WO2020236187A1

WO2020236187A1 - Wastewater treatement system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020236187A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/033859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Smith
Original assignee: Michael Smith
Priority date: 2019-05-23
Filing date: 2019-05-23
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

A multi-stage remediation system that treats water is disclosed. The system has sensor arrays positioned along the channel to measure characteristics of the water a first injector in fluid communication with the channel configured to inject a liquid gas and a second injector configured to inject air into the fluid from an air source, a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor in communication with the channel to degrade pollutants, a pre-filter in fluid communication with the channel configured to remove particulates remain within the fluid, and an a reverse osmosis system configured to receive the fluid from the pre-filter output

Description

NON-PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

TITLE

WASTEWATER TREATEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to treatment of fluids, and more particularly, a treatment system and method having multiple stages that can be used for a myriad of wastewater treatment programs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The many diverse activities of humans produce innumerable waste materials and by-products. As the environmental, health, and industrial impact of pollutants increase, it has become increasingly important to develop new methods for the rapid and efficient removal of a wide range of contaminants from polluted waters and other liquids. Remediation, as it is often referred to, aims to reduce or eliminate pollutants and other unsafe materials from the fluid.

[0003] Many methods of remediation exist. Some biological treatment techniques include bioaugmentation, bioventing, biosparging, bioslurping, and phytoremediation. Some chemical treatment techniques include ozone and oxygen gas injection, chemical precipitation, membrane separation, ion exchange, carbon absorption, aqueous chemical oxidation, and surfactant enhanced recovery. Some chemical techniques may be implemented using nanomaterials. Physical treatment techniques include, but are not limited to, pump and treat, air sparging, and dual phase extraction.

[0004] One such method that has recently been gaining in popularity due to its environmentally friendly nature is hydrodynamic cavitation. Cavitation, generally, is the formation of vapor cavities in a liquid that creates small liquid-free zones. In engineering terminology, the term cavitation is used in a narrower sense, namely, to describe the formation of vapor-filled cavities in the interior or on the solid boundaries created by a localized pressure reduction produced by the dynamic action of a liquid system.

[0005] While a few cavitation methods currently exist (e.g., acoustic cavitation) hydrodynamic cavitation is relatively less explored. In hydrodynamic cavitation, decontamination may be achieved through the use of submerged jets which trigger hydrodynamic cavitation events in the liquid. These cavitation events drive chemical reactions by generating strong oxidants and reductants, and efficiently decomposing and destroying contaminating organic compounds, as well as some inorganics. These same cavitation events both physically disrupt or rupture the cell walls or outer membranes of microorganisms (such as E. coli and salmonella) and larvae (such as Zebra mussel larvae), and also generate bactericidal compounds, such as peroxides, hydroxyl radicals, etc., which assist in the destruction of these organisms. Following disruption of the cell wall or outer membrane, the inner cellular components are susceptible to oxidation.

[0006] Hydrodynamic cavitation is defined by the formation of cavities formed with vapor-gas inside the fluid flow, or at the boundary layer, of an area of localized pressure, which is reduced below the vapor pressure for the fluid. The localized pressure drop is affected by increasing fluid velocity through a constriction in flow area (i.e. at or before a vena contracta). When the cavity filled fluid moves to an area of pressure that is higher than the vapor pressure for the fluid (e.g. an area of greater cross-sectional area, lower fluid velocity, and thus higher pressure) the vapor-gas cavities condense back into fluid and collapse.

[0007] There are several theories for the cause of the chemical reactions that take place upon the bubble collapse. According to one, the generation of a“hot spot” upon bubble collapse (local high temperature and pressure region) is responsible for the enhanced reactions. According to this theory, the collapse of the myriad of bubbles in the cavitated region creates a multitude of localized high temperature and high-pressure spots (up to 5,000° C. and 1,000 atmospheres) that achieve the oxidation (and/or reduction) and thus the desired remediation effects. Other theories of cavitation suggest that the reactions are generated by shock waves or electric discharges generated at the bubble collapse, or to the formation of a plasma-like state in the collapsing bubble. Regardless of causation, the physical and chemical reactions that take place at the site of the cavitation event are efficiently utilized in the process of the present invention for the elimination of organic and other contaminants from the liquids.

[0008] As described by US 6221260 to Chahine et al., the characteristics and behavior of the generated cavities strongly affect oxidation efficiency. Due to the low pressures generated at the center of the swirl chamber, aggressive cavitation can be generated at moderate jet pressures with no need to reduce the ambient pressure (for purposes of this invention,“ambient pressure” refers to the pressure of the liquid into which the fluid jet issues). In operation at low to moderate ambient pressures (i.e., about 0 to 100 psi), the swirling fluid jet cavitation used in this remediation method nevertheless generates high volumes of small cavities or cavities whose morphology exhibits a large surface area to volume ratio (e.g., very elongated bubbles, helical patterns, etc.).

[0009] Cavitation technology has uses in a wide variety of industrial and ecological remediation settings, including but not limited to farming, mining, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacture and processing, fisheries, petroleum and gas production and processing, water treatment and alternative fuels. With such a wide field of use, companies have been increasingly eager to further develop cavitation technologies.

