US20220144676A1 - Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution - Google Patents
Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220144676A1 US20220144676A1 US17/649,040 US202217649040A US2022144676A1 US 20220144676 A1 US20220144676 A1 US 20220144676A1 US 202217649040 A US202217649040 A US 202217649040A US 2022144676 A1 US2022144676 A1 US 2022144676A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- gas
- volume
- pressure
- pressure vessel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 title abstract description 44
- 239000002101 nanobubble Substances 0.000 title abstract description 28
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 title abstract description 8
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 title abstract description 6
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 title description 19
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 title description 19
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 107
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003344 environmental pollutant Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 231100000719 pollutant Toxicity 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 18
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 3
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 2
- NUJOXMJBOLGQSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N manganese dioxide Chemical compound O=[Mn]=O NUJOXMJBOLGQSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper oxide Chemical compound [Cu]=O QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005751 Copper oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000757 Microbial toxin Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000431 copper oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005202 decontamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003588 decontaminative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008239 natural water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013341 scale-up Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
- C02F1/78—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with ozone
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
- B01F23/2323—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by circulating the flow in guiding constructions or conduits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
- B01F23/2373—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media for obtaining fine bubbles, i.e. bubbles with a size below 100 µm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
- B01F23/2373—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media for obtaining fine bubbles, i.e. bubbles with a size below 100 µm
- B01F23/2375—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media for obtaining fine bubbles, i.e. bubbles with a size below 100 µm for obtaining bubbles with a size below 1 µm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
- B01F23/2376—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media characterised by the gas being introduced
- B01F23/23761—Aerating, i.e. introducing oxygen containing gas in liquids
- B01F23/237613—Ozone
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/29—Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/30—Injector mixers
- B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
- B01F25/312—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows with Venturi elements; Details thereof
- B01F25/3121—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows with Venturi elements; Details thereof with additional mixing means other than injector mixers, e.g. screens, baffles or rotating elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/50—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle
- B01F25/51—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle in which the mixture is circulated through a set of tubes, e.g. with gradual introduction of a component into the circulating flow
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/50—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle
- B01F25/53—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle in which the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle through a recirculation tube, into which an additional component is introduced
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/60—Pump mixers, i.e. mixing within a pump
- B01F25/64—Pump mixers, i.e. mixing within a pump of the centrifugal-pump type, i.e. turbo-mixers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
- B01F2101/305—Treatment of water, waste water or sewage
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2101/00—Nature of the contaminant
- C02F2101/30—Organic compounds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/007—Contaminated open waterways, rivers, lakes or ponds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/008—Originating from marine vessels, ships and boats, e.g. bilge water or ballast water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/20—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from animal husbandry
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/005—Valves
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/78—Details relating to ozone treatment devices
- C02F2201/782—Ozone generators
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/78—Details relating to ozone treatment devices
- C02F2201/784—Diffusers or nozzles for ozonation
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
- C02F2301/04—Flow arrangements
- C02F2301/046—Recirculation with an external loop
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
- C02F2303/04—Disinfection
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
- C02F2305/08—Nanoparticles or nanotubes
Definitions
- Examples set forth in the present disclosure relate to the field of air and water treatment systems. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for optimizing the formation of gas nanobubbles in a disinfecting solution.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a gas-injection system, according to an example implementation
- FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a pressure vessel suitable for use with the gas-injection system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of a deflector, according to some example implementations.
- FIG. 3A is an illustration of a backflow valve assembly with a manual control, according to some example implementations.
- FIG. 3B is an illustration of a backflow valve assembly with motorized control, according to some example implementations.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of a nozzle, according to some example implementations.
- Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
- the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
- the term “facilitate” means to aid, assist, or make easier.
- the term “inhibit” means to impede, interfere with, hinder, or delay the progress.
- proximal and distal are used to describe items or portions of items that are situated closer to and away from, respectively, another item or a user.
- the far end of a pipe attached to a vessel may be referred to as the distal end because it is far away relative to the vessel.
- Coupled or “connected” as used herein refer to any logical, optical, physical, or electrical connection, including a link or the like by which the electrical or magnetic signals produced or supplied by one system element are imparted to another coupled or connected system element.
- coupled or connected elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media, one or more of which may modify, manipulate, or carry the electrical signals.
- nanobubble refers to and includes bubble diameters between about ten nanometers and about four hundred microns.
- a nanometer is one billionth of a meter (1.0E-9 meter).
- a micron or micrometer equals one millionth of a meter (1.0E-6 meter).
- a solution is a liquid mixture in which a minor component, called a solute (such as an enriched gas) is dissolved into a major component, called the solvent (such as water, for aqueous solutions).
- a solute such as an enriched gas
- the solvent such as water, for aqueous solutions.
- the quantity of solute that can be dissolved into a solvent varies, depending on several factors such as temperature and the solubility of the solute.
- the capacity of a solute to be dissolved in a solvent is known as solubility. Solubility is a chemical property of the solute and does not change.
- a solution is saturated when it contains the largest possible quantity of the solute (such as enriched gas) that can be dissolved into the solvent under normal conditions.
- Special conditions such as kinetic mixing, injection at higher pressures, higher temperatures, and/or for long durations, are typically required in order to inject additional solute into the solvent.
- the forced addition of more solute in some cases, produces a solution.
- a solution of gases in a liquid will typically form bubbles.
- Carbonated water is an example of an aqueous solution supersaturated with carbon dioxide gas.
- injected means and refers to the forced injection of additional gas (solute) into the fluid (solvent) which, under some conditions, produces a supersaturated solution.
- released refers to the opposite process, during which gas bubbles that were once dissolved in a fluid solution are un-dissolved or released.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a gas-injection system 1000 , according to an example implementation.
- the system 1000 includes a centrifugal pump 200 for circulating a in and through a circuit of elements, wherein each element is in fluid communication with the next.
- the circuit of elements includes the centrifugal pump 200 , a pressure vessel 300 , a backflow valve 500 , a Venturi injector 600 , and a pair of nozzles 700 a , 700 b immersed in the reservoir 10 of contaminated fluid.
- the contaminated fluid may be water, saltwater, another liquid, or a gas in fluid state, such as air.
- the circuit of elements is monitored, adjusted, and controlled by a control unit 100 , as described herein.
- the circuit of elements is closed, recirculating the fluid for treatment until a desired quantity of pollutants is removed from the fluid.
- pollutant is used herein in its broadest sense, to include any of a variety of substances to be removed from the fluid.
- the system 1000 also includes a gas supply, which may supply one or more gases (e.g., ozone, oxygen, hydrogen).
- the gas supply includes one or more oxygen concentrators 110 a , 110 b for converting ambient air into an oxygen-enriched gas.
- Some types of oxygen concentrators can process about thirty liters per minute and generate an oxygen enrichment of about ninety-two percent. Larger concentrators and other equipment can be used to scale-up the system that handle larger volumes of fluids and gases.
- the gas supply also includes one or more ozone generators 120 a , 120 b for converting the oxygen-enriched gas into an ozone-rich gas. The ozone-rich gas enters the circuit of elements at the pump 200 and at the Venturi injector 600 .
- the system 1000 also includes an ozone destructor 400 for capturing excess ozone and converting it to oxygen.
- an ozone destructor 400 for capturing excess ozone and converting it to oxygen.
- one or more different gases may be used.
- the system may first infuse an ozone-rich gas to clean a reservoir of water, followed by an injection of oxygen-rich gas to remove any excess ozone, followed by an injection of additional oxygen and/or hydrogen to increase the concentrations of such gases in the water and thereby create a drinking water that is infused with such gases.
- the centrifugal pump 200 includes a mixing chamber 205 where the contaminated fluid mixes with a gas (e.g., an ozone-rich gas).
