WO2000001255A1 - Sterilisation commandee par coup de belier induit par condensation - Google Patents

Sterilisation commandee par coup de belier induit par condensation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000001255A1
WO2000001255A1 PCT/US1999/014760 US9914760W WO0001255A1 WO 2000001255 A1 WO2000001255 A1 WO 2000001255A1 US 9914760 W US9914760 W US 9914760W WO 0001255 A1 WO0001255 A1 WO 0001255A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steam
vessel
fluid
chamber
acoustic energy
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/014760
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Craig M. Kullberg
Original Assignee
Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc filed Critical Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc
Priority to US09/719,890 priority Critical patent/US6733727B1/en
Priority to AU48461/99A priority patent/AU4846199A/en
Publication of WO2000001255A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000001255A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/015—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with pressure variation, shock, acceleration or shear stress or cavitation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/26—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating
    • A23L3/30—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by irradiation without heating by treatment with ultrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/025—Ultrasonics
    • 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
    • C02F1/34—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with mechanical oscillations
    • C02F1/36—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with mechanical oscillations ultrasonic vibrations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/80—Food processing, e.g. use of renewable energies or variable speed drives in handling, conveying or stacking
    • Y02P60/85—Food storage or conservation, e.g. cooling or drying

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for treating a fluid, such as the sterilization of water, or a material therein using acoustic energy in the form of cavitation, large amplitude acoustic waves, and/or water hammer, generated by the rapid condensation of steam which is injected into the fluid. More particularly, it concerns a method and apparatus for selectively injecting steam into a reflector member disposed in the fluid which is shaped to focus and direct the acoustic energy at a target zone within the chamber where the acoustic waves converge causing secondary cavitation, the chamber also being shaped to focus the acoustic energy.
  • These sonication schemes utilize high-amplitude ultrasonic sound waves to cause cavitation in a liquid. Cavitation occurs when the high-amplitude ultrasonic sound waves create gas-bubble cavities in the liquid. When the cavities collapse they produce intense localized pressures. This cavitation may be induced to destroy liquid-borne organisms, mix fluids or slurries, promote certain chemical reactions, and otherwise treat fluids or materials therein.
  • the high-amplitude ultrasonic sound waves are typically generated by electrically driven piezo-electric or magnetostrictive transducers.
  • the transducers are usually directed into a static liquid tank or a tank in which the liquid is circulated in order to sterilize objects within the tank, such as surgical instruments, or to sterilize the fluid itself.
  • One disadvantage of transducers is that they are typically confined to small scale systems or batch processes.
  • Some larger scale systems for processing a continuous flow of water have been proposed.
  • U.S. Patent 5,611,993, issued March 18, 1997, to Babaev discloses a method which uses various tank configurations and inlet and outlet locations to cause temporary pooling of the water while a transducer for transmitting a high frequency sound wave is directed at the pooled water.
  • U.S. Patent 5,611,993, issued March 18, 1997, to Babaev discloses a method which uses various tank configurations and inlet and outlet locations to cause temporary pooling of the water while a transducer for transmitting a high frequency sound wave
  • Patent 4,086,057, issued April 25, 1978, to Everett discloses a free jet of water directed against an ultrasonic vibrating surface.
  • U.S. Patent 5,611,993, issued March 18, 1997, to Babaev discloses a plurality of opposing transducers.
  • One disadvantage with some of these systems is their use of a larger number of transducers which consequently utilize a larger amount of electricity to operate.
  • Other systems require additional processing steps to supplement the sonic process.
  • U.S. Patent 5,466,425, issued November 14, 1995, to Adams discloses a system utilizing an applied voltage, ultraviolet radiation, and high frequency.
  • Patent 5,326,468, issued July 5, 1994, to Cox discloses cavitation induced by the pressure drop across a nozzle throat and subsequent ultraviolet radiation, ion exchange, and degassifying treatment. See also U.S. Patent 5,494,585, issued February 27, 1996, to Cox; and U.S. Patent 5,393,417, issued February 28, 1995, to Cox.
  • One disadvantage of these systems is their reliance on secondary treatments.
  • Another disadvantage is their continued use of trstems utilize a cavitation chamber.