[0010] Some examples include the use of rotating jet nozzles for cleaning and maintenance purposes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,384 (Hayasi, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,577 (Conn et al.). The apparatus of Hayashi employs a driving mechanism capable of causing the jet nozzle itself to travel upward-and-downward, to rotate and swing. Conn et al. describe the rotation of a cleaning head including at least two jet forming means, for cleaning the inside wall of a conduit.

[0011] These conventional hydrodynamic cavitation technologies and wastewater treatment systems partially reduce suspended organic solids and pollutants. Further, the conventional wastewater treatment systems are inefficient due to high energy requirement, and further, are known to be costly and over-sized.

[0012] Another example of a well-known remediation technique is reverse osmosis (RO), which is a water purification technology that uses a semipermeable membranes to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from contaminated water by pushing water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane, which is a membrane that will allow the passage of water molecules but not the majority of dissolved salts, organics, bacteria, and pyrogens.

[0013] RO works by using a high-pressure pump to increase the pressure on the salt side of the RO and force the water across the semi-permeable membrane, leaving almost all of dissolved salts behind in the reject stream. The desalinated water that is demineralized or deionized is called permeate water. The water stream that carries the concentrated contaminants that did not pass through the RO membrane is called the reject (or concentrate) stream. As the feed water enters the RO membrane under pressure, the water molecules pass through the semi-permeable membrane and the salts and other contaminants are not allowed to pass and are discharged through the concentrate stream. In some RO systems, the concentrate stream can be fed back into the RO system through the feed water supply and recycled through the RO system. The water that makes it through the RO membrane is called permeate or product water and usually has around 95%-99% of the dissolved salts removed from it.

[0014] Reverse osmosis can remove many types of dissolved and suspended species from water, including bacteria, and is used in both industrial processes and the production of potable water. The result is that the solute is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the pure solvent is allowed to pass to the other side. To be "selective", this membrane should not allow large molecules or ions through the pores (holes), but should allow smaller components of the solution (such as solvent molecules) to pass freely. The solute, many times, include silica, barium and other solids.

[0015] An example of a RO membrane is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,344, which describes an aromatic polyamide film which is the interfacial reaction product of an aromatic polyamine having at least two primary amines substituents with an aromatic acyl halide having at least three acyl halide substituents.

[0016] While RO is itself efficient, problems exists due to what is referred to as “membrane fouling,” which occurs when contaminants accumulate on the membrane surface effectively plugging the membrane and drastically reducing its remediation effectiveness. Fouling typically occurs in the front end of a RO system and results in a higher pressure drop across the RO system and therefore a lower permeate flow. Fouling mainly stems from three sources, namely: (i) particles in the feed water (e.g. solute or concentrate); (ii) buildup of sparsely soluble minerals; and (iii) byproducts of microorganism growth. Because of fouling, membranes must be cleaned frequently, which is costly and overall reduces the efficiency of the system by requiring more maintenance. In addition, cleaning the membranes is often expensive and leads to shorter service life of the membrane elements. This is especially true when more than one fouling condition prevails, which can leave the membrane irreversibly fouled with the only suitable solution is the complete replacement of the membrane elements.

[0017] Furthermore, RO facilities have a large footprint and are costly to develop and maintain. Moreover, due to the size of the tubing generally required for RO applications, the systems are not mobile.

[0018] Accordingly, there is a need for a water treatment system and method to efficiently treat wastewater from a myriad of sources without the use of dangerous chemicals or the need for high power requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to

particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0020] To achieve the foregoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a system and method for treating various types of wastewater using hydrodynamic cavitation in one stage, and RO in another stage.

[0021] Advantageously, in embodiments, the treatment system is a mobile system that is built in to an enclosed cargo trailer and can thus be easily moveable from one treatment project to the another, whether it be cleaning municipal brine on one hand, or mining waste water on another.

[0022] Advantageously, in embodiments, the treatment system comprises multiple stages such that the system can be tuned on a project-by-project basis.

Tuning the system may comprise use of only a single stage for a certain water treatment (e.g., river algae remediation) whereas multiple stages may be used for another water treatment program (e.g., remediating municipal brine water into potable drinking water).

[0023] Advantageously, in embodiments, the treatment system obviates the need to use harmful chemicals and reagents to treat water.

[0024] Advantageously, in embodiments, the treatment system has low power requirements and may be powered by generators.

[0025] Advantageously, in embodiments, the treatment system is scalable via a manifold system

[0026] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one inlet. The fluid is supplied into a remediation channel of the system via piping and a pump from a water source. The system further comprises one or more sensor arrays at multiple locations throughout the system. The sensor array may be positioned proximate to the inlet, and further sensor arrays are positioned at the end of each stage of the system. The sensor arrays are configured to detect a plurality of characteristics of the fluid within the remediation channel. The system further comprises a flow meter in fluid

communication with the remediation channel configured to measure a volumetric flow rate of the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid is wastewater or high- concentration brine produced from a municipal water treatment facility, and in other embodiments, the water may be from a mining tailings pond, town well, river or stream. The fluid may contain sediments, pollutants, and organic components, and the like.