- the centrifugal pump 200 includes one or more drive rotors called impellers inside the mixing chamber 205 to promote mixing and facilitate the injection of gas into the fluid.
- the fluid enters the mixing chamber 205 near the center of the rapidly rotating impellers, which force the fluid by centrifugal force outwardly (i.e.; radially, relative to the center of the impellers).
- the mixing chamber 205 includes one or more gears, pairs of gears, or other agitators to promoting mixing.
- the gas enters the mixing chamber 205 under relatively high pressure, causing the gas to dissolve in the fluid, which causes bubbles to form. Controlling the volumes and pressures of fluid and gas facilitates the formation of smaller and smaller bubbles, some of which are nanobubbles.
- the gas supply injects a first quantity of gas into the fluid, inside the mixing chamber 205 , to produce a first solution.
- the first solution may or may not be fully saturated with gas.
- the first solution contains a first volume of gas nanobubbles.
- the gas flows to the pump 200 through a gas inlet tube 140 , which may include a first control valve 540 .
- the contaminated fluid flows to the pump 200 through an inlet pipe 210 , which may include an inlet valve 510 for controlling the flow from the reservoir 10 .
- the inlet valve 510 also prevents fluid from draining out of the reservoir 10 when the system 1000 is not in use.
- the inlet pipe 210 may also include a priming pump (not shown) for initiating the flow of fluid into the circuit, which is particularly useful when the system starts to operate.
- the inlet pipe 210 and other pipes carrying the fluid may be made of PVC, flexible hose, or another suitable material capable of withstanding the pressures and temperatures of the system 1000 .
- the pressure vessel 300 is mounted above the pump 200 in this example.
- the pressure vessel 300 is configured to receive the first solution from the pump 200 , and hold the first solution under an internal pressure, and for a selected duration.
- the pressure and duration are set, adjusted, and controlled by the control unit 100 .
- the combination of pressure and time facilitates the additional injection of gas nanobubbles—both inside the pressure vessel 300 and inside the mixing chamber 205 , due to the backflow pressure generated by the pressure vessel 300 .
- the combination of pressure and time produces a second solution, which contains a second volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of the pump 200 .
- the second solution exits the pressure vessel 300 and flows through the outlet pipe 220 to a pair of nozzles 700 a , 700 b which are configured to spray the second solution into the reservoir 10 .
- the Y-shaped splitter pipe may be symmetrical in order to evenly divert the flow into the pair of nozzles 700 a , 700 b .
- the nozzles 700 a , 700 b generate a backflow pressure into the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream.
- the nozzles 700 a , 700 b are spaced apart from one another and immersed in the reservoir 10 to a depth located at a mean height 730 above the reservoir floor 20 .
- the nozzles 700 a , 700 b are suspended above the reservoir floor 20 by one or more floats and counterweights (not shown), especially in environments subject to tidal changes or other volume-related fluctuations.
- the nozzles 700 a , 700 b are sized and shaped to release a portion of the volumes of gas nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir 10 .
- the release of the nanobubbles injects the gases that were dissolved in the second solution.
- the gas is an ozone-rich gas
- the release of nanobubbles creates hydroxyl radicals which are highly reactive and useful in destroying organic compounds and other contaminants.
- the second solution exits the pressure vessel 300 and flows through an outlet pipe 220 to a backflow valve 500 before flowing into the nozzles 700 a , 700 b .
- the backflow valve 500 is positioned within the outlet pipe 220 and is constructed and otherwise configured to selectively restrict the flow of the second solution through the outlet pipe 220 .
- the backflow valve 500 By restricting the flow through the outlet pipe 220 , the backflow valve 500 generates a significant backflow pressure in the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream.
- the backflow pressure increases the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 and prolongs the duration of time for mixing inside the pressure vessel 300 .
- the backflow pressure also affects the pressure and mixing time inside the mixing chamber 205 of the pump 200 .
- the combination of increased pressure and a longer mixing time causes the pressure vessel 300 to produce a third solution, which contains a third volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of the pump 200 , and in addition to the second volume injected inside the pressure vessel 300 in a system that does not include a backflow valve).
- the third solution is injected into the reservoir 10 through the nozzles 700 a , 700 b as described herein.
- the system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes a circuit for recirculating the solution back into the centrifugal pump 200 .
- a recirculation pipe 230 is configured to deliver a selected portion of the solution from the outlet pipe 220 and back into the inlet pipe 210 .
- the recirculation pipe 230 includes a recirculation valve 520 to control the flow; in other words, to control the selected portion of the solution to be recirculated.
- the recirculation pipe 230 includes a Venturi injector 600 which, as the name suggests, is sized and shaped to create the Venturi effect as the solution flows through it.
- the Venturi injector 600 includes a suction port in the side wall of the lengthwise chamber through which the solution flows.
- a supplemental gas inlet tube 130 is connected to the suction port and configured to carry the ozone-rich gas.
- the gas inlet tube 130 does not include a control valve, instead relying on the suction generated by the Venturi injector 600 to draw gas through the inlet tube 130 .
- the gas valve 540 in the gas supply tube 140 to the pump 200 can be adjusted when the Venturi injector 600 is operating, in order to balance the supply of gas.
- the lengthwise chamber is sized and shaped to create a pressure differential, which is sufficient to draw a supplemental quantity of gas through the suction port and into the selected portion of the solution.
- the injection of supplemental gas produces a fourth solution, which contains a fourth volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of the pump 200 , and in addition to the second volume injected inside the pressure vessel 300 ).
- the fourth solution next flows into the main inlet pipe 210 and back into the centrifugal pump 200 for additional mixing and injection of additional gas.
- the system 1000 may deliver the ozone-rich gas either (a) through the inlet tube 140 only, directly into the centrifugal pump 200 , (b) through the supplemental gas inlet tube 130 only, directly into the Venturi injector 600 , or (c) through both inlet tubes 140 , 130 —in which case the pump 200 and the Venturi injector 600 cooperate to improve the quality and quantity of nanobubbles in the solution.
- the control unit 100 is connected and configured to set, monitor, adjust, and otherwise control the system 1000 , as described herein, including the gas supply, the centrifugal pump 200 , the pressure vessel 300 , the backflow valve 500 , the Venturi injector 600 , and the oxygen destructor 400 , as well as the valves located in the piping and tubing that connects the elements of the system 1000 .
- control unit 100 controls the oxygen concentrators 110 a , 110 b , the ozone generators 120 a , 120 b , and the gas valves 530 , 540 that control the flow of gas in the system 1000 .
- the control unit 100 controls the speed of the motor driving the pump 200 , the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 , the backflow valve 500 , and the Venturi injector 600 , as well as the fluid valves 510 , 520 that control flow of fluid in the system 1000 .
- the control unit 100 By and through its connections to the system 1000 , the control unit 100 also gathers and stores information about flow velocities, pressures, temperatures, and other conditions. By adjusting the valves and other elements in the system 1000 , the control unit 100 balances the flow velocities, pressures, and temperatures between and among the system elements in order to optimize the generation of nanobubbles. In this aspect, adjustments to the system parameters made by the control unit 100 cause the system 1000 as a whole to generate a larger quantity and concentration of nanobubbles, a higher quality of nanobubbles, and a more stable solution at various stages throughout the circuit so that the nanobubbles are retained in solution until they reach the nozzles 700 a , 700 b.
- the control unit 100 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) that operates and controls a power supply, timers and counters, a processor (e.g., a CPU) connected to a memory (e.g., for storing programming and maintaining a log of temperatures and pressures), a plurality of input-output interfaces through which the PLC receives and sends data to and from external device, and a communications interface for sending and receiving data to and from remote devices, such as computers and mobile device (e.g., to facilitate remote control and remote access to the data and settings).