  • U.S. Patent 5,519,670, issued May 21, 1996, to Walter discloses a cavitation chamber in which acoustic pulses are generated by repeatedly closing a valve, creating water hammer.
  • Cavitation is also known to be useful in other processes in addition to sterilization of fluids. Cavitation may also be used to sterilize other materials or objects in the fluid; promote chemical reactions (sono-chemistry); treat wood fibers for paper pulp production; de-gas liquids; mix chemicals or slurries; or break down certain compounds.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is particularly well suited for sterilizing a continuous flow of water having micro-organisms therein by destroying the microorganisms with induced cavitation.
  • the system includes a vessel for receiving the fluid; a source of condensable vapor, such as steam; vapor headers for equalizing vapor pressure and protecting against liquid backflow; a directional nozzle array for focusing and/or directing acoustic energy; a source of cooling fluid for maintaining subcooled conditions in the vessel; an optional pressurizer or surge tank to either control pressure surges or operation at elevated pressures.
  • a source of condensable vapor such as steam
  • vapor headers for equalizing vapor pressure and protecting against liquid backflow
  • a directional nozzle array for focusing and/or directing acoustic energy
  • a source of cooling fluid for maintaining subcooled conditions in the vessel
  • an optional pressurizer or surge tank to either control pressure surges or operation at elevated pressures.
  • the pressurizer option will be dictated by the engineering applications that are involved.
  • an optional heating jacket will be employed to sufficiently heat the vessel walls to retard the growth of organisms which may become attached to the walls.
  • the vessel has an inner wall defining a chamber.
  • the chamber is configured to allow the fluid to pass therethrough in a continuous stream.
  • the walls of the of the chamber are shaped or curved to focus and/or direct acoustic energy to a particular area of the chamber defining a target zone.
  • the vessel may be elongated and formed of various elongated portions coupled together. The portions may have various cross sectional shapes for focusing the acoustic energy to the common target area.
  • the chamber may be formed by a plurality of portions having partially elliptical cross sections, each with a separate, outer focal point, and a common, inner focal point disposed in the target zone.
  • the vessel may be elongated or create an elongated fluid path to create long enough dwell times such that the target products, such as micro organisms, spend enough time in the acoustic target zone to be destroyed.
  • the nozzle array has one or more nozzles or spargers coupled to the vessel and directed into the chamber.
  • the nozzle array also has one or more reflector members or shells.
  • the reflector members have a curved wall defining an indentation for focusing and/or directing acoustic energy.
  • the curved indentations or cavities su
  • the reflector members may have one or a cluster of nozzles directed into the cavity.
  • the indentations or cavities may be parabolic or circular shapes.
  • An individual nozzle cluster and its immediate reflecting shell defines a single acoustic source.
  • the shells may have leakage paths, or apertures formed therein, which allow cooling water to circulate about the cavity and maintain subcooled conditions inside the shell.
  • the nozzles are configured for injecting a condensable vapor into the curved indentations of the reflector members, and thus into the vessel.
  • the nozzle may be a steam sparger injecting steam.
  • the acoustic energy is created by the rapid condensation of the vapor in the presence of the fluid.
  • the acoustic energy is generated by localized water hammer shock waves as vapor bubbles implode. These localized shocks will evolve into large amplitude acoustic pulses that will be focused on the target, or directed at the target zone. Additional acoustic energy may also be induced by local turbulence and mechanical loading on the nozzle and reflector members.
  • This acoustic energy is focused and/or directed at the target zone by the reflector members, and by the inner surfaces of the chamber.
  • the acoustic waves converge with one another in the target zone inducing cavitation.
  • the induced cavitation may be used to treat the fluid or materials therein.
  • the source of the condensable vapor is preferably a steam source supplying waste steam from a utility plant.
  • Each acoustic source, or steam sparger which its reflector member, is supplied by process steam via thermally insulated steam lines. These steam lines are in turn connected to one or more common steam headers. For most applications, the steam flow in each line will be modulated using off the shelf technology. This modulation can be accomplished with hydraulic valves that area partially opened and closed in a periodic manner. Self modulation schemes may also be employed and will be discussed latersteam lines and associated check valves will be employed to control accidental liquid backflow.
  • the vapor headers equalize the vapor pressure to the various nozzles. In addition, the headers act as a shock absorber in the event of backflow of liquid into the steam pipe.