[0027] In embodiments, the system further comprises a plurality of injectors. A first injector in fluid communication with the remediation channel and is configured to inject a liquid gas (e.g. liquid nitrogen) into the fluid based on the characteristics of the fluid detected via the one or more sensor arrays. In one embodiment, the sensor arrays comprise a plurality of sensors includes, but not limited to, a turbidity sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, an acoustic sensor, a chemical sensor, flow and fluid velocity sensors, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a density sensor, and a thermal sensor. In one embodiment, the first injector is, but not limited to, a liquid gas injector. In one embodiment, a second injector is configured to inject air (e.g., medical grade dried air) into the fluid within the remediation channel from an air source using an air pump.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. The cavitation reactor is disposed within the remediation channel and is configured to change the pressure in the fluid thereby forming a plurality of of cavitation bubbles the subsequent growth and collapse of the of which result in very high energy densities and in very high local temperatures and local pressures at the surface of the bubbles for a very short time, and separates and degrades pollutant or substances in in the fluid. The system further comprises a myriad of pumps in fluid communication with the remediation channel, the pumps being configured to maintain the pressure of the fluid along the remediation channel. The system further comprises a plurality of pressure switches in connection with a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PCL and pressure switches are used to automatically monitor and control the system so that the system maintains an optimized pressure. The automatic optimization of the system occurs via use of the PLC and a myriad of other hardware and software installations. [0029] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a hydraulic separator and a pre-filter. The hydraulic separator is disposed within the remediation channel and is configured to remove sediment and other pollutants remain within the fluid.

The pre-filter in fluid communication with the remediation channel and is configured to remove certain unwanted pollutants or particulates that remain within the fluid. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a reverse osmosis system in fluid connection with the cavitation system. The reverse osmosis system is configured to receive the high concentrated fluid from the pre-filter via pipes and separate potable water from brine water. The separated potable water and the brine water are supplied from the reverse osmosis system via one or more outlets. In one embodiment, an air injector additionally disposed at an entrance of the reverse osmosis system. The air injector is configured to inject air into the high concentrated fluid that before enters into the reverse osmosis system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the reverse osmosis system comprises one or more high-pressure reverse osmosis modules and one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules. The high-pressure reverse osmosis module in fluid communication with the remediation channel, configured to receive high concentrated fluid from the pre-filter via the pump and separate the high concentrated fluid into a desalted water. In one embodiment, the low-pressure reverse osmosis modules are configured to receive the high concentrated fluid from the pre-filter via the pump and separate the high concentrated fluid into the potable water and the brine water.

[0031] Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remediation and/or treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the remediation and/or treatment system with various stages incorporated in a mobile trailer;

[0035] FIGs. 3A-3D are diagrams of an example piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) of the remediation and/or treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fluid remediation and/or treatment system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vortex plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the fluid water treatment system of FIG. 3“scaled-up” in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 7 is line schematic view of a fluid remediation and/or treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a front view of a programmable logic controller (PLC) panel of the remediation and/or treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a side view of the PLC panel configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a left side view of a layout of the PLC panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a back-side view of the PLC panel layout according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a step-wise flow chart for a method of fluid remediation and/or treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0045] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a use case detailing remediation in a farm using of a fluid remediation and/or treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0048] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention.

[0049] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Fanguage that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0050] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.

[0052] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to certain industries in which cavitational finds use, a skilled artisan will realize that embodiments of the invention are applicable to any type application in which cavitation is beneficial.

[0053] The system and method of the present invention treates wastewater via, at one stage, hydrodynamic cavitation. The detailed elements and specific

embodiments of the present decontamination system can be best appreciated by further understanding the cavitation phenomenon employed to drive the physical and chemical decontamination reactions. Due to large pressure drop in flow, microscopic bubbles grow in the regions of pressure drop and collapse in the regions of pressure rise. When subjected to cavitation, various molecules in the liquid undergo

dissociation and form free radicals, which are powerful oxidizing or reducing agents. For example, in aqueous liquids, the dissociation of water to form hydroxyl radicals occurs under intense cavitation due to the growth and collapse of microscopic bubbles. Analogous dissociation of other molecules may occur as a result of cavitation in aqueous solutions as well as in non-aqueous liquids and solutions, producing radicals which similarly aid in the decontamination reactions described herein. Moreover, cavitation generated in any liquid environment will result in the physical disruption of contaminants, without regard to the generation of particular radicals. The methods and systems of this invention will be applicable for all fluid environments comprising contaminants susceptible to decomposition via the physical and/or chemical effects of the cavitation employed.

[0054] As used herein, the term“contaminated water” or“wastewater” shall include but is not limited to water molecules in combination with dissolved salts, organics, bacteria, metals and/or pyrogens.

[0055] As used herein, the term“permeate water” shall mean the desalinated water that is demineralized or deionized after passing through an RO membrane. Permeate water may also be referred to herein as“product or potable or output water”. The terms“fluid” and“water” are used interchangeably herein.

[0056] Generally, the system defines a water pathway having a main inlet for engagement with raw, brown or black water, which may contain sediment, pollutants, and the like, and multiple outlets at various stages for outputting treated or remediated water in which the pollutants and other unwanted particles have been removed.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a remediation system 10 for treating water is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system 10 comprises at least one inlet 14. The fluid is supplied into from a water source 12 to a remediation channel 16 of the system 10 using a draw pump 26 from a water source 12. The draw pump 26 is in fluid communication with the inlet 14 and is configured to force the fluid into the remediation channel 16, The remediation channel may have multiple automatically controlled valves throughout. In an embodiment, a valve 18a is connected in the remediation channel 16 to control the fluid flow.