- PLC programmable logic controller
- the control unit 100 and/or its PLC may include one or more redundant or backup modules to prevent total or partial shutdown of the system 1000 due to hardware failure or power interruption. Emergency shutoff sequences and alarms may be activated in case of hardware failure, excess pressures or temperatures, or other types of system overloads.
- FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a pressure vessel 300 suitable for use with the example gas-injection systems described herein.
- the pressure vessel 300 receives a flow of the first solution from the pump 200 through a connecting pipe 215 .
- the first solution flows through a diverter pipe 310 , as shown.
- the diverter pipe 310 extends lengthwise, and in a substantially vertical orientation, from a base end at the bottom of the pressure vessel 300 to a distal end.
- the distal end of the diverter pipe 310 may be located near the center of the pressure vessel 300 , to facilitate mixing.
- the side wall of the diverter pipe 310 includes a plurality of perforations 315 .
- the first solution exits the pipe 310 through the perforations 315 and into the pressure vessel 300 .
- the perforations 315 may be any of a variety of sizes and shapes designed to facilitate mixing and injection.
- the pressure vessel 300 includes a vent 330 for releasing the excess volume of the ozone-rich gas. Instead of releasing this excess ozone-rich gas into the atmosphere, the excess volume travels through a vapor tube 150 into an ozone destructor 400 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the pressure vessel 300 also includes a deflector 320 .
- the deflector 320 is sized and shaped, and positioned, to selectively inhibit the incoming flow of the first solution from flowing into the vent 330 .
- the deflector 320 prevents the incoming solution from spraying or otherwise flowing into the vent 330 , which is designed to capture excess gas and not fluid.
- the fluid exits through the outlet pipe 220 .
- the deflector 320 is also sized and shaped, and positioned, to selectively inhibit the flow of ozone-rich gas from entering the vent 330 too soon.
- the pressure vessel 300 is designed to hold the first solution, under pressure, for a selected duration, as described herein.
- FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of an example deflector 320 , which is made from a metal plate, one-eighth inch thick and generally rectangular in shape.
- the example deflector 320 is a curved plate with its four corners welded to the ceiling or upper surfaces inside the pressure vessel 300 near the vent 330 .
- the excess flow of ozone-rich gas in this example, may flow around the side edges of the example deflector 320 and into the vent 330 .
- the deflector 320 in some implementations, may be made from another material, formed into other shapes and sizes, and may include perforations or other openings to allow the excess flow of ozone-rich gas to enter the vent 330 .
- the pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 is selected to facilitate additional mixing and injection. When the selected pressure is exceeded, the excess flow of ozone-rich gas will enter the vent 330 .
- the system 1000 in some implementations, includes an ozone destructor 400 for capturing an excess volume of the ozone-rich gas from the pressure vessel 300 .
- This excess volume is characterized by its having not been infused into the first solution.
- the ozone destructor 400 includes a catalyst for converting substantially all the ozone in the excess volume to oxygen, and an outlet 401 for venting the oxygen (directly to the atmosphere, in some implementations).
- the catalyst may be a compound such as manganese dioxide, copper oxide, or other suitable compounds, or mixtures thereof.
- the ozone destructor 400 may include a heater, one or more vanes or other structures for directing the flow of gas through the chamber, filter media in addition to the catalyst, and a fan for drawing the gas through the chamber and/or expelling the oxygen through the outlet 401 .
- the ozone destructor 400 may be replaced with another type of system for safely handling excess gas before it is released to the atmosphere.
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional illustration of a backflow valve assembly 500 a with a manual control, located in the outlet pipe 220 .
- the backflow valve assembly 500 a includes a handle 501 configured to lower and raise a blade 502 into the pipe 220 to modify the flow of fluid therethrough and thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein.
- the blade 502 may be constructed of a solid stainless-steel plate having a thickness of between about one eighth and one quarter of an inch.
- the solid blade 502 is sized and shaped to fit between an upstream plate 503 and a downstream plate 504 .
- the plates 503 , 504 include one or more drilled holes or openings, as shown.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional illustration of a backflow valve assembly 500 b with a motorized control, located in the outlet pipe 220 .
- the backflow valve assembly 500 b in this example, includes a motor 550 connected to a shaft 560 that is configured to lower and raise a blade 560 into the pipe 220 to modify the flow of fluid therethrough and thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein.
- the blade 560 may be constructed of a solid stainless-steel plate having a thickness of between about one eighth and one quarter of an inch.
- the solid blade 560 is sized and shaped to fit between an upstream plate 573 and a downstream plate 574 .
- the plates 573 , 574 include one or more drilled holes or openings, as shown.
- the motor 550 may be connected to and controlled by the control unit 100 or controlled separately.
- the backflow valve assembly 500 a , 500 b is adjustable, in some implementations, to generate a desired amount of backflow pressure in the elements located upstream. As the backflow valve assembly 500 a , 500 b is closed, the flow restriction increases, which in turn generates a higher backflow pressure.
- the backflow pressure increases the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 and prolongs the duration of time for mixing inside the pressure vessel 300 .
- the backflow pressure also affects the pressure and mixing time inside the mixing chamber 205 of the pump 200 .
- the backflow valve assembly 500 is not adjustable with a manual or motorized control.
- the backflow valve assembly 500 is custom-made and includes one or more internal components designed to restrict or modify the flow of fluid through the valve and to thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of a nozzle assembly 700 c according to some example implementations.
- the nozzle assembly 700 c includes a threaded connector 710 configured to attach to the outlet pipe 220 .
- the nozzle assembly 700 c Like the pressure vessel 300 and the backflow valve assembly 500 , the nozzle assembly 700 c generates a backflow pressure into the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream.
- the size and shape of the nozzle assembly 700 c facilitates and helps maintain a consistent operating pressure throughout the system 1000 .
- the valve body 702 defines one or more flow passages 720 in fluid communication between the fluid inlet (through connector 710 ) and one or more fluid outlets 725 .
- the flow passages 720 are converging toward the fluid outlets 725 . In other words, the cross-sectional area of the flow passages 720 is decreasing as the fluid flows toward the outlets 725 .
- the converging shape of the flow passages 720 may be formed by any of a variety of nozzle elements and commercially available designs.
- the converging shape of the flow passages 720 causes a rapid increase in flow velocity and a rapid decrease in pressure. The rapid pressure drop causes at least a portion of the gas nanobubbles to be released into the fluid in the reservoir 10 .
- This release of gas facilitates the destruction of pollutants and other contaminants in the fluid.
- the gas is an ozone-rich gas and the fluid is contaminated water
- the release of nanobubbles creates hydroxyl radicals which are highly reactive and useful in destroying organic compounds and other contaminants in water.
- Applications of the methods and systems described herein are useful for disinfecting bodies of water, such as lakes, wetlands, livestock waste pits, ballast water in watercraft, and wastewater ponds or tanks.
- Applications of the methods and systems described herein are useful for disinfecting the air in a room or other bounded space, including the surfaces, equipment, and other items in the room; for disinfecting medical equipment instead of or in addition to autoclaving; and for sterilizing fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods.