  • the cooling system circulates a cooling fluid through the vessel to maintain the vessel, or fluid to be treated, in subcooled conditions. Cooling of the main cavity and the spargers will be done with either pumped bulk flow across the main cavity, or the cooling fluid may be locally injected into the shell cavity of each acoustic source, or a combination of these methods.
  • the coolant may be the same as the fluid which is treated.
  • the heating jacket surrounds the vessel and heats the walls of the vessel.
  • the jacket may be a secondary, outer shell disposed around the vessel, or it may be a pipe coiled about the vessel.
  • the heating jacket keeps the walls heated to prevent biological growth thereon.
  • the resonance chamber which house the above mentioned array of acoustic sources, which include but are not limited to cylindrical, spherical, and toridal configurations.
  • the acoustic arrays will focus sonic energy in a target zone of the cavity, where intense cavitation is induced.
  • the cavity walls will help focus this energy by reflecting scattered sound waves that are not directly absorbed in the target region. This target zone will either have no contact or minimal contact with the resonance chamber to minimize cavitation induced wall erosion.
  • Resonate modes that are excited in the cavity will also help to enhance cavitation in the target zone.
  • baffles will be used to scatter sonic energy to limit localized wall cavitation erosion.
  • one or more individual acoustic sources described above can be used for stand alone applications.
  • Each sparger, or nozzle cluster, encased inside its reflecting shell along with its insulated process steam supply line and cooling water intake line, if needed, can be placed in some pre-existing hydraulic structure like an intake canal to power plant or water treatment facility.
  • the stand alone acoustic source or sources could be used to destroy organisms that clog the intake filters to these facilities.
  • the cavitation chamber can be adapted to operate at elevated pressures with the use of off the shelf pressurizer technology.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a continuous fluid sterilization system in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of the fluid treatment apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along section 3-3;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the fluid treatment apparatus of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8a is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8b is an end view of the fluid treatment apparatus of FIG. 8a;
  • FIG. 9a is side view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9b is an end view of the fluid treatment apparatus of FIG. 9a;
  • FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid treatment apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a water treatment device in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is an end view of the water treatment device of FIG. 11.
  • the system 10 is described and illustrated with respect to a specific embodiment for sterilizing a continuous flow of water having micro-organisms therein, such as a mumcipal water system.
  • system of the present invention may also be used for treating other fluids and/or materials therein.
  • system may be used for promoting chemical reactions; treating wood fibers for paper pulp
  • acoustic energy refers to and is
  • ultra-sonic radiation usually refers to high frequency wave energy or vibrations which propagate through a given medium at the speed of
  • Such ultra-sonic waves or vibrations usually have a
  • hammer usually refers to a high pressure pulse created when a rapidly flowing stream of fluid in a conduit is suddenly blocked. The kinetic energy of the flowing
  • Cavitation occurs in a liquid when the pressure at some point in the system is reduced to the vapor pressure of the liquid.
  • cavitation may be induced by a broad range of frequencies that include both sonic anc ultra-sonic
  • the system or apparatus 10 has a fluid vessel 14 for receiving a fluid; a condensable vapor source or vapor supply system 18 for providing or producing a condensable vapor; vapor headers 22 for equalizing vapor pressure and protecting
  • focusing or directing acoustic energy focusing or directing acoustic energy; a source of cooling fluid or a cooling system 30 for maintaining subcooled conditions in the vessel; a heating jacket 32 for heating the walls of the vessel; and a pressurizer 33, all of which will be described
  • the fluid vessel 14 is configured for receiving a fluid, such as water containing micro-organisms.
  • the vessel 14 has an inner surface 34, as shown in
  • FIG. 3 defining a fluid chamber 38.
  • the vessel 14 also has a primary inlet 42 for allowing fluid to enter into the chamber 38 and a primary outlet 46 for allowing
  • Baffles may be placed at the vessel inlet to enhance turbulent mixing in the vessel.
  • the vessel 14 and chamber 38 are preferably elongated to allow for extended dwell times of the fluid and/or materials therein to maximize the
  • the inlet 42 and outlet 26 may be off set from the central axis of the chamber 38 to ensure more complete turbulent mixing.