[0058] It should be appreciated that the remediation system may comprise varying shapes and sizes, and comprise numerous branches. It should further be appreciated that the system may comprise multiple air actuators and multiple cavitation reactors. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that many types of cavitation generators may be used, for example, baffles, Venturi tubes, nozzles, orifices, slots, and so on. Also, in optional embodiments, a pump is not required as kinetic energy from headwaters may be used to drive the system. As an example, river headwaters, or any downhill running waters provide pressure great enough to drive the system in circumstances.

[0059] In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises one or more sensor arrays (20a and 20b) connected in the channel 16 across a flow meter 22a. The flow meter 22a in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16, configured to measure a volumetric flow rate of the fluid. The sensor array 20a is positioned proximate to the inlet 14. The sensor array 20a is configured to detect a plurality of characteristics of the fluid within the remediation channel 16. In some embodiments, a divergence pathway and valves are provided such that a sample of the fluid is off-shot for testing. In one embodiment, the fluid is wastewater or high-concentration brine produced from a plant, for example, but not limited to, an oil refinery plant. The fluid may contain sediments, pollutants, and organic components, and the like.

[0060] In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a first injector 28a and a second injector 28b. The first injector 28a in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16, configured to inject a liquid gas such as nitrogen 30 into the fluid based on the characteristics of the fluid detected via the one or more sensor arrays (20a and 20b). In one embodiment, the sensor arrays (20a and 20b) comprise a plurality of sensors including but not limited to a turbidity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, an acoustic sensor, a chemical sensor, flow and fluid velocity sensors, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a density sensor, and a thermal sensor. The liquid gas 30 may be, but is not limited to, liquid nitrogen. In one embodiment, the second injector 28b is configured to inject air 32 into the fluid within the remediation channel from an air source using an air pump. In one embodiment, the air 32 could be, but not limited to, oxygen. In an embodiment, the air source is medical grade oxygen.

[0061] In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises one or more hydrodynamic cavitation reactors (34a and 34b). The reactor 34a is disposed within the remediation channel 16 and is configured to change the pressure in the fluid, thereby creating conditions suitable for oxidation and the generation of free radicals, and further inducing a plurality of vapor-filled cavities in the fluid to degrade pollutants in the fluid. In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a pump 40. The pump 40 in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16, configured to maintain the pressure of the fluid along the remediation channel 16. The pump 40 could be a recovery pump. In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises one or more vacuum gauges 36 and one or more pressure gauges (38a, 38b, 38c and 38d). The vacuum gauge 36 and the pressure gauge 38a in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16, configured to detect the pressure of the fluid. The system 10 further comprises a plurality of pressure switches 24. The pressure switches 24 are used to automatically monitor and control the system 10.

[0062] In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a hydraulic separator 42 and a pre-filter 46. The hydraulic separator 42 is disposed within the remediation channel 16 and is configured to remove sediment and other pollutants remaining within the fluid via a discharge 44. The fluid pressure is measured using the pressure gauge 38b.

[0063] The pre-filter 46 is in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16 and is configured to remove large-sized pollutants (e.g., 5 microns) that remain. A bypass 50, the outlets being described in further detail with relation to FIG. 2. The pressure of remediated fluid from filter 46 is then measured using the pressure gauge 38c. in some embodiments, a blend-line 52 is provided to blend water that runs through the reactor with source water. The flow rate is adjusted using the flow control valve 18b, and characteristics of fluid via blend-line 52 is measured using a flow meter 22b.

[0064] In embodiments, the system 10 further comprises one or more reverse osmosis systems (54 and 60) having differencing throughput pressures. A low- pressure first reverse osmosis module 54 is in fluid communication with the remediation channel 16 and is configured to receive high concentrated fluid from the pre-filter 46 via pump 48, the pressure gauge 38d, separates any further particulates from the fluid using filters. In one embodiment, the pump 48 is a boost pump. In one embodiment, the first reverse osmosis system 54 comprises one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules (54a, 54b and 54c). The separated potable water and the brine water are supplied from the first reverse osmosis system 54 via one or more outlets (56 and 62). In one embodiment, the first reverse osmosis system 54 works under the pressure in the range of about 300 psi. The output 56 from first reverse osmosis system 54 may be fed back to the second reverse osmosis system 60. In one embodiment, an air injector 58 additionally disposed at an entrance of the second reverse osmosis system 60 and is configured to inject air such as oxygen into the high concentrated fluid that before enters into the second reverse osmosis system 60 via a reactor 34b.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second low pressure reverse osmosis system 60 comprises one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules (60a, 60b and 60c). In one embodiment, the low-pressure reverse osmosis modules (60a, 60b and 60c) are configured to receive fluid from the output 56 of first reverse osmosis system 54. In one embodiment, the second reverse osmosis system 60 works under the pressure in the range of about 450 psi. A low concentrated fluid from second reverse osmosis system 60 is discharged via discharge outlet 64. The combined output 62 from one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules (54a, 54b and 54c) of first reverse osmosis system 54, the low concentrated fluid from blend-line 52, and the combined output 66 from one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules (60a, 60b and 60c) of second reverse osmosis module 60 are discharged via outlet 68. In one

embodiment, an additional sensor array 20b is positioned proximate to the outlet 68. The sensor array 20b is configured to measure and test the characteristics of the fluid.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the multiple stages of the system are more fully described, as is the mobility of the system. In an embodiment, the system 10 is installed in a mobile trailer 70. The system 10 may transported from one location to another other location using the mobile trailer 70, and tuned based on the type of water to be treated. As an example, the pressure of the pumps can be changed to control the hydrodynamic cavitation in the reactor.