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods are presented for optimizing the formation of gas nanobubbles in a disinfecting solution. In an example system for treating contaminated water, a centrifugal pump draws the water from a reservoir and circulates the water in and through a circuit of elements including a mixing chamber in the pump, a pressure vessel, a backflow valve, a Venturi injector, and a pair of nozzles immersed in the reservoir. The system injects ozone-rich gas into the fluid to produce an aqueous solution containing a volume of gas nanobubbles. The nozzles release the gas nanobubbles into the reservoir, creating highly reactive compounds that destroy organic compounds and other contaminants in the water.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/832,308, filed on Mar. 27, 2020, entitled “GAS INJECTION SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING NANOBUBBLE FORMATION IN A DISINFECTING SOLUTION,” which claims the benefit of and priority to both U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/825,491, filed Mar. 28, 2019, entitled “Backflow Device for Optimizing the Formation of Nano-bubbles in a Fluid,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/969,729, filed Feb. 4, 2020, entitled “Systems and Methods of Infusing Nano-bubbles of Enriched Gas into a Fluid to Create a Solution for Removing Pollutants,” each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
- Examples set forth in the present disclosure relate to the field of air and water treatment systems. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for optimizing the formation of gas nanobubbles in a disinfecting solution.
- Conventional water treatment systems use a variety of chemicals, most of which are not environmentally friendly, to remove microbial toxins and pathogens. Treating large bodies of open water such as lakes, ponds, and livestock waste pools is currently too expensive and not technologically feasible. Untreated waste often includes large amounts of methane, nitrogen, and other substances that raise concerns about environmental impact. Ballast water released from cargo ships can contaminate bays and inlets around ports. Concern is also increasing about the threat of terrorist activity that might be directed toward the water supply, as well as natural water sources and environments. Existing systems for disinfecting and sterilizing the air in a room, surfaces, medical equipment, and other components are expensive, time-consuming, and in many cases are not fully effective. Many types of microbes and pathogens, including viruses, can survive on surfaces and in enclosed spaces for a lengthy period of time unless treated.
- Features of the various implementations disclosed will be readily understood from the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the appending drawing figures. A reference numeral is used with each element in the description and throughout the several views of the drawing. When a plurality of similar elements is present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to like elements, with an added lower-case letter referring to a specific element.
- The various elements shown in the figures are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The dimensions of the various elements may be enlarged or reduced in the interest of clarity. The several figures depict one or more implementations and are presented by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting. Included in the drawing are the following figures:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a gas-injection system, according to an example implementation; -
FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a pressure vessel suitable for use with the gas-injection system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of a deflector, according to some example implementations; -
FIG. 3A is an illustration of a backflow valve assembly with a manual control, according to some example implementations; -
FIG. 3B is an illustration of a backflow valve assembly with motorized control, according to some example implementations; and -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a nozzle, according to some example implementations. - The present systems and apparatuses and methods are understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and drawings. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
- Like parts are marked throughout the following description and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings may not be to-scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic format in the interest of clarity, conciseness, and to convey information.
- The following description is provided as an enabling teaching in its currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits can be obtained by selecting some of the features described without utilizing others. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the examples described are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of this disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles and not in limitation.
- As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a component can include two or more such components unless the context indicates otherwise.
- Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
- As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
- As used herein, the term “facilitate” means to aid, assist, or make easier. The term “inhibit” means to impede, interfere with, hinder, or delay the progress.
- As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe items or portions of items that are situated closer to and away from, respectively, another item or a user. Thus, for example, the far end of a pipe attached to a vessel may be referred to as the distal end because it is far away relative to the vessel.
- The terms “coupled” or “connected” as used herein refer to any logical, optical, physical, or electrical connection, including a link or the like by which the electrical or magnetic signals produced or supplied by one system element are imparted to another coupled or connected system element. Unless described otherwise, coupled or connected elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media, one or more of which may modify, manipulate, or carry the electrical signals.
- The term “nanobubble” as used herein refers to and includes bubble diameters between about ten nanometers and about four hundred microns. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter (1.0E-9 meter). A micron or micrometer equals one millionth of a meter (1.0E-6 meter).
- A solution is a liquid mixture in which a minor component, called a solute (such as an enriched gas) is dissolved into a major component, called the solvent (such as water, for aqueous solutions). The quantity of solute that can be dissolved into a solvent varies, depending on several factors such as temperature and the solubility of the solute. The capacity of a solute to be dissolved in a solvent is known as solubility. Solubility is a chemical property of the solute and does not change.
- A solution is saturated when it contains the largest possible quantity of the solute (such as enriched gas) that can be dissolved into the solvent under normal conditions. Special conditions, such as kinetic mixing, injection at higher pressures, higher temperatures, and/or for long durations, are typically required in order to inject additional solute into the solvent. The forced addition of more solute, in some cases, produces a solution. A solution of gases in a liquid will typically form bubbles. Carbonated water is an example of an aqueous solution supersaturated with carbon dioxide gas.
- The term “injected” as used herein means and refers to the forced injection of additional gas (solute) into the fluid (solvent) which, under some conditions, produces a supersaturated solution. The term “released” as used herein refers to the opposite process, during which gas bubbles that were once dissolved in a fluid solution are un-dissolved or released.
- Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the present subject matter may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- Although the various embodiments and implementations are described with reference to an example system for optimizing bubble size and concentration in a fluid mixture to improve its usefulness in decontamination applications, the systems and methods described herein may be applied to and used with any of a variety of other systems.
- Reference now is made in detail to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a gas-injection system 1000, according to an example implementation. The system 1000 includes acentrifugal pump 200 for circulating a in and through a circuit of elements, wherein each element is in fluid communication with the next. The circuit of elements, in this example, includes thecentrifugal pump 200, a pressure vessel 300, a backflow valve 500, aVenturi injector 600, and a pair of nozzles 700 a, 700 b immersed in the reservoir 10 of contaminated fluid. The contaminated fluid may be water, saltwater, another liquid, or a gas in fluid state, such as air. The circuit of elements is monitored, adjusted, and controlled by a control unit 100, as described herein. The circuit of elements is closed, recirculating the fluid for treatment until a desired quantity of pollutants is removed from the fluid. The term pollutant is used herein in its broadest sense, to include any of a variety of substances to be removed from the fluid. - The system 1000 also includes a gas supply, which may supply one or more gases (e.g., ozone, oxygen, hydrogen). The gas supply, in some implementations, includes one or more oxygen concentrators 110 a, 110 b for converting ambient air into an oxygen-enriched gas. Some types of oxygen concentrators can process about thirty liters per minute and generate an oxygen enrichment of about ninety-two percent. Larger concentrators and other equipment can be used to scale-up the system that handle larger volumes of fluids and gases. The gas supply also includes one or more ozone generators 120 a, 120 b for converting the oxygen-enriched gas into an ozone-rich gas. The ozone-rich gas enters the circuit of elements at the
pump 200 and at theVenturi injector 600. The system 1000 also includes anozone destructor 400 for capturing excess ozone and converting it to oxygen. In other example implementations, one or more different gases may be used. For example, the system may first infuse an ozone-rich gas to clean a reservoir of water, followed by an injection of oxygen-rich gas to remove any excess ozone, followed by an injection of additional oxygen and/or hydrogen to increase the concentrations of such gases in the water and thereby create a drinking water that is infused with such gases. - The