  • the inlet 42 and outlet 26 may be off set from the central axis of the chamber 38 to ensure more complete turbulent mixing.
  • the vessel 14 and chamber 38 are preferably sized to allow a large volume of fluid to flow therethrough.
  • the system may be scaled to supply purified water for
  • the vessel 14 or chamber 38 may
  • the directional nozzle array 26 has a plurality of single acoustic sources.
  • the nozzle array 26 advantageously has one or more nozzles or spargers, such as a first nozzle or sparger 50 and a second nozzle or sparger 51, for injecting a condensable vapor, such as steam, into the chamber 38.
  • a condensable vapor such as steam
  • nozzles 50 and 51 are coupled to the vessel 14 and directed into the chamber 38.
  • the reflector members 52 and 53 have a curved wall 54 defining an open indentation or cavity 55.
  • the reflector members 52 and 53 are disposed in
  • the curved indentations 55 surround the nozzles or spargers 50 and 51.
  • spargers 50 and 51 are directed into the open cavities 55 such that the
  • the curved wall 54 is
  • a target or kill zone 56 shaped to focus and/or direct the acoustic energy created by the condensing vapor to a particular zone within the chamber 38 defining a target or kill zone 56.
  • a single nozzle 50 or 51 may be directed into each reflector member 52 or 53, or a cluster of nozzles may be directed into each reflector member.
  • Each reflector member and nozzle, or cluster of nozzles, defines a single acoustic
  • the nozzle array 26 includes a plurality of these single acoustic sources, or nozzles/reflector members.
  • the nozzle array 26 may be located along a side or sides of the vessel 14 or chamber 38 and include a string of nozzles 50 and 51
  • the injection of the condensable vapor is modulated.
  • the reason for modulating the injection is two fold. First, the modulation allows continuous replacement of subcooled water in a cavitation zone near the steam
  • the modulation allows for impulsive loading that
  • the acoustic energy may be used to kill or destroy micro-organisms in water, thus sterilizing the water.
  • the inner surface 34 of the chamber 38 is preferably
  • the elliptical surface 34 of the chamber 38 is designed to enhance the focusing of the acoustic energy that has not been directly absorbed in the target zone 56.
  • the inner surface 34 of the chamber 38 preferably forms at least two
  • first portion 60 and a second portion 62 parallel, adjoining portions, such as a first portion 60 and a second portion 62.
  • the two portions 60 and 62 define the fluid channel 38 with the target zone
  • Each portion 60 and 62 has an inner
  • the inner surface 34 of the chamber 38 has at least two curved portions 60 and 62 which are shaped to focus the acoustic energy to the target zone 56.
  • each of the two portions 60 and 62 of the chamber 38 preferably form an ellipse, or are elliptical.
  • the 38 is formed by two elongated portions 60 and 62 having elliptical cross sections coupled together.
  • the first portion 60 has a first outer focal point 72 and the
  • each portion 60 and 62 has a second outer focal point 74.
  • each portion 60 and 62 has another focal point 76 located in a common area, namely the target
  • each portion 60 and 62 has two focal points including an inner focal point 76 in the target zone and an outer focal point 72 and 74.
  • the inner focal points 76 are located near the center or middle of the chamber 38 while the
  • outer focal points 72 and 74 are located near the outside or circumference of the
  • the focal points are preferably defined by the focal points of the
  • cross-sections are also focal axes of the elongated, cylindrical, elliptical chamber
  • the nozzle array 26 defines a first nozzle array and generates acoustic
  • the array 26 is a plurality of the first nozzles 50 and first reflector members 52.
  • a second nozzle array 27, symmetrical with the first array 26, generates acoustic energy along the second elliptical focal axis 74.
  • the second nozzle array 27 is a plurality of the second nozzles 51 and second reflector members 53.
  • second focal axes 72 and 74 define first and second axial source locations which
  • acoustic energy created at the first and second focal points 72 and 74 is directed and focused to the common second focal point 76 or target zone 56. Secondary cavitation is caused as the acoustic waves converge with one another in the target
  • the target zone 56 is also a cavitation zone.
  • the secondary cavitation and acoustic energy may be used to destroy or kill micro-organisms
  • the chamber 38 geometry can be employed to support resonate cavity
  • Induced cavity normal acoustic modes can either enhance or degrade system performance depending on the
  • Pressure waves created by the rapid condensation of the vapor as it contacts the fluid propagate through the chamber.
