidal particles. The relatively large gas / water ratio and the small bubble size create orders of magnitude of greater surface area for the transfer of gas from the solution to the bubbles than in the DAF or other sprayed systems. Referring more particularly to Figures 2-4 and 8, hydrocyclone 36 includes a cylindrical containment vessel having an open-ended porous tube 40 (Figures 4 and 8) formed of a gas-permeable material. The tube includes an inner wall 42 defining an internal fluid passage with respective inlet and outlet openings 44 and 46 (Figure 8). An elongated cylindrical hollow housing 48 is concentrically positioned around the first tube to form an annular chamber 50. The chamber includes a gas inlet 52 (Figure 8) coupled to a source of regulated pressurized gas such as air or ozone. As an example, the porous tube may be of a porosity having pore sizes within the range of "e» --fe. »approximately 20 to 40 microns.The cutting action of the high velocity of the water passing through the pores creates bubbles that fluctuate from submicrons to several hundred microns in size.Referring more particularly to the Figures 2 through 5, the hydrocyclone 36 further includes a solution inlet apparatus or accelerator 52 mounted at the end near the housing 48. The input apparatus can take many forms and act to manipulate and tangentially direct the flow of the inlet fluid to a flow similar to a helical ribbon through the passage of fluid 42 to eventually exit to the flotation tank 130. Figure 3 illustrates a shape of the input apparatus comprising a fixed restriction device 54 configured to generate a lath of predetermined size of solution that flows helically. The restriction device preferably generates an essentially continuous ribbon of solution that rotates around the inner wall of the ASH. To avoid the turbulence that can disturb the binding of the particles to the bubbles induced by the gas, it is desirable to avoid superimposing the batten 56 (Figure 4, in shaded form) or holes in the batten 58 (Figure 5). Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, another form of the inlet apparatus 60 for hydrocyclone 36 allows control over the size and direction of the solution or flow strip. The input apparatus includes an inlet port 62 positioned upstream of an inlet chamber 64. The inlet door and the chamber cooperate to form a ribbon control apparatus for directing the solution along a radius of curvature that is progressively reduces This in effect radially accelerates the solution to create a substantial centrifugal force acting on the solution inside the containment vessel 38. The batten control apparatus also serves to allow to decrease the pressure of the input pump and to improve the resistance at the same time to the flow. An angled cover 66 sits on top of the containment vessel to help initially direct the solution downward towards the distal end of the hydrocyclone. The respective restriction devices 68 and 70 are placed at the entrance of the chamber 64 to mechanically control the size of the produced fluid slats, the rotation speed of the slats, and the spacing between the slats. The respective restriction devices are coupled to respective control rods 72 and 74 to manually adjust the exit of the lath. Accordingly, the solution input levels, output levels, effectiveness and treatment, and the like can be verified and the restriction devices adjusted accordingly to maximize the operation of the system. The control of the ribbon can also be ^ Hl ^ gjl jg ^ effected by changes to the inlet pressures of the solution and flow velocities in coordination with the restriction devices. With reference to Figures 9-12, hydrocyclone 36 preferably includes at its outlet a collector apparatus, generally designated 80, to controllably capture and control substantially particle-free solution. The collecting apparatus includes a conical shaped flared section 82 axially coupled to the outlet of the hydrocyclone via a coupling ring 84 and a coupling cylinder 86 which is concentrically joined to the flared section of the hydrocyclone. The flared section is formed with a plurality of radially spaced flared vectors 88 (Figure 12) to push the separated solution toward a modified downward flow. The flared section can be formed in a straight cylindrical configuration without any loss of performance. Referring further to Figures 9-12, the pickup apparatus 80 further includes a donut-shaped passage 90 formed with an annular groove 102 and mounted to the distal end of the flared section 82. The groove includes a coupling edge or skimmer 101 placed axially in line with the expected laminar separation between the particle-rich foam, and the relatively particle-free solution to foam the separate particle-free solution flared radially outwards and downwards from the conical section. The passage includes a unidirectional solution stop 103 and an outlet formed in a discharge mouth that projects and is directed downwardly 104 to discharge the captured solution as a collected stream. The central passage portion defines an exit passage 106 for discharging the particle rich foam on the surface of the flotation tank filled with solution 130. Referring now to Figures 13a, 14 and 15, a further embodiment of the connector apparatus, generally designed 110, includes a flared, conical section in the form of a clock glass 112 with a reduced internal diameter collar 114 to limit or substantially restrict the flow of exit solution. , thereby increasing the speed of the outgoing solution. Positioned at one end of the flared section is a passage 115 having an outlet discharge mouth 117 and formed in a manner substantially similar to the passage 90 described above. Optionally, the flared section can be formed in a straight cylindrical configuration. Placed slightly downstream of the