centrifugal pump 200 includes a mixing chamber 205 where the contaminated fluid mixes with a gas (e.g., an ozone-rich gas). Thecentrifugal pump 200 includes one or more drive rotors called impellers inside the mixing chamber 205 to promote mixing and facilitate the injection of gas into the fluid. In acentrifugal pump 200, the fluid enters the mixing chamber 205 near the center of the rapidly rotating impellers, which force the fluid by centrifugal force outwardly (i.e.; radially, relative to the center of the impellers). In an alternative implementation, the mixing chamber 205 includes one or more gears, pairs of gears, or other agitators to promoting mixing. The gas enters the mixing chamber 205 under relatively high pressure, causing the gas to dissolve in the fluid, which causes bubbles to form. Controlling the volumes and pressures of fluid and gas facilitates the formation of smaller and smaller bubbles, some of which are nanobubbles. The gas supply, as shown, injects a first quantity of gas into the fluid, inside the mixing chamber 205, to produce a first solution. The first solution may or may not be fully saturated with gas. The first solution contains a first volume of gas nanobubbles. - The gas flows to the
pump 200 through a gas inlet tube 140, which may include a first control valve 540. The contaminated fluid flows to thepump 200 through an inlet pipe 210, which may include aninlet valve 510 for controlling the flow from the reservoir 10. Theinlet valve 510 also prevents fluid from draining out of the reservoir 10 when the system 1000 is not in use. The inlet pipe 210 may also include a priming pump (not shown) for initiating the flow of fluid into the circuit, which is particularly useful when the system starts to operate. The inlet pipe 210 and other pipes carrying the fluid may be made of PVC, flexible hose, or another suitable material capable of withstanding the pressures and temperatures of the system 1000. - The pressure vessel 300 is mounted above the
pump 200 in this example. The pressure vessel 300 is configured to receive the first solution from thepump 200, and hold the first solution under an internal pressure, and for a selected duration. The pressure and duration are set, adjusted, and controlled by the control unit 100. The combination of pressure and time facilitates the additional injection of gas nanobubbles—both inside the pressure vessel 300 and inside the mixing chamber 205, due to the backflow pressure generated by the pressure vessel 300. The combination of pressure and time produces a second solution, which contains a second volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of thepump 200. - The second solution, in some implementations, exits the pressure vessel 300 and flows through the outlet pipe 220 to a pair of nozzles 700 a, 700 b which are configured to spray the second solution into the reservoir 10. As shown in
FIG. 1 , the Y-shaped splitter pipe may be symmetrical in order to evenly divert the flow into the pair of nozzles 700 a, 700 b. Like the pressure vessel 300, the nozzles 700 a, 700 b generate a backflow pressure into the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream. The nozzles 700 a, 700 b are spaced apart from one another and immersed in the reservoir 10 to a depth located at a mean height 730 above the reservoir floor 20. The nozzles 700 a, 700 b, in some implementations, are suspended above the reservoir floor 20 by one or more floats and counterweights (not shown), especially in environments subject to tidal changes or other volume-related fluctuations. The nozzles 700 a, 700 b are sized and shaped to release a portion of the volumes of gas nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir 10. The release of the nanobubbles injects the gases that were dissolved in the second solution. For implementations in which the gas is an ozone-rich gas, the release of nanobubbles creates hydroxyl radicals which are highly reactive and useful in destroying organic compounds and other contaminants. - The second solution, in another example implementation, exits the pressure vessel 300 and flows through an outlet pipe 220 to a backflow valve 500 before flowing into the nozzles 700 a, 700 b. The backflow valve 500 is positioned within the outlet pipe 220 and is constructed and otherwise configured to selectively restrict the flow of the second solution through the outlet pipe 220. By restricting the flow through the outlet pipe 220, the backflow valve 500 generates a significant backflow pressure in the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream. The backflow pressure increases the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 and prolongs the duration of time for mixing inside the pressure vessel 300. The backflow pressure, to some extent, also affects the pressure and mixing time inside the mixing chamber 205 of the
pump 200. The combination of increased pressure and a longer mixing time causes the pressure vessel 300 to produce a third solution, which contains a third volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of thepump 200, and in addition to the second volume injected inside the pressure vessel 300 in a system that does not include a backflow valve). After passing through the backflow valve 500, the third solution is injected into the reservoir 10 through the nozzles 700 a, 700 b as described herein. - The system 1000 illustrated in
FIG. 1 also includes a circuit for recirculating the solution back into thecentrifugal pump 200. As shown, a recirculation pipe 230 is configured to deliver a selected portion of the solution from the outlet pipe 220 and back into the inlet pipe 210. The recirculation pipe 230 includes arecirculation valve 520 to control the flow; in other words, to control the selected portion of the solution to be recirculated. The recirculation pipe 230 includes aVenturi injector 600 which, as the name suggests, is sized and shaped to create the Venturi effect as the solution flows through it. The Venturi injector 600 includes a suction port in the side wall of the lengthwise chamber through which the solution flows. A supplemental gas inlet tube 130 is connected to the suction port and configured to carry the ozone-rich gas. The gas inlet tube 130, in some implementations, does not include a control valve, instead relying on the suction generated by the Venturi injector 600 to draw gas through the inlet tube 130. The gas valve 540 in the gas supply tube 140 to thepump 200 can be adjusted when theVenturi injector 600 is operating, in order to balance the supply of gas. - The lengthwise chamber is sized and shaped to create a pressure differential, which is sufficient to draw a supplemental quantity of gas through the suction port and into the selected portion of the solution. The injection of supplemental gas produces a fourth solution, which contains a fourth volume of gas nanobubbles (in addition to the first volume injected inside the mixing chamber 205 of the
pump 200, and in addition to the second volume injected inside the pressure vessel 300). The fourth solution next flows into the main inlet pipe 210 and back into thecentrifugal pump 200 for additional mixing and injection of additional gas. - The system 1000, in some implementations, may deliver the ozone-rich gas either (a) through the inlet tube 140 only, directly into the
centrifugal pump 200, (b) through the supplemental gas inlet tube 130 only, directly into theVenturi injector 600, or (c) through both inlet tubes 140, 130—in which case thepump 200 and theVenturi injector 600 cooperate to improve the quality and quantity of nanobubbles in the solution. - The control unit 100 is connected and configured to set, monitor, adjust, and otherwise control the system 1000, as described herein, including the gas supply, the
centrifugal pump 200, the pressure vessel 300, the backflow valve 500, theVenturi injector 600, and theoxygen destructor 400, as well as the valves located in the piping and tubing that connects the elements of the system 1000. - For example, the control unit 100, in some implementations, controls the oxygen concentrators 110 a, 110 b, the ozone generators 120 a, 120 b, and the
gas valves 530, 540 that control the flow of gas in the system 1000. The control unit 100 controls the speed of the motor driving thepump 200, the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300, the backflow valve 500, and theVenturi injector 600, as well as thefluid valves - By and through its connections to the system 1000, the control unit 100 also gathers and stores information about flow velocities, pressures, temperatures, and other conditions. By adjusting the valves and other elements in the system 1000, the control unit 100 balances the flow velocities, pressures, and temperatures between and among the system elements in order to optimize the generation of nanobubbles. In this aspect, adjustments to the system parameters made by the control unit 100 cause the system 1000 as a whole to generate a larger quantity and concentration of nanobubbles, a higher quality of nanobubbles, and a more stable solution at various stages throughout the circuit so that the nanobubbles are retained in solution until they reach the nozzles 700 a, 700 b.
- The control unit 100, in some implementations, includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) that operates and controls a power supply, timers and counters, a processor (e.g., a CPU) connected to a memory (e.g., for storing programming and maintaining a log of temperatures and pressures), a plurality of input-output interfaces through which the PLC receives and sends data to and from external device, and a communications interface for sending and receiving data to and from remote devices, such as computers and mobile device (e.g., to facilitate remote control and remote access to the data and settings).
- The PLC through its input-output interfaces is adapted to interact with external controllers, such as the motor 500 that controls the backflow valve assembly 500 b (
FIG. 3B ) and the motors that control the settings on the gas valves and fluid valves. The control unit 100 and/or its PLC, in some implementations, includes a variable-frequency drive (VFD) for controlling the motor driving thepump 200, which is particularly useful during system startup and power-down. - The control unit 100 and/or its PLC may include one or more redundant or backup modules to prevent total or partial shutdown of the system 1000 due to hardware failure or power interruption. Emergency shutoff sequences and alarms may be activated in case of hardware failure, excess pressures or temperatures, or other types of system overloads.