  • the shape of the inner surface 34 of the chamber 38 directs and/or focuses the pressure waves so that cavitation occurs as the pressure waves converge with one
  • the primary acoustic waves intersect directly at the common focal point or target
  • the secondary acoustic waves bounce off the cavity walls and are
  • the vessel 14 also has end plates 84 disposed on both ends of the vessel 14 with baffles 86 coupled thereto to scatter and absorb unwanted resonate axial wave modes that do not pass directly through the target zone, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • end plate baffle covering may be partial or complete. These axial wave modes may induce unwanted cavitation outside of the
  • An alternative scheme for suppressing axial cavity modes is to redesign the axial geometry of the resonating chamber such that flat
  • second focal points 72 and 74 and that converge on the central target zone 56 are desirable and enhance system operation if absorption in the target zone keeps acoustic intensities low at the opposite right and left ends of the cavity 38, so as to
  • the directional nozzle arrays 26 and 27 are
  • the nozzle arrays 26 and 27 are directed at the axial source locations 72 and 74 which extending along the length of the vessel 14 and chamber 38. The acoustic energy from these source locations 72 and 74
  • a header 22 is coupled to the nozzle array 26, or
  • process lines 86 for communicating the vapor from the header 22 to the nozzles 50 and 52.
  • the process lines 86 are preferably
  • the header 22 is a pressurized cylindrical drum having a cavity 88 formed therein for receiving the vapor.
  • the header 22 equalizes pressure to each supply line 86.
  • the header also serves as a shock absorption reservoir to dissipate pressure waves that are generated when flow through the supply lines is
  • the vessel 14 also has a secondary inlet 90 for allowing a cooling fluid to
  • the cooling fluid helps maintain subcooling conditions in the chamber 38.
  • the cooling fluid may be the same as the fluid to be treated, such as water. In addition, the cooling fluid may or may not be separated from the fluid to
  • a pipe may extend between the secondary inlet and
  • the nozzle arrays may be cooled by a distribution of branching cooling lines 93 that individually inject cooling water into the vicinity of each nozzle 50
  • the secondary inlet 90 receives the cooling fluid from a source of cooling fluid 30.
  • the cooling fluid may be pumped from the source 30 to the vessel 14 by
  • the cooling fluid and source 30 form a cooling system for removing thermal energy deposited in the vessel 14 from the vapor, which may be heated.
  • the cooling system maintains uniform subcooling conditions in the chamber 38 or the transmission zone 84.
  • the pump 94 circulates the cooling fluid to ensure that
  • cooling fluid 30 may include heat exchangers in a cooling pond. Cooling also
  • the heating jacket 32 is disposed about at least a portion of the vessel 14. The heating jacket heats the vessel 14, or the vessel's walls, to prevent the growth
  • the heating jacket heats the walls of the vessel to a
  • the heating jacket 32 may be a secondary vessel or shell 98 formed about the vessel 14 through
  • the heating jacket 32 may be a pipe 102 coiled about the vessel 14 through which a heated fluid is
  • fluid may be steam and supplied with the same process steam used to power the
  • the apparatus or system 10 is configured to
  • water is preferably pre-treated before entering the chamber so that it is subcooled
  • the chamber 38 is sized to meet the purified water requirements of a given location.
  • the chamber 38 may be sized to supply purified water to hundreds of thousands of people.
  • the base line per-day treatment capacity for the system is about 10 7 gallons (or 3.75 x 10 4 m 3 ).
  • the acoustic energy loads needed to completely sterilize a cubic meter of water is estimated to be on the order of about 5 x 10 5 J/m 3 .
  • the acoustic daily time average power loads of at least 2.17 x 10 5 watts are needed to service drinking water for a population of 10 5 people.
  • energy requirements for boiling an equivalent amount of liquid is several orders of magnitude higher relative to acoustic sterilization.
  • volumetric flow rates are on the order of 1 mVsec (16,000 gpm).
  • the target zone has a cross sectional area of approximately 1 m 2 .
  • the length of the target zone, and thus the vessel is approximately 50 m.
  • the ambient operating pressure is maintained between 1 and 3 atmospheres.