[0067] In one embodiment, the system 10 comprises different stages for treating wastewater or municipal brine water, for example. In operation, the fluid is inserted into the pipe 74 via the input 72 using a pump. At first stage 76, the characteristics of the inserted fluid are tested and measured using a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensors such as a turbidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a flow sensor. At second stage 78, the fluid is pre-processed by injecting the liquid nitrogen and air using the first injector 28a and the second injector 28b, respectively.

[0068] At third stage 80, the pre-processed fluid is allowed into the reactor / cavitation 80, where the instantaneous increase of pressure and temperature of the liquid happens due to the collapse of high volatility microbubbles. The heavy metals, oil, grease, and suspended and colloidal solids are destroyed or discharged via waste outlet, and remediated potable water may output via outlet 82. The sensor array 98 measures the characteristics of the water, and ss such, the user of the system may elect, after stage three cavitation, that the water is usable for its intended purpose, thereby avoiding use of all other stages, which saves power and mitigates wear on the system.

[0069] At a fourth stage 84, should the user elect to maintain the water in the system for additional processing, the fluid from reactor is passed to the separator and filter, where the combination package of separator and filter removes any additional contaminants that may remain. In one embodiment, the low-pressure reverse osmosis module 90 is configured with separator and filter combination package to receive the fluid. The fluid is separated into the potable water and the brine water, and discharged via outlets (94 and 96) respectively.

[0070] At a fifth stage 88, a high-pressure reverse osmosis module in fluid communication with the remediation channel, configured to receive high concentrated fluid from fourth stage 84 and separate the high concentrated fluid into a desalted water and discharged via outlet 92.

[0071] Referring to FIGs. 3A-3D, a piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) of the system 10 is disclosed. FIG. 3 illustrates the components of the system 10 such as the inlet 14, pipes 16, sensor arrays (20a and 20b), pumps (26, 40 and 48), the reactors (34a and 34b), the vacuum gauge 36, pressure switches 24, etc. Each component is in electronic and/or wirelessly connected using the PLC 302, and is user configurable and controllable either on site or remotely. Furthermore, the PLC system is configured to automate the water treatment processes in its entirety, such that if certain threshold values received from the sensors are not within a

predetermined range, the PLC is configured to communicate with the various valves and pumps to ensure the system is with the threshold values. The PLC is also configured as a diagnostic tool to assess problems in the system, and predict future problems or malfunctions.

[0072] With reoffence now to FIG. 4, beginning now at main inlet 14, the system shows the cavitation zone 402, the fluid undergoes varying degrees of cavitation. The cavitation zone may comprise a air injectors configured to inject air into the stream a reactor or sheer plate as shown in FIG. 5, and control valves to control the proportion of flow through the cavitation zone and to control the average dwell time of fluid in the line/stream 101.

[0073] The injectors together with the sheer plate of FIG. 5 are configured to induce cavitation into the fluid to form vapor cavities in a liquid (i.e. small liquid-free zones, bubbles or voids), which occurs when the fluid is subjected to rapid changes of pressure that cause the formation of cavities where the pressure is relatively low. In this way, the injectors are used to enhance chemical reactions and propagate reactions due to free radicals formation in the process due to disassociation of vapors trapped in the cavitating bubbles. The reactor plate, discussed in greater detail with relation to FIG. 5, is configured to induce further cavitation such that, in the cavitation zone 144, there are large quantities of microbubbles having high volatility. When these microbubbles collapse, instantaneous pressures up to 500 atmospheres and

instantaneous temperatures of approximately 5000 degrees K are produced in the fluid. This phenomenon accomplishes several important chemical reactions: (1) H20 disassociates into OH radicals and H+ atoms; (2) chemical bonds of complex organic hydrocarbons are broken; and (3) long chain chemicals are oxidized into simpler chemical constituents, before being irradiated downstream by ultraviolet radiation, furthering the oxidation process.

[0074] Now with reference to FIG. 5, a front view of the reactor plate 146 of FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is shown generally at 500. With reference back to FIG. 4, the substantially homogenously mixed stream is directed from the air injector to the reactor plate 146. The reactor plate 146 comprises a center aperture of a predetermined size through which the fluid passes. Uniform striations 502 are disposed on the face of the plate 146, the number of which is predetermined based upon the use-case, and are configured to evenly disperse the fluid. The striations 502 in some embodiments are circular rings which form respective mountains and valleys over a predetermined portion of the face of the plate. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the striations cover approximately half of the face of the plate from the outer radius inward. In some optional embodiments, the striations can act as seals with respect to the cavitation section. As can be seen in FIG. 4, flanges allow the sections to be easily replicable.

[0075] A vortex generation section 504 is disposed inwardly toward the center of the plate 146, and comprises a forward edge portion which slants first upwardly and rearwardly, and then curves in a continuous convex rearward curve, having valleys 508 and peaks 510 that blend into a substantially horizontal rearwardly extending upper edge portion. These peaks may be referred to as“vanes.” This formation ensures that the bubbles begin forming at a size small enough to create a long range of hydrophobic forces that promotes bubble/particle attachment, and creates optimum size and number of bubbles in a continually changing mixing environment. The plate 146 enhances the amount of hydroxyl radicals generally may be capable of degrading and/or oxidizing organic compounds in a fluid, and results in significant amounts of oxidizing agents contained within and/or associated with the cavitation bubbles.

[0076] The reactor plate 146 may be formed of a material that is relatively impervious to cavitation’s, such as a metal alloy, or in some embodiments, a resilient elastomeric material. The reactor plate 146 may be embodied in a variety of different shapes and configurations. For example, the plate may be conically shaped, including a conically-shaped surface that induces a vortex, or may be fully cyclical as shown. It should be appreciated other shapes may be employed as well to a varying degree.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 6 a schematic diagram of the fluid water treatment system of FIG. 2“scaled-up” in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is shown generally at 600. Many water remediation treatments require“large scale” treatment, and thus, high throughput. As such, the present invention is configured to easily scale up to combine multiple systems to optimize and increase fluid throughput. The ability to easily assemble units together into a single large unit (e.g., stackable units) enables augmented solutions for every size

remediation project. The stacked system comprises mass inlet 602, inlet manifold 606, a plurality of mid-inlet pipes 608, a plurality of remediation systems 100, a plurality of mid-output pipes 610, an output manifold 622, a mass outlet 618, and a mechanical actuator frame 614.

[0078] Mass inlet 602 is sized for high throughput and is connected to, and in fluid communication with, an input manifold 606. The input manifold 606 is a hydraulic manifold that is configured to regulate fluid flow into the systems stacked system 100. The input hydraulic manifold 606 comprises a plurality of hydraulic valves and pathways connected to each other. It is the various combinations of states of these valves that allow for fluid behavior control in the manifold. As one example of many known functions of a manifold, the input manifold 316 is configured to ensure approximately equal amounts of fluid are diverted to each of the stacked systems to optimize throughput. The input manifold 616, in some embodiments, may be fitted with a sensor array similar to the sensor array of FIG. 4, sensor housing 106. Similarly, the manifold may be in electronic communication with the PLC, discussed in greater detail with relation to FIG. 7.

[0079] Mid-input connector lines 608' -608^iiiU connect the manifold 606 to each of the remediation systems 100‘ - 100^iiiU, respectively, and fluid remediation path 101 within the systems (see FIG. 4). It should be appreciated that not all components of system 100 are required in this stacked arrangement 600 and that some elements will change as to form but perform a similar function. As an example, dry agent housing at 112 may not be required, nor would multiple pumps as they would be redundant.

[0080] Mid-output connector lines .

. arc in fluid communication with an output manifold 622. The output manifold, like the input manifold 606 is a hydraulic manifold, but in this case, is configured to regulate fluid flow outbound the systems stacked system 100. The output hydraulic manifold 622 comprises a plurality of hydraulic valves and pathways connected to each other. It is the various combinations of states of these valves that allow for fluid behavior control in the manifold. As one example of many known functions of the manifold, the output manifold 622 is configured to ensure optimized mixing of fluids prior to egress from the systems via mass output 618. The output manifold 622, in some embodiments, may be fitted with a sensor array similar to the sensor array of FIG. 4, sensor housing 106, specifically, to counter any overpressure in the system. Similarly, the manifold may be in electronic communication with the PLC, discussed in greater detail with relation to

FIG. 7.

[0081] In operation, in the system of FIG. 6, fluid enters the mass inlet 602, passes through input manifold 606 and into each of the mid-input pipes 608, then through the remediation pathway system 100, at which point the fluid undergoes explosive cavitation and is remediated and output to mid-output pips 610, into output manifold 622, and outlets through mass output 618.

[0082] Referring still to FIG. 6, a mechanical lifting system 614 is shown. The mechanical lifting system 614 is configured to safely and conveniently stack and unstack remediation systems 100 dependent upon the required fluid throughput for a remediation project.

[0083] The mechanical lifting system comprises base 620, actuator 624, legs 616, which may be connected to a lifting jack 666 configured to provide a motive force to ascend and descend during stack configuration. It is noted that for the weight supported by the base may be in the order of 10-250 tons. FIG. 6 shows only two lifting jacks 636 of the lifting system 614, however, more lifting jacks may be used. The lifting jacks 636 may be connected via hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic pump to provide the motive force. A control system (e.g., PLC), which may include a computer with a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, screen, etc. is connected to the hydraulic pump is configured to control the lift applied by the lifting jacks 636.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the control system 108 may be configured to control each lifting jack independently, or some or all of the lifting jacks 102 simultaneously to produce a same or different amount of lift.

[0084] Referring still to FIG. 6, the lifting system 614 further comprises a side plate 668, which is configured for connection to the manifold 622 on one end, and a manifold 606 on the other end via connectors 632 and 634. While bars are shown in FIG. 6, a large plate may be used as well. The lifting system 614 may also comprise crawlers to provide a motive force in a horizontal direction.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic of a fluid remediation system together with the intelligent platform and automation hardware/software arrangement shown in FIG. 3a-d in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is shown generally at 400. “Intelligent platform,” generally, relates to controls such as programmable logic controls, high performance, and high-performance system (e.g., PACSystems) controllers, having availability redundancy, expandable open architectures, upgradeable CPUs and the like.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, a PLC 702 is in electronically coupled (e.g., hardwire, wireless, Bluetooth^®, etc.) with a plurality of controllers 704, 706, 708, each being coupled to various valves and sensor arrays. The PLC 702 is configured to execute software which continuously gathers data on the state of input devices to control the state of output devices. As is known, the PLC typically comprises a processor (which may include volatile memory), volatile memory comprising an application program, and one or more input/output (I/O) ports for connecting to other devices in the automation system. Additionally, in PLCs, context knowledge about the process available on control level is lost for the business analytics applications. The platform may further comprise higher level software functionality in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Optionally, the PLC may be an “Intelligent PLC,”, which comprises various components which may be configured to provide an assortment of enhanced functions in control applications. For example, in some embodiments, the Intelligent PLC includes a deeply integrated data historian and analytics functions. This technology is particularly well-suited for, but not limited to, various industrial automation settings for water remediation. In operations, the automation system context information may include, for example, one or more of an indication of a device that generated the data, a structural description of an automation system comprising the Intelligent PLC, a system working mode indicator, and information about a product that was produced when the contents of the process image area were generated. Additionally, or alternatively, the contextualized data may include one or more of a description of automation software utilized by the Intelligent PLC or a status indicator indicative of a status of the automation software while the contents of the process image area were generated.

[0087] Referring still to FIG. 7, the PLC is electronically coupled to a pump 126 and the fluid source 408, a sensor housing 106, a valve 710, a plurality of injector coils 110, an additive port 112 and another sensory array 114. An additional down line controller 704 is communicatively coupled to the PLC and in further

communication with the additive ports 112 and 138. In optional embodiments of the present invention, the sensor array 106 is configured to retrieve all of the relevant properties of the fluid and send that information to the PLC for 702. Based on the properties of the fluid the PLC is configured to direct valves 714 to release agents into the stream that support the remediation process. The PLC 702, in some embodiments, is loaded with predetermined information regarding the quality of the fluid. By way of example, different types and combinations of precursor compounds in solid, liquid or gas phase depending upon the type of fluid treatment process selected, the contaminants to be treated, the existing water quality, the desired water quality, and other variables may be employed such as compounds that may comprise halogen salts such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfate salts, sodium or potassium or the like introduced as solids, or dissolved in water, or other solvent.

[0088] An additional sensor array 712 is provided for testing and gathering data on the treated fluid, and to ensure proper pressures and flow rate may be provided. Should the fluid properties be outside of a predetermined range another valve for 16 is provided shoe stop the flow of fluid.

[0089] First air injector 116 is in communication with an additional controller 706, which is in turn, in communication with PLC 702. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the PLC 702 is configured to control air pressure based on the degree of cavitation required. The controller 706 is also in communication with the reactor plate 146 and a baffle (not shown) to rotate and tilt the reactor plate to vary the degrees of cavitation. Like the first air injector, a second air injector 120 and control valves 124 are in communication with the controller 706 for similar purposes.

[0090] Still, with reference to FIG. 7, an additional actuator 718 may be employed, as may an optional sensor array 720 and UV reactor 722, each being connected to the controller prior to end use remediated fluid 724.

[0091] Referring to FIGs. 8-11, a PLC control panel of the remediation and/or treatment system 10 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the control panel in

electronically coupled with inputs and a plurality of controllers of the system 10, each being coupled to various components such as such as the inlet 14, pipes 16, sensor arrays (20a and 20b), pumps (26, 40 and 48), the reactors (34a and 34b), the vacuum gauge 36, pressure switches 24, outlets (44 and 50), etc. of the system 10. In one embodiment, the control panel comprises a PLC controller 402, a processor (which may include volatile memory), volatile memory comprising an application program, and one or more input/output (I/O) ports for connecting to other devices in the automation system. In one embodiment, the controller could be a distributed control system (DCS).

[0092] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 1200 for treating waste water. . Method 1200 may comprise flowing a fluid into remediation channel, step 502.

[0093] The method may further comprise liquid nitrogen into the fluid stream and injecting medical grade oxygen into the fluid stream step 1204.

[0094] The method may further comprise introducing bursts of air into the fluid using air actuator in fluid communication with the remediation channel downstream from the injection port, step 1206.

[0095] The method may further comprise outputting the fluid to an end use, or allowing the fluid to continue down a flow path, step 1208.

[0096] The method may further comprise prefiltering the fluid and separating the fluid using a filter and a hydraulic separator, step 1210.

[0097] The method may further comprise outputting the fluid to an end use or blending cleaned water with source water step 1212.

[0098] The method may further comprise regulating a flow of the fluid using a flow regulation valve disposed within the remediation channel and in electronic communication with the air actuator, the flow regulation valve configured to optimize pressure to increase the number of cavitation pockets within the liquid, step 1212, and outputting the remediated fluid step 1216.

[0099] EXAMPLE

[00100] The example is for the purpose of illustrating an embodiment and is not to be construed as a limitation.

[00101] Example 1, FIG. 13, shows a use case for the removal of contaminants from a fluid by cavitation-based treatment of the fluid that is contaminated based on various farming practices using the system and method of FIGS. 1-12. Biotic and abiotic byproducts of farming practices result in contamination or degradation of the environment and surrounding ecosystems. The pollution may come from a variety of sources, ranging from point source pollution (from a single discharge point) to more diffuse, landscape-level causes, also known as non-point source pollution. Example pollutants include fluoride, lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, selenium, and nickel. Organic manures are also contaminants that may be treated using the exemplary process.

[00102] A shown in FIG. 13, a farm (processing plant) is shown at 602 in fluid communication with an input of water 604 used for processing product. The output brown or contaminated water is channeled to a solid screening to remove waste solids prior to entering an oil and fat clarifiers to break down and strain fatty organic materials from animals, vegetables, and petroleum. The resulting fluid is then channeled to the cavitation remediation system of FIG. 6, which comprises the stacked cavitation systems 300. Once the water is remediated, it is channeled to finishing tanks 608 for various uses.

[00103] While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all of the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[00104] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any of the other drawings. The words “including”,“comprising”,“having”, and“with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A wastewater treatment system comprising:

at least one inlet configured to supply wastewater to a remediation channel from a water source;

one or more sensor arrays in communication with the remediation channel, the sensor array configured to detect a plurality of characteristics of the wastewater within the remediation channel;

a first injector communication with the remediation channel via an injection port, wherein the first injector is configured to inject a liquid gas into the wastewater based on the characteristics of the wastewater detected via the one or more sensor arrays;

a second injector in communication with the remediation channel via an injection port, wherein the second injector is configured to inject air into the wastewater within the remediation channel from an air source;

a hydrodynamic reactor disposed within the remediation channel, wherein the reactor is configured to treat the wastewater via hydrodynamic cavitation; a first bypass outlet channel positioned downstream the reactor and configured to output the wastewater after hydrodynamic cavitation when a valve is actuated;

a reverse osmosis system downstream the first bypass outlet and in communication with the remediation channel, wherein the reverse osmosis system is configured to receive the wastewater when the valve is not actuated.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a pre-filter in communication with the remediation channel; and a hydraulic separator in communication with the remediation channel; wherein the pre-filter and hydraulic separator are configured to further treat the wastewater and remove particulates.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second bypass outlet channel positioned downstream the prefilter and hydraulic separator, and configured to output the wastewater to an end use after prefiltering and separation when a valve is actuated.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a draw pump in wastewater

communication with the inlet, wherein the draw pump is configured to force the wastewater into the remediation channel.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one vacuum gauges

disposed along the remediation channel, wherein the one or vacuum gauges are configured to detect the pressure in the wastewater along the remediation channel; a flow meter in wastewater communication with the remediation channel, wherein the flow meter is configured to measure volumetric flow rate of the wastewater within the remediation channel.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid gas is liquid nitrogen.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second injector is an air injector and the air is medical grade air.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises at least one of a turbidity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, an acoustic sensor, a chemical sensor, flow and wastewater velocity sensors, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a density sensor, and a thermal sensor.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the reverse osmosis system comprises one or more high-pressure reverse osmosis modules and one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules.

10. A method for treating wastewater, the method comprising:

introducing a wastewater to a remediation channel from a water source; sensing a plurality of characteristics of the wastewater within the remediation channel using a sensor array; injecting a liquid gas into the wastewater based on the characteristics of the wastewater detected via the one or more sensor arrays;

injecting air into the wastewater within the remediation channel from an air source;

hydrodynamically cavitating the wastewater to treat the wastewater;

flowing the treated wastewater to an end use via a first bypass outlet channel positioned downstream the reactor when a valve is actuated;

flowing the treated wastewater to a reverse osmosis system downstream the first bypass outlet when the valve is not actuated.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

filtering the treated wastewater in the remediation channel using a pre filter; and

hydraulic separating the treated wastewater using a hydraulic separator to remove particulates.

12. The method of claim 11, flowing the treated wastewater to an end use via a second bypass outlet channel positioned downstream the reactor when a valve is actuated and flowing the treated wastewater to the reverse osmosis system downstream the first bypass outlet when the valve is not actuated.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising a second bypass outlet channel positioned downstream the prefilter and hydraulic separator, the configured to output the wastewater to end use after prefiltering and separation when a valve is actuated.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein introducing wastewater further comprises a draw pump in wastewater communication with the inlet, wherein the draw pump is configured to force the wastewater into the remediation channel.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising detecting detect the pressure in the wastewater along the remediation channel using a vacuum gauge and detecting the volumetric flow rate of the wastewater within the remediation channel.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid gas is liquid nitrogen

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the second injector is an air injector and the air is medical grade air.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the sensor array comprises at least one of a turbidity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, an acoustic sensor, a chemical sensor, flow and wastewater velocity sensors, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a density sensor, and a thermal sensor.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the reverse osmosis system comprises one or more high-pressure reverse osmosis modules and one or more low-pressure reverse osmosis modules.

20. The methods of claim 10, further comprising mixing treated wastewater with non-treated water prior to introducing the wastewater to the reverse osmosis system.