-
FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a pressure vessel 300 suitable for use with the example gas-injection systems described herein. The pressure vessel 300 receives a flow of the first solution from thepump 200 through a connecting pipe 215. At the bottom of the pressure vessel 300, the first solution flows through a diverter pipe 310, as shown. The diverter pipe 310 extends lengthwise, and in a substantially vertical orientation, from a base end at the bottom of the pressure vessel 300 to a distal end. The distal end of the diverter pipe 310 may be located near the center of the pressure vessel 300, to facilitate mixing. As shown, the side wall of the diverter pipe 310 includes a plurality of perforations 315. The first solution exits the pipe 310 through the perforations 315 and into the pressure vessel 300. The perforations 315 may be any of a variety of sizes and shapes designed to facilitate mixing and injection. - The pressure vessel 300 includes a vent 330 for releasing the excess volume of the ozone-rich gas. Instead of releasing this excess ozone-rich gas into the atmosphere, the excess volume travels through a vapor tube 150 into an
ozone destructor 400, as shown inFIG. 1 . - As shown in
FIG. 2A , the pressure vessel 300 also includes a deflector 320. The deflector 320 is sized and shaped, and positioned, to selectively inhibit the incoming flow of the first solution from flowing into the vent 330. In this aspect, the deflector 320 prevents the incoming solution from spraying or otherwise flowing into the vent 330, which is designed to capture excess gas and not fluid. The fluid exits through the outlet pipe 220. The deflector 320 is also sized and shaped, and positioned, to selectively inhibit the flow of ozone-rich gas from entering the vent 330 too soon. The pressure vessel 300 is designed to hold the first solution, under pressure, for a selected duration, as described herein. -
FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of an example deflector 320, which is made from a metal plate, one-eighth inch thick and generally rectangular in shape. The example deflector 320 is a curved plate with its four corners welded to the ceiling or upper surfaces inside the pressure vessel 300 near the vent 330. The excess flow of ozone-rich gas, in this example, may flow around the side edges of the example deflector 320 and into the vent 330. The deflector 320, in some implementations, may be made from another material, formed into other shapes and sizes, and may include perforations or other openings to allow the excess flow of ozone-rich gas to enter the vent 330. The pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 is selected to facilitate additional mixing and injection. When the selected pressure is exceeded, the excess flow of ozone-rich gas will enter the vent 330. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , the system 1000, in some implementations, includes anozone destructor 400 for capturing an excess volume of the ozone-rich gas from the pressure vessel 300. This excess volume is characterized by its having not been infused into the first solution. Theozone destructor 400 includes a catalyst for converting substantially all the ozone in the excess volume to oxygen, and anoutlet 401 for venting the oxygen (directly to the atmosphere, in some implementations). The catalyst may be a compound such as manganese dioxide, copper oxide, or other suitable compounds, or mixtures thereof. Theozone destructor 400, in various implementations, may include a heater, one or more vanes or other structures for directing the flow of gas through the chamber, filter media in addition to the catalyst, and a fan for drawing the gas through the chamber and/or expelling the oxygen through theoutlet 401. For systems in which the gas is not an ozone-rich gas, theozone destructor 400 may be replaced with another type of system for safely handling excess gas before it is released to the atmosphere. -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional illustration of a backflow valve assembly 500 a with a manual control, located in the outlet pipe 220. The backflow valve assembly 500 a, in some implementations, includes a handle 501 configured to lower and raise a blade 502 into the pipe 220 to modify the flow of fluid therethrough and thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein. The blade 502 may be constructed of a solid stainless-steel plate having a thickness of between about one eighth and one quarter of an inch. The solid blade 502 is sized and shaped to fit between an upstream plate 503 and a downstream plate 504. The plates 503, 504 include one or more drilled holes or openings, as shown. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional illustration of a backflow valve assembly 500 b with a motorized control, located in the outlet pipe 220. The backflow valve assembly 500 b, in this example, includes a motor 550 connected to a shaft 560 that is configured to lower and raise a blade 560 into the pipe 220 to modify the flow of fluid therethrough and thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein. The blade 560 may be constructed of a solid stainless-steel plate having a thickness of between about one eighth and one quarter of an inch. The solid blade 560 is sized and shaped to fit between an upstream plate 573 and a downstream plate 574. The plates 573, 574 include one or more drilled holes or openings, as shown. The motor 550 may be connected to and controlled by the control unit 100 or controlled separately. - Whether manual or motorized, the backflow valve assembly 500 a, 500 b is adjustable, in some implementations, to generate a desired amount of backflow pressure in the elements located upstream. As the backflow valve assembly 500 a, 500 b is closed, the flow restriction increases, which in turn generates a higher backflow pressure. The backflow pressure increases the internal pressure inside the pressure vessel 300 and prolongs the duration of time for mixing inside the pressure vessel 300. The backflow pressure, to some extent, also affects the pressure and mixing time inside the mixing chamber 205 of the
pump 200. - In another implementation, the backflow valve assembly 500 is not adjustable with a manual or motorized control. In this example, the backflow valve assembly 500 is custom-made and includes one or more internal components designed to restrict or modify the flow of fluid through the valve and to thereby generate a backflow pressure in the elements located upstream, as described herein.
-
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a nozzle assembly 700 c according to some example implementations. The nozzle assembly 700 c includes a threaded connector 710 configured to attach to the outlet pipe 220. Like the pressure vessel 300 and the backflow valve assembly 500, the nozzle assembly 700 c generates a backflow pressure into the system, which facilitates the additional injection of nanobubbles in the elements located upstream. In this aspect, the size and shape of the nozzle assembly 700 c facilitates and helps maintain a consistent operating pressure throughout the system 1000. - The valve body 702, as shown, defines one or more flow passages 720 in fluid communication between the fluid inlet (through connector 710) and one or more fluid outlets 725. The flow passages 720 are converging toward the fluid outlets 725. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the flow passages 720 is decreasing as the fluid flows toward the outlets 725. The converging shape of the flow passages 720 may be formed by any of a variety of nozzle elements and commercially available designs. The converging shape of the flow passages 720 causes a rapid increase in flow velocity and a rapid decrease in pressure. The rapid pressure drop causes at least a portion of the gas nanobubbles to be released into the fluid in the reservoir 10. The gas nanobubbles that were once dissolved in the second solution, as they pass through the converging nozzle assembly 700 c, are released from the second solution and injected into the fluid in the reservoir 10. This release of gas facilitates the destruction of pollutants and other contaminants in the fluid. For implementations in which the gas is an ozone-rich gas and the fluid is contaminated water, the release of nanobubbles creates hydroxyl radicals which are highly reactive and useful in destroying organic compounds and other contaminants in water.
- Applications of the methods and systems described herein are useful for disinfecting bodies of water, such as lakes, wetlands, livestock waste pits, ballast water in watercraft, and wastewater ponds or tanks. Applications of the methods and systems described herein are useful for disinfecting the air in a room or other bounded space, including the surfaces, equipment, and other items in the room; for disinfecting medical equipment instead of or in addition to autoclaving; and for sterilizing fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods.
- Although several implementations and embodiments have been described herein, those of ordinary skill in art, with the benefit of the teachings of this disclosure, will understand and comprehend many other embodiments and modifications for this technology. This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed or discussed herein, and that may other embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the description. Moreover, although specific terms are occasionally used herein, such terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and should not be construed as limiting the systems and methods described.