  • the cavitation power threshold is about 3000 w/m 2 .
  • this gives a total energy absorption rate on the order of 0.5 MW or energy densities on the order of 10 4 watts/m 3 .
  • the source of condensable vapor 18 is a steam source
  • the header 22 is a steam drum.
  • the steam source 18 preferably utilizes waste heat from a conventional power plant, such as conventional open cycle gas turbine plants, to generate steam.
  • waste heat sources include industrial waste treatment facilities that employ plasma torch technologies to dispose of large quantities of solid wastes.
  • the cooling system may use counter current external cooling loops driven by pumps.
  • the pumps may be one or more steam turbine high capacity centrifugal pumps driven by part of the waste process steam feed from the steam headers. Without local subcooling, acoustical energy conversions to be less efficient.
  • uncontrolled heat-ups in the nozzle region may increase local vapor pressure making it easier to cavitate liquid in the surrounding transmission zone.
  • acoustic energy by focusing or directing it towards the target zone.
  • the above described system, and the configured chamber may be used to treat other fluids or materials therein.
  • the above system or chamber may be used for promoting chemical reactions; treating wood fibers for paper pulp production; de-gassing liquids;
  • More exotic and problematic applications include operating the cavitation chamber at high or ultra high pressures with the use of a pressurizer 33 and state
  • Cavitation implosions can focus energy by as much as 12 orders of magnitude. Also, cavitation induced implosions in an elevated pressure environment may be sufficient to locally heat material to induce either fusion or fission reactions. Thus, when current structural technology becomes capable of accommodating such
  • Liquids deployed in such a device that is practical to generate useful energy. Liquids deployed in such a device
  • the above described chamber may be configured in various different ways to focus and/or direct the acoustic energy in
  • FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of a vessel 110 is shown
  • the curved portions 116 and 118 direct acoustical energy created by the injection of a condensable vapor from the nozzles
  • FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of a vessel 130 is shown which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, but has a third elongated portion
  • the third portion 132 is parallel with and coupled to the first and second portions 60 and 62.
  • the third portion 132 may be pe ⁇ endicular to the first and second portions 60 and 62, as shown, or all three portions may be configured with
  • the third portion 132 preferably has a
  • a third nozzle 138 is directed to inject a condensable fluid at the third focal point. Therefore, the acoustic energy generated from the injection of a condensible fluid from three separate points is directed and focused at the target zone.
  • a generalization of the above scheme can be extended to an arbitrary number of overlapping cylindrical elliptical cavities that share a common focal point which form a flower pedal or lotus like pattern.
  • an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 130 is shown in which the vessel 14 has two portions 132 and 134 of elliptical cross section that share a common inner focal point, as in FIG. 4, but instead are volumes bounded by surfaces of revolution about the axly by surfaces of revolution about the axis connecting the source locations 72 and 74.
  • the two portions 132 and 134 may be non-elliptical.
  • multiple nested sets of these portions sharing a common focal point may be generated.
  • an identical overlapping set of portions that is pe ⁇ endicular to the page may be added to again generate a lotus like patterned cross section.
  • acoustic energy will be focused from the multiple portions to a common target zone.
  • an apparatus 140 has a vessel 14 with an inner surface forming an elongated cylinder.
  • a plurality of acoustic sources 142, or nozzle arrays 26, are disposed along the length of the cylinder, as shown in FIG. 8a, and about the circumference of the cylinder, as shown in FIG. 8b.
  • the acoustic sources 142 have nozzles directed to inject the condensable vapor into the cylinder. Because multiple acoustic sources 142 are disposed about the circumference of the cylinder, the acoustic energy created by the rapid condensation of the vapor will converge towards the center of the cylinder, or
  • the acoustic energy may also propagate throughout the cylinder. It is of course understood that the cylinder may have a cross sectional shape that is right
  • an apparatus 150 has a vessel 14 with an
  • the acoustic sources 152 have nozzles
  • an apparatus 160 has a vessel 14 with an inner
  • the fluid inlet 42 and fluid outlet 46 may be
  • a plurality of acoustic sources 162, or nozzle arrays 26, are disposed around the torus with some being disposed on the outside 164 of the
  • the torus 162 may also be disposed about the circumference of the cross section of the torus, similarly to that of the cylinder in FIGs. 8a and 8b.