flared section 112 and projecting axially through the passageway 115 is a foaming apparatus 116 carried by a foam support 118. The foamer comprises a pair of concentrically spaced cylindrical tubes 128 and 122 which cooperate to define a gas chamber 124. The chamber is coupled to a gas source 125 and includes an annular open end 126 formed in an inwardly inclined orientation to inject a flow of annular gas to a predetermined annular portion near the neck 114. The gas flow pushes the particle-rich foam up towards the center of the foam outlet to minimize the amount of foam captured by passage 115. Additional embodiments of a collector apparatus according to the present invention are illustrated in Figures 13b to 13d and includes, respectively, a construction having a flared section in the form of clock glass 123 ( Figure 13b) without a skimming device; a substantially straight flared section (Figure 13c) without a frothing apparatus; and a substantially straight flared section 125 (Figure 13d) incorporating a foamer apparatus 127. We have discovered to provide optional uses for the foamer apparatus 116 for purposes of harvesting a predetermined volume of foam microbubbles for collection with the relatively particle-free solution. . An additional application is to harvest the gases trapped in the core and the foam on the slat surface, thereby allowing a convenient way to recycle the gases trapped within the bubbles, such as VOC and the like. Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, flotation tank 130 is placed downstream of hydrocyclone 36 and is substantially filled with a relatively clean solution such as clarified water. The flotation tank, contemplated in one embodiment, may take the form of a modified air flotation tank (DAF) modified (Figure 2), with an upper part open to receive the separate solution and the hydrocyclone foam. The skimmer 135 having a plurality of vanes 137 is positioned on the surface of the tank to push the foam or flocs deposited from the surface of the solution into a reception area 138. To remove the treated solution from the In the tank, an effluent outlet 140 is formed near the lower portion of the tank. An additional embodiment of the flotation tank employs a multi-chamber construction having a plurality of flotation macrocameras 140 to effect the floating of relatively large bubbles. The respective macro-flotation chambers are coupled to the corresponding number of microflotation chambers 142 that support the flotation of relatively small bubbles. One or more separation chambers 144 collect the resulting foam from the flotation of the macro and micro cameras. The tank allows ^ dWU _ «_____ n_i_M_¡ _____ á__i__ the recirculation of the fluid from the respective macro and microcameras to the conditioning chamber 36, through the respective recirculation connections at 146 and 148. This construction is described more fully below. the additional embodiments of the present invention. In operation, the flotation separation system 30 is preferably placed downstream of a solution source (not shown) to generate an untreated carrier fluid containing one or more varieties of particles or gases. The carrier fluid is optionally pretreated by adding surface chemical components, at 37, to push the particles without the promotion of coalescence, and then pump the fluid to the hydrocyclone 36 by means of a pump (not shown). The hydrocyclone input apparatus 52 receives a flow of carrier fluid and restricts flow to a narrow slat, thereby accelerating the resultant ribbon flow along the internal passage 42 of the containment vessel 38. The flow in the form of The ribbon is directed tangentially and downward to define a helical shape, and creates a substantial centrifugal force acting on the solution. So that the solution rotates through the containment vessel, the spray gas chamber 124 injects gas bubbles towards the solution flow. The _HI_fl_l_1_M _______ bubbles collide with the particles in the solution and the gases dissolved in the water are transferred from the highest concentration in the water to the lowest concentration in the bubbles. This process forms a foam that floats towards the center of the containment vessel as a result of the centrifugal force acting on the solution. The action of the hydrocyclone on the solution creates a non-turbulent flow between the relatively particle-free solution and the particle-rich foam. In the case that the modified apparatus 60 is used, the size and shape of the lath can be controlled through manipulation of the control rods 72 and 74 to operate the preferred restriction device 68 and 70. Additionally, we have discovered what incorporating the ribbon control apparatus, results in a more uniform and turbulence-free strip through the hydrocyclone. When the strip comes out of the distal end of the hydrocyclone 36 the rotating helical action causes the The particle-free solution is flared outward to be received in the flotation tank 130. Simultaneously, the particle-rich foam is deposited on the surface of the flotation tank solution for subsequent collection by the foam stator 135.

In systems using the optional manifold apparatus 110, the outwardly flared solution is selectively captured by the passageway 115 and directed through the discharge port 117 to be released to the body of the solution from the outlet. flotation tank. This helps reduce the level of turbulence on the surface of the tank, which has been found to impede the operation of the flotation tank. The particle-rich foam passes through the center of the passage and is deposited along the surface of the tank. The operation of the collecting apparatus is substantially improved by employing the optional skimming apparatus 116 to inject the flow of the annular gas between a predetermined point of the solution and the foam.