Claims (14)
1. A method of removing pollutants from a fluid, comprising:
circulating a fluid in and through a circuit of elements comprising a reservoir, a pump comprising a mixing chamber, a pressure vessel, and one or more nozzles immersed in the reservoir;
dissolving a volume of gas into the fluid from a gas supply in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; and
spraying the fluid through the one or more nozzles and into the reservoir, wherein the one or more nozzles is sized and shaped to release from the fluid at least a portion of the dissolved volume of gas into the reservoir.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the process of circulating the fluid continues until at least one of (a) a desired portion of the dissolved volume of gas is released from the fluid or (b) a desired quantity of pollutants is removed from the fluid.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid further comprises:
delivering a first quantity of gas from the gas supply to the mixing chamber, such that at least a part of the first quantity of gas becomes dissolved into the fluid.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
converting ambient air with an oxygen concentrator into an oxygen-enriched gas;
converting at least a first portion of the oxygen-enriched gas with an ozone generator into an ozone-rich gas, wherein the process of dissolving the volume of gas comprises injecting at least one of the oxygen-enriched gas or the ozone-rich gas into the mixing chamber.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
holding the fluid in the pressure vessel under an internal pressure and for a selected duration, such that the pressure vessel facilitates the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the pressure vessel further comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a gas vent, the method further comprising:
inhibiting the fluid from entering the gas vent with a deflector;
receiving the fluid through one or more perforations defined by a diverter pipe in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, such that the diverter pipe facilitates the process of holding the fluid in the pressure vessel; and
locating the fluid outlet relative to the diverter pipe, such that the fluid outlet location facilitates the process of holding the fluid in the pressure vessel.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
generating a backflow pressure in the fluid with a backflow valve, such that the backflow valve facilitates the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the process of generating the backflow pressure cooperates with the one or more nozzles to facilitate the release of the portion of the dissolved volume of gas.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
holding the fluid in the pressure vessel under an internal pressure and for a selected duration; and
generating a backflow pressure in the fluid with a backflow valve, such that the generated backflow pressure cooperates with the internal pressure to facilitate the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the circuit of elements further comprises a Venturi injector in fluid communication with the gas supply, and wherein the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid further comprises:
delivering a supplemental quantity of gas from the gas supply to the Venturi injector.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the process of delivering the supplemental quantity of gas further comprises:
creating a pressure differential within a lengthwise chamber of the Venturi injector, wherein the lengthwise chamber is sized and shaped to draw at least a portion of the supplemental quantity of gas into the Venturi injector.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the circuit of elements further comprises a recirculation pipe controlled by a recirculation valve for recirculating a select portion of the fluid from the circuit to an inlet pipe located upstream relative to the mixing chamber, the method further comprising:
controlling the circulation of fluid through the recirculation pipe facilitates the process of dissolving the volume of gas into the fluid.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more nozzles comprises a nozzle body defining at least one flow passage and at least one outlet, the method further comprising:
shaping the at least one flow passage to converge in size toward the at least one outlet, such that the converging shape facilitates the release of the portion of the dissolved volume of gas.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more nozzles comprises a pair of nozzles spaced apart from one another and immersed in the reservoir to a depth, the method further comprising:
selecting the depth to facilitate the release of the portion of the dissolved volume of gas.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/649,040 US20220144676A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2022-01-26 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962825491P | 2019-03-28 | 2019-03-28 | |
US202062969729P | 2020-02-04 | 2020-02-04 | |
US16/832,308 US11247923B2 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-03-27 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
US17/649,040 US20220144676A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2022-01-26 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/832,308 Continuation US11247923B2 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-03-27 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220144676A1 true US20220144676A1 (en) | 2022-05-12 |
Family
ID=72606986
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/832,308 Active 2040-07-17 US11247923B2 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-03-27 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
US17/649,040 Pending US20220144676A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2022-01-26 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/832,308 Active 2040-07-17 US11247923B2 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-03-27 | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution |
Country Status (16)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11247923B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3946702A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7165447B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113905809A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020245606B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112021018936A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3131351C (en) |
CL (1) | CL2021002476A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO2021014209A2 (en) |
IL (1) | IL286563A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2021011738A (en) |
MY (1) | MY197617A (en) |
PE (1) | PE20220204A1 (en) |
SG (1) | SG11202110542RA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020198698A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA202108086B (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BR112017009538A2 (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2018-02-14 | Oxy Solutions As | apparatus for dissolving gas in a liquid |
MX2020010523A (en) | 2017-02-27 | 2021-02-09 | Third Pole Inc | Systems and methods for generating nitric oxide. |
US11904366B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2024-02-20 | En Solución, Inc. | Systems and methods of controlling a concentration of microbubbles and nanobubbles of a solution for treatment of a product |
US11975139B2 (en) | 2021-09-23 | 2024-05-07 | Third Pole, Inc. | Systems and methods for delivering nitric oxide |
CN115463567A (en) * | 2021-12-08 | 2022-12-13 | 中国农业大学 | Micro-nano bubble water treatment generator |
WO2023201363A2 (en) * | 2022-04-14 | 2023-10-19 | Third Pole, Inc. | Delivery of medicinal gas in a liquid medium |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH04226851A (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1992-08-17 | Furuno Electric Co Ltd | Malodor removing device for water soluble cutting oil |
WO2009091442A1 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2009-07-23 | Shine Holdings Inc. | System and process for forming micro bubbles in liquid |
JP2012091153A (en) * | 2010-10-25 | 2012-05-17 | Toshio Kawakami | Fine-air-bubble generator |
US20120256329A1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2012-10-11 | Seiji Katayama | Processing apparatus for dispersion, dissolution, solubilization, or emulsification of gas/liquid or liquid/liquid |
US20140158631A1 (en) * | 2012-12-07 | 2014-06-12 | Advanced Water Recovery, Llc | Separation of neutrally buoyant materials from water |
US20160066760A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | Tennant Company | Systems and methods for supplying treatment liquids having nanobubbles |
US20190300405A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude | Systems for producing high-concentration of dissolved ozone in liquid media |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5133882A (en) | 1990-09-26 | 1992-07-28 | Pec Research, Inc. | Barge mounted oil recovery and recycle system |