  • the torus may have a cross-sectional shape that is right circular.
  • the cross-section of the torus may be elliptical, etc.
  • the cross-section of the torus may be composed of multiple, partial ellipses coupled together, similar to those of FIGs. 4 and 6.
  • a method for sterilizing water having micro-organisms therein using the apparatuses or system described above includes causing the water to be treated to flow into an elongated vessel.
  • the vessel has an inner surface shaped to focus
  • the steam rapidly condenses in the presence of the water creating acoustic energy.
  • the acoustic energy is focused by reflector
  • vessel also focuses and directs the acoustic energy to the target zone.
  • a device for treating a fluid or material therein with acoustic energy is shown, indicated generally at 200.
  • the device 200 is similar in many respects to the acoustic source in the apparatuses or systems
  • the device 200 is analogous to conventional electrically powered loud speakers.
  • the device may even be portable or moveable such that it may be disposed at will with respect to larger volumes of fluid.
  • the device 200 may be permanently installed in a chamber described
  • the device 200 has a reflector urface 212 forming an indentation 214.
  • the reflector member 210 is disposed in the fluid to be treated and the fluid fills the
  • a nozzle or sparger 216 is coupled to the reflector member 210
  • the nozzle or sparger 216 may be a nozzle
  • 216 may be based on either smooth or abrupt area nozzle/sparger designs. However, for choked flow discharge, a nozzle geometry with a smooth area change is anticipated to be the most efficient way of injecting steam into the
  • the nozzle 216 injects a condensable vapor, such as steam, into the
  • acoustic energy is generated by the rapid condensation of the vapor as it contacts the fluid.
  • spargers 218 may be coupled to the reflector member and directed into the indentation, as shown in FIG. 12.
  • a supply line or pipe 220 is coupled to the nozzle 216 or plurality of nozzles 218 for supplying the condensable vapor.
  • Vapor flowing through the process steam supply lines 220 may be modulated by the partial closing and opening of hydraulic valves upstream of the
  • Insulating jackets may surround each process line to prevent premature condensation and energy loss. Also, a much larger diameter cylindrical insulating jacket may be wrapped around the entire device 200, with an opening at the cavity
  • a ring-shaped pipe 222 may be disposed around the reflector member 210
  • a support and coupled between the supply line 220 and the plurality of nozzles 218 to distribute the vapor from the supply line 220 to the nozzles 218.
  • the reflector member 224 may also be attached to the reflector member 210 to support the
  • the support member 224 may be hollow and in fluid communication with the cavity
  • bypass holes 226 may be formed in the reflector member 210 so
  • the inner wall or surface 212 of the reflector member 210 may be shaped
  • Preferred reflector shapes include parabolic,
  • the reflector member 210 may be located and directed towards a desired area.
  • the device 200 or a plurality of devices, may be fixed at various locations around an intake subject to mussel
  • the wall 212 may be shaped as a parabola, a circle, a cylinder,
  • the device 210 may have a single indentation 214 forming a cup-like
  • the device may have an elongated indentation, forming a half cylinder, with a plurality of nozzles extending along the length of the indentation to treat a longer or wider area.
  • the device 200 is similar to a single unit of
  • the nozzle array 26 and that the device 200 may be configured as an elongated
  • the above acoustic source emits acoustic pulses that contain a range of differing frequency components. Generally, lower frequency components help to
  • frequency components help to maximize the rate of secondary cavitation in a target zone.
  • several other possible design options can be employed to modify this frequency spectrum which include modification to nozzle hole sizes, nozzle
  • Design modifications to the nozzle bodies may entail adding metal fins or flexible diaphragms to these members to induce high frequency vibrations.
  • design modifications must be balanced against the need to minimize local wall cavitation erosion and other forms of material fatigue in and about the vapor implosion zone in the reflector cavity.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil (10) de traitement par énergie acoustique d'un fluide ou de matières contenues dans le fluide, l'appareil comprenant un récipient (14) de réception du fluide présentant des parois intérieures façonnées de telle sorte qu'elles focalisent l'énergie acoustique sur une zone cible à l'intérieur du récipient. Une ou plusieurs buses (26) sont orientées vers l'intérieur du récipient (14) et sont destinées à injecter une vapeur condensable, telle que de la vapeur d'eau, dans le récipient (14). Le système peut comprendre une source de vapeur d'eau (18) destinée à produire de la vapeur d'eau comme vapeur condensable provenant d'une source de chaleur résiduaire industrielle. Des collecteurs de vapeur (88) d'eau disposés entre la source de vapeur d'eau (18) et les buses (26) équilibrent et répartissent la pression de vapeur. Une source de refroidissement (30) fournit un fluide secondaire destiné à garder le liquide dans le récipient (14) dans des conditions de sous-refroidissement. Une chemise de vapeur (32) entourant le récipient (14) est destiné à chauffer les parois du récipient et à empêcher une croissance biologique sur le récipient. Un dispositif de mise sous pression (33) peut faire fonctionner le système à des pressions élevées.
PCT/US1999/014760 1998-07-01 1999-06-29 Sterilisation commandee par coup de belier induit par condensation WO2000001255A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/719,890 US6733727B1 (en) 1998-07-01 1999-06-29 Condensation induced water hammer driven sterilization
AU48461/99A AU4846199A (en) 1998-07-01 1999-06-29 Condensation induced water hammer driven sterilization

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9134198P 1998-07-01 1998-07-01
US60/091,341 1998-07-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000001255A1 true WO2000001255A1 (fr) 2000-01-13

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/014760 WO2000001255A1 (fr) 1998-07-01 1999-06-29 Sterilisation commandee par coup de belier induit par condensation

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Country Link
AU (1) AU4846199A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000001255A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002078751A1 (fr) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Force Technology Procede et appareil de desinfection d'une surface a l'aide d'un traitement de surface
GR20070100055A (el) * 2007-01-30 2008-09-04 Κωνσταντινος Σουκος ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑ ΑΠΟΣΤΡΑΤΙΩΤΙΚΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ ΠΥΡΟΜΑΧΙΚΩΝ ΔΙΑΜΕΤΡΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΩΣ ΚΑΙ 40mm.
US7595003B2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2009-09-29 Environmental Technologies, Inc. On-board water treatment and management process and apparatus
CN109843567A (zh) * 2016-10-24 2019-06-04 株式会社神户制钢所 各向同性加压装置以及使用各向同性加压装置的各向同性加压方法

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0780056A1 (fr) * 1995-12-22 1997-06-25 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif et procédé de traitement d'un produit fluide
EP0800775A1 (fr) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-15 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif et procédé de traitement d'un produit fluide par injection de vapeur et du produit fluide

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0780056A1 (fr) * 1995-12-22 1997-06-25 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif et procédé de traitement d'un produit fluide
EP0800775A1 (fr) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-15 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif et procédé de traitement d'un produit fluide par injection de vapeur et du produit fluide

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002078751A1 (fr) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Force Technology Procede et appareil de desinfection d'une surface a l'aide d'un traitement de surface
BG65090B1 (bg) * 2001-03-28 2007-02-28 Force Technology Метод и апаратура за дезинфекциране на продукт чрез повърхностното му обработване
NO325676B1 (no) * 2001-03-28 2008-07-07 Force Technology Fremgangsmate for desinfeksjon av et produkt ved overflatebehandling, desinfeksjonsanordning samt anvendelse av nevnte anordning.
US7695672B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2010-04-13 Force Technology Method and apparatus for disinfecting a product by surface treatment thereof
CZ302390B6 (cs) * 2001-03-28 2011-04-27 Force Technology Zpusob dezinfekce produktu jeho povrchovou úpravou a zarízení k provádení tohoto zpusobu
US7595003B2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2009-09-29 Environmental Technologies, Inc. On-board water treatment and management process and apparatus
GR20070100055A (el) * 2007-01-30 2008-09-04 Κωνσταντινος Σουκος ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑ ΑΠΟΣΤΡΑΤΙΩΤΙΚΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ ΠΥΡΟΜΑΧΙΚΩΝ ΔΙΑΜΕΤΡΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΩΣ ΚΑΙ 40mm.
CN109843567A (zh) * 2016-10-24 2019-06-04 株式会社神户制钢所 各向同性加压装置以及使用各向同性加压装置的各向同性加压方法

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