Second Modality of the Present Invention Referring now to Figure 16, a fluid conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 200, effects the efficient separation of particles from a carrier fluid point generated by a process solution source 212 through a float tank 214. The tank employs an improved elevator that extracts bubbles from a solution flow directed at high velocity to turbulence flotation cells. The construction of the tank used in the second mode expands on the first mode maximizing the availability of turbulence-free zones to allow the adequate flotation of bubbles of various sizes. Because larger bubbles float more than small bubbles (since buoyancy varies with the cube of the bubble radius), minimizing turbulence ensures that smaller bubbles are able to coalesce on the surface of the solution and rising to the surface without being swept from the tank by the fluid Referring further to Figure 16, the float tank 214 incorporates an inlet chamber 224 to direct the flow of solution along a controlled flow path near a flotation chamber 245. An insulation unit 230 is located above the flow path and between the respective chambers to extract bubbles from the solution flow into the flotation chamber and allow the flow to flow out as an effluent. Referring again to Figure 16, the flotation tank 214 includes a rectangular shaped retaining wall 215 formed of a solid, water-tight solid material. The containment wall defines a relatively large macro flotation area 216 for the turbulence-free float of relatively large downwardly large bubbles and droplets at 217 to cooperate with an upward division 218 to define the entry to a microflotting area 220. The _ILÉBRI_i ______ tM_ai_? tB_M «^ ta ____ i microflotation area comprises a relatively free area of turbulence for very small bubbles. A landfill 222 is located in the microflotation area to draw a predetermined mass flow of purified effluent from the tank. The input chamber 224 comprises a baffle 226 having a downward inclined surface 228 and the insulation unit 230. The baffle is mounted within the macroflotation area 216 and includes an upper edge 232 for receiving the flow of solution from the solution source 212 and a fixed lower edge 236 in parallel relation to the bottom of the tank. The surface of the baffle 228 is configured to redirect the flow of a substantially vertical flow to a low substantially turbulent flow at the bottom of the tank. With reference to Figures 16 and 17, the isolation unit 230 is laterally offset in very close relation to the baffle 228 and includes a plurality of spaced primary and secondary vanes 238 and 240. The separation of the vanes depends on whether the flow of fluid will be accelerated or maintained at a constant speed. The single primary vane 238 extends upward in parallel, offset relationship, to the surface of the baffle and projects vertically above the surface of tank 242 to minimize turbulence in the flotation chamber resulting from the flow of inlet solution. The vanes comprise respective panels that cooperate to form a plurality of flotation cells 5 244 that open toward the flotation chamber 245. As an example, the panels are approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are spaced at intervals of approximately four and a half inches (10 cm and 1.25 cm). These panels have respective mating surfaces 0 246 which are angularly positioned in predetermined orientations to create a pressure difference between the solution flow and the fluid in the cells when the solution flow flows below. The coupling surfaces terminate at respective inner edges 248 which cooperate with the surface of the baffle 228 to form a progressively narrower laminar flow passage 250. The edges are respectively chamfered at a preferred angle of approximately 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Referring again to Figure 16, to dynamically control the speed of solution flow through the flow passage, the flotation particle separation system 200 includes a recirculation mechanism 252 that includes a pump (not shown) for directing the solution at a mass flow rate specifies out of the tank, through a solution source ^ 5__s ^ ^^ i_tg ^ _ ^? _ S & ... _...-.__. a ^^^^^ a ^ recirculating 254, again through the inlet chamber of tank 224. The recirculated fluid does not affect the total mass flow rate through the system but increases the internal flow to create a pressure difference negative that allows the bubbles to expand and rise towards the top of the laminar flow. The recirculation mechanism also provides means to increase the probability of particle accommodation contact and coalescence. Invariably there will be a very small percentage of freely suspended particles not bound to the bubbles of the flotation tank. The action of the recirculation mechanism captures such particles and redirects it through the inlet chamber for better opportunities for bubble binding. In addition, by employing a conditioning chamber in the path of the recirculating solution, the probability of bubble-particle contact through multiple passes increases through the system substantially. Referring now to Figure 17, the isolation unit includes several parameters to complement the recirculation mechanism 252 to control and maximize the effectiveness of the primary vane 238 and the secondary vanes 240. For example, the depth d and the angle?? of the respective vanes control the number of large bubbles that escape and produce undesirable disturbance of the calmed surface in the flotation chamber 245. The lower edges of the respective vanes 248 cooperate with the inclined surface of the baffle 228 to direct the mass flow through of the tank as a laminar flow along the inclined surface. A parameter to control the speed at which the flow flows through the tank includes the deviation? between the primary vane 238 and the surface of the vane 228. Subsequent secondary vanes 240 in the flotation chamber 245 also modify this velocity, but the primary vane controls the acceleration under the buoyancy cells 244. A larger deflection typically results in a lower acceleration and lower linear velocity along the baffle surface. At lower speeds, vertical currents tend to appear along the baffle surface and overcome the positive buoyancy effects of the flotation chamber. Some velocities generated by a narrowing of the deflection tend to maximize the effects of the flotation chamber. However, narrowing a deviation too much can undesirably restrict the required mass flow under the flotation chamber. In operation, a solution flow is directed from the process solution source 212 to the inlet chamber 224 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal surface of the tank solution. This conveniently maximizes energy dispersion in the deposited solution and minimizes turbulence on the tank surface. The flow is guided through the narrow flow passage 250 where it accelerates along the respective vanes 238 and 240. The effect of the acceleration is caused by the progressively deeper penetration of the lower edges of the vane 248 into the flow of flow. Forcing the flow through the respective constraints creates a higher flow velocity, which in turn creates a lower pressure condition in the flow under each vane. The lower pressure causes the bubbles to expand and increases the buoyancy of the bubbles and the associated bubble-particle compositions. Additionally, due to the flow along the chamfered edges, respective vertical streams develop. The bubbles and particles are extracted from the flow, from the rotating action of the vertical currents, and rise towards the surface above the flotation chambers. The clean effluent exits through the microflotation area 220 into a landfill 222. The extended deep configuration of the effluent chamber creates a higher pressure and buoyancy forces on the microbubbles that may remain in the solution. The partition 218 provides an advantageous resistance to losing bubbles and bubble-particle compositions through the landfill. further, the increase in depth adds length to the path taken by the flow of bubbles before going to the landfill. These two effects combine to add resistance time for the bubbles to float to the surface. However, the most important characteristic of the extended depth is the significant increase in the time in which the effluent bubble has before reaching the landfill. The collected foam is further processed in an area of the separation chamber 247 to effect dehydration of the foam or flocculent. This area is preferably placed close to the surface of the flotation tank and generally involves draining the collected bubbles comprising the foam with a defoamer or the like. The fluid conditioning system 200 of the present invention is especially advantageous when used in a flotation system employing a hydrocyclone sprayed with air as a source of solution 234. This is because the bubble-particle contact and the coalescence occur with a high probability in the hydrocyclone before the flow still reaches the tank. Employing a hydrocyclone as a solution source also minimizes capital investment due to the reduced costs associated with the correct design compared to complex dissolved air injection schemes and the like. In addition, the anti-turbulence design allows for extremely high hydraulic flow rates and simultaneously maximizes the residence time of the bubbles in the tank.

Third Modality of the Invention Referring now to Figure 19, a fluid conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 300, includes a plurality of highly modular components for progressively processing a flow of the carrier fluid input 302 solution source (not shown). The respective modules include a plurality of conditioning chambers 306, 308 and 310 comprising hydrocyclones sprayed by air as described in the above embodiments. Placed at the respective entrances of each conditioning chamber are doors for the addition of surface chemical components, as described above in the above embodiments. The hydrocyclones are placed upstream of a multi-chamber flotation tank 312 which effect the efficient multi-stage processing of a solution flow.

Referring again to Figure 19, and more particularly to Figures 20 to 22, the flotation tank 312 includes a water-tight container 318 having a relatively shallow inlet area 316 and a relatively deep exit area 314. The tank is divided into three laterally separated longitudinal channels 320, 322 and 324 which act with three separate treatment steps for the solution. Each channel or step employs respective macro-flotation, microflotation and separation chambers (Figure 19, 326, 328 and 330 for step 1, 332, 334 and 336 for step 2, and 338, 340 and 342 for step 3). Referring now to Figure 22, each macro-flotation chamber 326 (for step 1) is placed in the shallow area 316 of tank 312 and each comprises a construction similar to that described for the second embodiment of the invention to take advantage of the unique macrocamera construction. To achieve a lift or lift effect on the bubbles, each macro chamber includes an inlet baffle 346 which cooperates with a primary vane 348 to create a high velocity flow of solution at the bottom of the tank. A plurality of separate secondary blades 350 are placed below the primary vane and just above the laminar flow path to define respective buoyant cells 352 and to create vortex rotating currents within each vane cell.

-Tírti-Tir - i • ^ a __ »_? ___ a_iiMÉ ______ flotation to extract relatively large bubbles from the solution flow and towards the flotation cells. With particular reference to Figures 21 and 22, each microcamera 328 (for channel 1) is positioned in the relatively deep area 318 of the tank to form a much larger cross-sectional area, and consequently dramatically reduce the flow velocity from solution. The respective second and third micro-chambers 334 and 340 include each respective microbubble caterpillar 354, 356 and 357 projecting downward and angularly from the walls of the respective channels 358, 360 and 361 in a parallel relationship. The upper parts of the respective tracks end in respective turbulence-free isolation zones defined by the secondary walls 362, 364 and 366. The caterpillars inhibit the upward mobility of the microbubbles in the solution causing the bubbles to collect on the surface of the caterpillar, and migrate upwards along the caterpillars, and through the zones of the caterpillars. insulation to coalesce on the surface of the solution.

Embracing the bottom of the microchambers is an effluent plate 364 formed with an outlet opening for effluent fluid to pass through. As in the previous modalities, the upper portions of the respective channels define respective separation chambers 330, 336 and 342. The _____ i ___ á __? _? separation chambers provide a convenient area for collecting and draining, or dehydrating, coalesced foam or floccules and may comprise a single collection chamber. Referring also to Figures 19 and 22, the three steps 320, 322 and 324 are coupled together in series to effect a multi-stage system for processing the solution through a corresponding number of process cycles. To perform the cascade construction, first and second receivers 362 and 364 (Figure 22) are placed in the respective first and second microcameras 328 and 334 and are connected to the respective second and third hydrocyclones 308 and 310. The receivers are driven by units pump (not shown) for extracting the treated solution from the first microcamera 326 to the second hydrocyclone 308 for further processing, and a solution from the second microcamera 332 to the third hydrocyclone 310 for final processing. During operation, the flotation tank 312 is initially filled with relatively clean water so that the water level is higher than the separation walls of the respective channels 358 and 360. The system then directs the solution of the solution source (not shown) through the first hydrocyclone 306 and into the first channel 320 for a first processing step. When the solution rich in bubbles flows along the * - '* & •, ^^.

In this case, the respective secondary blades 350 create respective isolated areas of high dynamic pressure which cooperate with the controlled vortical currents to extract relatively large bubbles with greater buoyancy of the flow and towards the respective flotation cells. Once residing in a flotation cell, the relatively large bubbles with greater buoyancy can proceed upwards towards the surface of the tank in a relatively turbulent free environment for subsequent collection by the first separating chamber 330. The solution clarified in the first microcamera 326 is then recirculated through the first receiver 362 and sent to the inlet of the second hydrocyclone 308. The flow through the first receiver is conveniently greater than the solution flow introduced into the first chamber 320, so that the clarified water of the second and third channels 322 and 324 falls towards the first channel. This provides an efficient liquid seal to minimize the leakage of contaminated water to the additionally processed solutions residing in the second and third channels. The pretreated solution undergoes a second step through the second hydrocyclone 308 and through the second channel 322 with much the same as described above for the first step. Bubbles that lack the buoyancy needed to be separated from the solution flow to one of the flotation cells during the first and second steps, the second micro-chamber 334 provides a later opportunity for migration to the surface of the solution. As noted above, the configuration of the cross section of each microcamera produces a reduced velocity of fluid flow, thereby minimizing turbulence in the microcamera. As a result, fine microbubbles are given the opportunity to move slowly upwards towards the first caterpillar 354, so that they coalesce to form larger bubbles. The larger bubbles then migrate upward along the surface of the caterpillar until they reach the entrance to the first isolation zone. The area is conveniently separated by walls of the flowing solution to provide a "safe bay" for the microbubbles to escape towards the surface of the solution. The solution further clarified in the second micro-chamber 334 is directed by the second receiver 364 to the third hydrocyclone 310 for final processing along a third step. The third step may include a similar or different mode of treatment within the hydrocyclone, or involve a different form of stimulation to separate even more additional contaminants from the solution. The solution progresses along the third step with ^ M? Ba ^ aa _ ^ __ ^^^ AM ^ rillta ^ _M ^ BMM¿ÍMMta ^ __ much in the same way as in the first and second steps. After reaching the third micro chamber 340, the liquid exits as effluent through the effluent plate 364. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the many benefits and advantages afforded by the present invention. Of particular significance is the ability to operate at relatively high throughput speeds without depending on the residence time of the bubble. This allows flotation tank constructions of substantially smaller size than previously known which translates into a significant reduction in costs. Additionally, by minimizing the effect of the residence time of the bubble on the operation of the system, the operating characteristics can be substantially improved. In addition, improved performance with a substantially reduced footprint is also achieved through the unique combination and construction of the modular components. Having the flexibility to implement a plurality of stages, the range of applications of the present invention is extended, for example, to industrial laundries, washing of mechanical equipment, food and vegetable processors, traces of birds and cattle and other uses of industrial wastewater. . = '§ ^^ & ^ ^^^ HMÉMUa Another significant advantage provided by the present invention is to maintain uniformity within the hydrocyclone slat spray air during operation. This advantage is realized by the omission of any impediments in the exit of the hydrocyclone, such as a foam pedestal. Moreover, given the extremely large surface area due to the vast number of bubbles, the gas transfer rates increase consistently with Henry's law. Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (77)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following 5 claims is claimed as property: 1. A fluid conditioning system for coupling to a first source of solution, the fluid conditioning system is characterized in that it comprises: a containment container defining the treatment environment, the containment container includes a wall defining a fluid passage and having an input apparatus, the input apparatus is coupled to the solution source to receive a first solution flow and direct 15 the flow of solution through the helical passage through the cylindrical wall, the containment container includes a spray apparatus placed downstream of the inlet to spray a gas into the solution flow to create bubble foam, and an outlet for Download the solution flow 20 sprayed; a flotation tank placed near the hydrocyclone to receive the flow of discharged solution, a flotation tank adapted to contain a second solution to effect the flotation of the gas towards the surface of the ~ A.J_t > second solution and that has an outlet of the tank to remove processed effluent from the tank. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the containment container includes: a cylindrical housing; and a tubular fluid passage positioned concentrically within the housing. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the containment container comprises an air-sprayed hydrocyclone having a porous tubular fluid passage. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the input apparatus comprises: an entry port to accept the solution to be processed; an inlet chamber to receive the solution and supply the solution to the passageway when the solution flows helically; and a fixed restriction device for forming solution strips near the periphery of the entrance chamber. ia ^^ ¿¿^^^ ^ u ^? ^^ i 5. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the input apparatus comprises: an entrance door to accept the solution to be processed; an inlet chamber to receive the solution and supply the solution to the passage as the solution flows helically; and at least one restriction device that can be positioned in an adjustable manner to form slats of the inlet solution near the periphery of the inlet chamber, the restriction device operates to adjust the flow of the solution flowing helically inside the chamber. entry camera. 6. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: the input chamber includes an apparatus for controlling the strip to feed the solution to the passage. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the spraying apparatus includes: a gas source; and a porous tube concentrically positioned with the containment vessel and coupled to the gas source to release gas into the solution flowing helically. .. ^ MM_f. _ », _. __ ^ -. É- ^ M ,, ^ 8. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet includes: a foam collection apparatus located at the center to collect the bubble foam. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 8, characterized in that the outlet further includes a foaming apparatus for directing the foam of an internal surface of the flowing solution 10 helically to the foam collection apparatus located in the center. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the frothing apparatus includes: a gas chamber located near the distal end of the containment vessel; a gas inlet formed on the chamber to provide pressurized gas; and the gas chamber includes an open end that 0 defines an exit port of the frother to direct gas from the chamber to the internal position of the solution flowing helically. 11. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 10, characterized in that the frothing apparatus further includes: a restriction device for restricting the radius of the solution flowing helically to place the internal surface of the solution in line with the gas directed from the exit port of the frother. 12. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet includes a peripherally located solution collection apparatus for collecting and discharging the solution that flows helically. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 12, characterized in that the peripherally located solution collection apparatus comprises: a tube having respective inner and outer ends, the inner end is coupled to the containment container; a passage coupled to the outer end of the tube that collects the solution that flows helically; and the passage includes a formed radial space placed to collect the solution that flows helically in flared form and direct the solution towards the exit. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flotation tank includes: a deflector positioned substantially in relation to the flow of the discharged solution received. 15. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flotation tank includes: a surface skimmer for collecting foam on the second surface of the solution. 16. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flotation tank includes: a flotation chamber; an inlet chamber positioned near the flotation chamber to receive a flow of flotation in the tank and direct the flow along a downward sloping fluid path; an insulation unit positioned between the inlet chamber and the flotation chamber and including a plurality of separate vanes defining respective flotation cells, the vanes have respective lower edges positioned near the fluid path to accelerate the flow of solution to along the trajectory and extract bubbles from the flow towards the flotation chamber; and an effluent chamber that collects and removes the solution extracted from the tank bubble. 17. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that: the respective edges are angularly positioned to isolate the turbulence of the solution within the inlet chamber 5 and simultaneously draw the bubbles towards the flotation chamber. 18. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 17, characterized in that: the edges are configured to create a zone 10 of high dynamic pressure above the fluid path. 19. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that the flotation further includes: a recirculation mechanism for dynamically controlling the flow velocity along the path. 20. The fluid conditioner system according to claim 19, characterized in that: the recirculation mechanism includes an outlet connected along the flotation chamber; a pump to extract partially treated solution through the outlet; Y Then, the supply of recirculation solution placed downstream of the pump to distribute the recirculated solution back into the inlet chamber. 21. The flow conditioner system according to claim 20, characterized in that: the recirculation solution supply comprises a hydrocyclone sprayed by air. 22. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that: the entrance chamber includes a baffle formed by a surface inclined downwards, and has an upper edge placed on top of the tank and a fixed lower edge in parallel relation to the bottom of the tank. 23. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 22, characterized in that: the surface of the baffle is configured to redirect the flow of a substantially vertical flow in a laminar flow substantially horizontal to the bottom of the tank. 24. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 23, characterized in that: the vanes include a primary vane offset laterally from the surface of the baffle and having an upper edge projecting up from the surface of the tank to minimize turbulence along the surface of the tank. 25. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 24, characterized in that: - the blades include a plurality of secondary blades separated from the primary blade in a predetermined relationship. 26. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that: the effluent chamber includes a cantilevered portion to inhibit the exit of the solution that retains bubbles. 27. The fluid conditioning system for separating particulate material from a solution, the system is characterized in that it includes: a first source of solution to generate a flow of solution rich in bubbles; and a flotation tank that includes a flotation chamber; an inlet chamber positioned near the flotation chamber to receive a flow of foaming solution and direct the flow along a downward sloping fluid path; an insulation unit placed between the inlet chamber and the flotation chamber which includes a plurality of spaced apart angles defined by respective flotation vanes, the vanes have respective lower edges placed near the fluid path to direct the flow of solution as far as possible. along the trajectory and extract bubbles from the flow of the flotation chamber; and an effluent chamber to collect and extract solutions extracted from the flow bubbles. 28. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 27, characterized in that: the solution source comprises a hydrocyclone sprayed by air. 29. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 27, characterized in that it further includes: a recirculation mechanism for dynamically controlling the flow velocity along the path. 30. An input apparatus for coupling a hydrocyclone to an input solution source, the input apparatus being characterized in that it includes: an entry port to accept the solution to be processed; an inlet chamber to receive the solution and supply the solution to the passageway when the solution flows helically; Y . ^ aaifca_ ^ ^ _-_..__-.... ^ a first list ^ to form solution strips near the periphery of the input chamber. 31. The input apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the first strip formed comprises: a fixed restriction device. 32. The input apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the first strip comprises: at least one restriction device positioned in a tight manner to form slats of the input solution near the periphery of the input chamber, the device Restriction operates to adjust the flow of the solution that flows helically inside the internal chamber. 33. The input apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that: the input chamber includes a ribbon control apparatus for feeding the solution to the passage. 34. A harvester apparatus for use with a hydrocyclone to peripherally collect and discharge a solution that flows helically through the hydrocyclone, the harvester includes: iß _____ IH__MÍIIÉI ___ a tube having respective inner and outer ends, the inner end is coupled to the containment container; a passage coupled to the outer end of the tube to collect the solution that flows helically; and the passage includes a first shaped radial space placed to collect the solution that flows helically in a bocinal fashion and directed the solution to the outlet. 35. A foam frothing apparatus for use with a hydrocyclone for directing the foam from an interior surface of a solution flowing helically in the hydrocyclone to a foam collection apparatus located in the center, the frothing apparatus is characterized in that it comprises : a gas chamber located near the distal end of the containment vessel; a gas inlet formed on the chamber to provide pressurized gas; and the gas quality includes an open end that defines a skimmer exit port to direct gas from the chamber to the interior surface of the helically flowing solution. 36. The frothing apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that it further includes: a restriction device for restricting the radius of the solution flowing helically to place the interior surface of the solution in line with the gas directed from the exit door of the frother 37. A flotation tank to separate particulate matter from a solution, the tank is characterized because it includes: a flotation chamber; an inlet chamber positioned near the flotation chamber to receive a flow of solution in the tank and direct the flow along a downward sloping fluid path; an isolation unit positioned between the inlet chamber and the flotation chamber and includes a plurality of separate vanes defining respective flotation cells, the vanes have respective lower edges positioned close to the fluid path to control the solution flow rate along the trajectory and extract the bubbles from the flow of the flotation chamber; and an effluent chamber to collect and remove the solution extracted from the bubbles in the tank. 38. The flotation tank according to claim 37, characterized in that: the respective edges are angularly positioned to isolate the turbulence of the solution within the inlet chamber and at the same time simultaneously direct the bubbles towards the flotation chamber. 39. The flotation tank according to claim 38, characterized in that: the blades are separated in a predetermined ratio to create controlled currents within each respective flotation cell. 40. The flotation tank according to claim 37, and characterized in that it further includes: a recirculation mechanism for dynamically controlling the velocity of flow along the path. 41. The flotation tank according to claim 40, characterized in that: the recirculation mechanism includes an outlet connected to the flotation chamber; a pump for extracting the solution treated partially through the outlet; and a supply of recirculating solution placed downstream of the pump to distribute the recirculated solution back to the inlet chamber. 42. The flotation tank according to claim 41, characterized in that: í ^ i ^ l ^^^^^^ É t ai ^ É? the recirculation solution supply comprises a hydrocyclone sprayed by air. 43. The flotation tank according to claim 37, characterized in that: the entrance chamber includes a deflector formed with a surface sloping downwards, and having an upper edge placed on the upper part of the tank and a fixed lower edge in parallel relation to the bottom of the tank. 44. The flotation tank according to claim 43, characterized in that: the surface of the deflector is configured to direct the flow of a substantially vertical flow to a substantially horizontal laminar flow to the bottom of the tank. 45. The conditioning system according to claim 44, characterized in that: the vanes include a primary vane offset laterally from the baffle surface and having an upper edge projecting upwards above the surface of the tank to reduce the minimum turbulence to 20 along the surface of the fluid. 46. The flotation tank according to claim 45, characterized in that: the blades include a plurality of secondary blades separated from the primary blade in a ratio 25 predetermined to control the flow velocity of m ^ ^^^ * u? ii *? ii ^^ - í? ^? emm * ^ M solution along the fluid path and release the upper layer of the bubble flow. 47. The flotation tank according to claim 37, characterized in that: the effluent chamber includes a second isolation chamber having a relatively large cross-sectional area and including an output path of low turbulence, the second chamber of Isolation operates to reduce the speed of the solution and allow the bubbles not to be harvested so that they migrate to the exit path and come in contact with a plurality of attached particles. 48. The hydrocyclone sprayed by gas to process a solution flow from a solution source, the solution comprises a suspension solution and particles suspended in such a suspension solution, the hydrocyclone is characterized in that it comprises: a containment container that defines the environment of treatment, the containment vessel includes a wall defining a respective proximal and distal fluid passage and ends; an input apparatus positioned at the proximal end of the containment vessel, the input apparatus is coupled to the solution source to receive a flow of solution and direct the flow of solution through the helical passage along the cylindrical wall; a spraying apparatus placed downstream of the inlet to introduce a gas into the solution flow; and an outlet for discharging the flow of spray solution, the outlet includes a foam collection apparatus located in the center to collect the bubble foam with a relatively high concentration of particles; and a peripherally located solution collection apparatus positioned near the distal end of the containment container to collect and discharge the helically flowing solution, which has a relatively low concentration of particles. 49. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that the containment vessel includes: a cylindrical housing; and a tubular fluid passage positioned concentrically within the housing. 50. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that: the tubular fluid passage is formed of a porous material. 51. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that the input apparatus comprises: an entry port to accept the solution to be processed; an inlet chamber to receive the solution and supply the solution to the passageway when the solution flows helically; and a restriction device for forming solution strips near the periphery of the entrance chamber. 52. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that the input apparatus comprises: an entry port to accept the solution to be processed; an inlet chamber to receive the solution and supply the solution to the passage as the solution that flows helically; and at least one restriction device that can be positioned in an adjustable manner to form slats of the inlet solution near the periphery of the inlet chamber, the restriction device operates to adjust the flow of the solution flowing helically inside the chamber. internal camera. 53. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 52, characterized in that: the entry chamber includes an apparatus for ribbon control to feed the solution to the passage. 54. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that the spraying apparatus includes: a gas source; and a porous tube concentrically positioned with the containment vessel and coupled to the gas source to distribute gas to the solution flowing helically. 55. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that the frothing apparatus 15 includes: a gas chamber located near the distal end of the containment vessel; a gas inlet formed on the chamber to provide pressurized gas; and the gas chamber includes an open end defining an exit port of the frother to direct gas from the chamber to the interior surface of the helically flowing solution. ^? &? ^^ tti ^^ í? t ^ ^? t ^^^^ uii? I ^ 56. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 55, characterized in that the frothing apparatus further includes: a restriction device for restricting the radius of the solution flowing helically to place the internal surface of the solution in line with the gas directed from the exit door of the frother. 57. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 48, characterized in that: the outlet includes a peripherally located solution collection apparatus for collecting and discharging the solution that flows helically. 58. The gas-sprayed hydrocyclone according to claim 57, characterized in that the peripherally located solution collection apparatus comprises: a tube having respective inner and outer ends, the inner end is coupled to the containment vessel; a passage coupled to the outer end of the tube that collects the solution that flows helically; and the passage includes a formed radial space placed to collect the solution that flows helically in flared form and direct the solution towards the exit. 59. A flotation tank for separating particulate matter from a solution, the tank is characterized in that it includes: a macro-flotation chamber having a plurality of flotation cells and a mechanism for raising fluid to extract relatively large bubbles from a solution flow in the cells; a separation chamber to collect the extracted bubbles; and a microflotation chamber positioned downstream of the macro-flotation chamber and including a macrobubble collector to separate relatively small bubbles from the solution. 60. The flotation tank according to claim 60, characterized in that the mechanism for raising fluid includes: an inlet deflector; a primary vane placed in relation to the inlet deflector and operating to create the laminar flow of the solution along the laminar flow path; and a plurality of separate secondary blades positioned along the laminar flow path to define the respective high pressure areas above the laminar flow to create controlled vortex streams. 61. The flotation tank according to claim 60, characterized in that: the microbubble collector or collector comprises a caterpillar projecting downwards and angularly from the upper part of the microflotation chamber. 62. The flotation tank according to claim 62, characterized in that: the caterpillar opens towards an isolation zone defining a turbulence-free path of the microflotation chamber towards the separation chamber. 63. A multi-stage flotation tank for use in a multi-stage flotation separation system, the multi-stage flotation tank is characterized in that it includes: a plurality of processing channels placed in a cascade relationship, each of the channels includes: a macro-flotation chamber having a plurality of flotation cells and a gravitational lifting mechanism 20 for extracting relatively large bubbles from a laminar flow of solution in the cells; a separation chamber to collect the extracted bubbles; and a microflotation chamber positioned downstream of the macro-flotation chamber and including a collector of micro ^ urbujas to separate relatively small bubbles from the solution. 64. A fluid conditioning system to be coupled to a solution source, the conditioning system 5 of fluid is characterized in that it includes: a conditioning chamber for receiving a first flow of solution from the solution source and spraying a gas in the flow; and a flotation tank for separating the sprayed gas 10 from the solution flow, the tank includes: a macro flotation chamber having a plurality of flotation cells and a gravitational lifting mechanism for extracting relatively large bubbles from a solution flow in the cells; 15 a separation chamber to collect the extracted bubbles; and a microflotation chamber positioned downstream of the macro-flotation chamber and including a microbubble collector to separate relatively small bubbles from the solution. 65. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 65, characterized in that: the conditioning chamber comprises a hydrocyclone sprayed by gas. íaáti ^ iAá ^ ii & áÉ? sm ^ ^^ ^? m mámii ^ m 66. The system-fluid conditioner according to claim 66, characterized in that: the sprayed gas comprises air. 67. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 66, characterized in that: the sprayed gas comprises ozone. 68. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 65, characterized in that the gravitational lifting mechanism includes: an inlet deflector; a primary vane placed in relation to the inlet deflector and operating to create the flow of the solution along the laminar flow path; and a plurality of separate secondary blades placed along the flow path to define the respective high pressure areas above the laminar flow and to create controlled currents. 69. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 65, characterized in that: the microbubble collector or collector comprises a caterpillar projecting downwards and angularly from the upper part of the microflotation chamber. 70. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 70, characterized in that: the track opens towards an isolation zone defining a turbulence-free path of the microflotation chamber towards the separation chamber. 71. The fluid conditioning system according to claim 65 and characterized in that it further includes: a surface stimulator placed upstream of the conditioning chamber. 72. A multi-stage fluid conditioning system for coupling to a solution source, the multi-stage fluid conditioning system is characterized in that it includes: a multi-stage flotation tank comprising a plurality of processing channels placed in a ratio in cascade, each of the channels includes: a macro-flotation chamber having a plurality of flotation cells and a fluid raising mechanism for extracting relatively large bubbles from a solution flow to the cells; a separation chamber to collect the extracted bubbles; and a microflotation chamber positioned downstream of the macro-flotation chamber and including a microbubble collector to separate relatively small bubbles from the solution; and a plurality of conditioning chambers for distributing flows of respective bubble-rich solution to the respective processing channels. 73. The multi-stage fluid conditioning system according to claim 73, characterized in that it further includes: a surface stimulator placed current 10 above the conditioning chambers. 74. A method for separating particulate matter from a solution stream received from a solution source in a flotation tank having respective inlet and flotation chambers, the particulate matter adheres to the bubbles in the solution, the method is characterized because it includes the steps of: directing the flow of solution along a fluid path tilted downward; accelerating the solution below a plurality of separate blades defining respective float cells; extract the bubbles from the solution of the solution and towards the flotation cells; and extracting the solution extracted from the bubbles as effluent. ? Mm ii Éh¿ ^ áíí ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ 75. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the extraction step includes the steps of: creating controlled currents of low dynamic pressure, respectively, and extracting the bubbles from the solution towards the cells. 76. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that it also includes the step of minimizing the turbulence within the flotation chamber. 10 77. The method of compliance with the claim 77, characterized in that the minimization step includes: isolating the flotation chamber of the entry chamber with the cells. mM? ¿^ * ^ M ^ Híi ** ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A system and method for conditioning fluid is described for coupling to a first source of solution comprising a suspension solution and particles suspended in the suspension solution. The fluid conditioning system includes a containment container (36) that defines a treatment environment and includes a wall defining a fluid passage having an input apparatus (60). The input apparatus (60) is coupled to the solution source to receive a flow of solution and direct the flow of solution through a helical passage along the cylindrical wall. The containment vessel (36) includes a spray apparatus placed downstream of the inlet apparatus for introducing a gas into the solution stream, and an outlet (46) for discharging the flow of sprayed solution. The system further includes a flotation tank (130) positioned near the outlet of the containment vessel (46) to receive the flow of discharged solution. The flotation tank (130) is adapted to convey a predetermined domain of a second solution to effect the flotation of the particles to the surface of the second solution. The flotation tank (130) further includes an outlet of the tank for the discharge of processed effluent from the tank.