US5385443A (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 1995-01-31 | Les Traitements Des Eaux Poseidon Inc. | Centrifugal liquid pump with internal gas injection assembly |
US6250609B1 (en) | 1999-06-30 | 2001-06-26 | Praxair Technology, Inc. | Method of making supersaturated oxygenated liquid |
US6506309B1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2003-01-14 | Awois, Llc | Ozone dissolving system for a reservoir |
US7159854B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2007-01-09 | Glr Solutions Ltd. | Apparatus and method for producing small gas bubbles in liquids |
JP2005246351A (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2005-09-15 | Irie Shingo | Fine bubble forming apparatus for improving water quality |
WO2005115598A2 (en) * | 2004-05-25 | 2005-12-08 | The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Arkansas | System and method for dissolving gases in liquids |
WO2006000170A1 (en) | 2004-06-26 | 2006-01-05 | Fan Separator Gmbh | Device for producing microbubbles |
WO2006088207A1 (en) * | 2005-02-21 | 2006-08-24 | Nature S Co Ltd | Ozone water production apparatus, gas/liquid mixing structure for use therein, method of producing ozone water, and ozone water |
AU2006236872B2 (en) | 2005-04-14 | 2011-08-11 | Rdp Company | Method and apparatus for treating lime slurry for grit removal |
AU2006249808B2 (en) | 2005-05-25 | 2011-07-14 | The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Arkansas | System and method for dissolving gases in fluids and for delivery of dissolved gases |
TWI298644B (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2008-07-11 | Yih Jin Tsai | Generator and generating method of ozone nanobubble water |
JP4498405B2 (en) | 2007-11-08 | 2010-07-07 | 三相電機株式会社 | Microbubble generator |
RU2379058C1 (en) | 2008-06-25 | 2010-01-20 | Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие Государственный научно-исследовательский институт особо чистых биопрепаратов Федерального медико-биологического агентства | Method of aerosol disinfection of enclosed spaces |
CN102159326A (en) | 2008-06-25 | 2011-08-17 | 巴特尔纪念研究院 | Aerosol device |
KR101367695B1 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2014-02-27 | 김동식 | Micro-bubble generator using multistage pump |
JP5575720B2 (en) | 2011-09-19 | 2014-08-20 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Liquid processing equipment |
JP6104201B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-03-29 | Idec株式会社 | Fine bubble liquid generator |
CN104529083B (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-08-24 | 桑德集团有限公司 | Pressure type ozone reaction and microbubble BAF sewage water advanced treatment apparatus |
KR101594086B1 (en) | 2015-04-06 | 2016-04-01 | 주식회사 이엠비 | Nanosized bubble and hydroxyl radical generator, and system for processing contaminated water without chemicals using the same |
CN104876375A (en) * | 2015-04-29 | 2015-09-02 | 刘毅 | Deep oxidization water treatment method and deep oxidization water treatment device |
WO2017185059A1 (en) | 2016-04-22 | 2017-10-26 | Watertech Holdings, Llc | Aerosol device |
JP6727163B2 (en) | 2017-04-17 | 2020-07-22 | レッキス工業株式会社 | Gas dissolver |
KR101969772B1 (en) | 2017-12-13 | 2019-04-17 | 한국이엠비기술 주식회사 | Gas-dissolved water producing device for dissolving air or gas in liquid |
CN108144465A (en) | 2018-01-19 | 2018-06-12 | 济南上华科技有限公司 | It is a kind of based on the device that nanometer microvesicle is largely generated in water |
-
2020
- 2020-03-27 EP EP20777812.7A patent/EP3946702A4/en active Pending
- 2020-03-27 MY MYPI2021005488A patent/MY197617A/en unknown
- 2020-03-27 US US16/832,308 patent/US11247923B2/en active Active
- 2020-03-27 JP JP2021559505A patent/JP7165447B2/en active Active
- 2020-03-27 AU AU2020245606A patent/AU2020245606B2/en active Active
- 2020-03-27 CA CA3131351A patent/CA3131351C/en active Active
- 2020-03-27 MX MX2021011738A patent/MX2021011738A/en unknown
- 2020-03-27 SG SG11202110542RA patent/SG11202110542RA/en unknown
- 2020-03-27 WO PCT/US2020/025515 patent/WO2020198698A1/en active Application Filing
- 2020-03-27 PE PE2021001590A patent/PE20220204A1/en unknown
- 2020-03-27 BR BR112021018936A patent/BR112021018936A2/en unknown
- 2020-03-27 CN CN202080024036.7A patent/CN113905809A/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-09-22 IL IL286563A patent/IL286563A/en unknown
- 2021-09-23 CL CL2021002476A patent/CL2021002476A1/en unknown
- 2021-10-21 ZA ZA2021/08086A patent/ZA202108086B/en unknown
- 2021-10-25 CO CONC2021/0014209A patent/CO2021014209A2/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-01-26 US US17/649,040 patent/US20220144676A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH04226851A (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1992-08-17 | Furuno Electric Co Ltd | Malodor removing device for water soluble cutting oil |
WO2009091442A1 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2009-07-23 | Shine Holdings Inc. | System and process for forming micro bubbles in liquid |
US20120256329A1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2012-10-11 | Seiji Katayama | Processing apparatus for dispersion, dissolution, solubilization, or emulsification of gas/liquid or liquid/liquid |
JP2012091153A (en) * | 2010-10-25 | 2012-05-17 | Toshio Kawakami | Fine-air-bubble generator |
US20140158631A1 (en) * | 2012-12-07 | 2014-06-12 | Advanced Water Recovery, Llc | Separation of neutrally buoyant materials from water |
US20160066760A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | Tennant Company | Systems and methods for supplying treatment liquids having nanobubbles |
US20190300405A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude | Systems for producing high-concentration of dissolved ozone in liquid media |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
CN-105451888-A, FOSTER R, 3-2016; (Year: 2016) * |
Machine translation of JP 2012091153 A; 2012-05-17 (Year: 2012) * |
Machine translation of JP H04226851 A; 1992-08-17 (Year: 1992) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN113905809A (en) | 2022-01-07 |
US11247923B2 (en) | 2022-02-15 |
PE20220204A1 (en) | 2022-02-01 |
AU2020245606A1 (en) | 2021-10-14 |
JP2022523264A (en) | 2022-04-21 |
ZA202108086B (en) | 2022-07-27 |
JP7165447B2 (en) | 2022-11-04 |
SG11202110542RA (en) | 2021-10-28 |
MX2021011738A (en) | 2021-10-22 |
AU2020245606B2 (en) | 2023-04-20 |
IL286563A (en) | 2021-10-31 |
CA3131351C (en) | 2023-10-17 |
WO2020198698A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
EP3946702A4 (en) | 2022-12-21 |
BR112021018936A2 (en) | 2021-11-30 |
EP3946702A1 (en) | 2022-02-09 |
CL2021002476A1 (en) | 2022-04-29 |
CO2021014209A2 (en) | 2021-11-19 |
US20200308032A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
MY197617A (en) | 2023-06-28 |
CA3131351A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11247923B2 (en) | Gas injection systems for optimizing nanobubble formation in a disinfecting solution | |
US6962654B2 (en) | Methods and apparatus for supplying high concentrations of dissolved oxygen and ozone for chemical and biological processes | |
KR101594086B1 (en) | Nanosized bubble and hydroxyl radical generator, and system for processing contaminated water without chemicals using the same | |
US6702949B2 (en) | Diffuser/emulsifier for aquaculture applications | |
KR101252673B1 (en) | Waste water purification apparatus using ozone nano bubble and vortex and method thereof | |
WO2010107077A1 (en) | Microbubble generator, activated sludge aeration system, and ballast water sterilizing system | |
KR19980702748A (en) | Method of oxygenating water, oxygenation device and use of oxygenated water | |
KR20070107705A (en) | Ozone water production apparatus, gas/liquid mixing structure for use therein, method of producting ozone water, and ozone water | |
KR20000047823A (en) | System for the dissolution of gas | |
US6503403B2 (en) | Gas-liquid contact apparatus | |
WO2013082717A1 (en) | Improved impeller apparatus and dispersion method | |
JP2002052330A (en) | Gas and liquid supply device | |
CN102963947A (en) | Pressurized dissolved micro-bubble generator | |
JP2006263641A (en) | Gas dissolution method and its apparatus | |
KR20120067394A (en) | A device for dissolving gas and a apparatus for dissolving oxygen which used it | |
JP2004174325A (en) | Water treatment apparatus and water treatment method | |
JP2018020305A (en) | Gas separator and gas dissolution device | |
RU2787823C1 (en) | Gas injection system for optimising the generation of nano bubbles in disinfectant solution | |
JP5079620B2 (en) | Water treatment equipment | |
CN106957101B (en) | Efficient treatment device and treatment process for water containing microorganisms | |
CN214513832U (en) | Micro-nano bubble generator | |
JP5058383B2 (en) | Liquid processing apparatus and liquid processing method | |
KR20140049987A (en) | Gas dissolving apparatus | |
JP2004188240A (en) | Water treatment apparatus | |
RU2355648C1 (en) | Drinking water preparation plant |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: AWAITING RESPONSE FOR INFORMALITY, FEE DEFICIENCY OR CRF ACTION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |