WO2024074755A1

WO2024074755A1 - Apparatus and system for catalyzing nanobubbles in water

Info

Publication number: WO2024074755A1
Application number: PCT/FI2023/050518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timo Kantola; Petteri JAUHIAINEN; Leena MÄKI; Henna NISKAKOSKI
Original assignee: Eod Oy
Priority date: 2022-10-07
Filing date: 2023-09-12
Publication date: 2024-04-11

Abstract

An apparatus (100, 816) of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator (102, 808), the apparatus comprising: a hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) having a first end (106, 506, 606, 822, 908) and a second end (108,502, 602, 826); and at least one riffle (110) inside the hollow tubular body, wherein, when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to an output (112) of the nanobubble generator and the second end is fluidically coupled to an input (114) of a piping system (116), and wherein when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator towards the piping system through the apparatus, the at least one riffle breaks the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles and promote circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Description

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR CATALYZING NANOBUBBLES IN WATER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by nanobubble generators. The present disclosure also relates to systems.

BACKGROUND

Soil must have good structure, enhanced microbial activity, and/or high nutritional content to develop healthy and/or to produce quality crops. However, poor soil conditions resulting from over-farming, cyclical drought, and/or poor water quality have led to soil with low nutritional content. The aforesaid conditions have increased challenges with management of soil and/or consequent management of crops. To overcome aforesaid challenges, water containing nanobubbles is now being generated and used for irrigation. Nanobubbles can be produced in water to increase oxygen content of water resulting in enhancement of quality of the soil. The nanobubbles can be produced using a nanobubble generator and the water including the nanobubbles is supplied for irrigation through conventional piping systems.

However, the conventional equipment for producing and supplying the water including the nanobubbles have several limitations associated with it. Firstly, the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator are produced slowly and do not last for a long time. Secondly, a distance that can be travelled by the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator is short. As an example, the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator may travel up to a short distance lying in a range of 5 meter to 10 meter through the piping system. This range of distance is insufficient to meet existing irrigation requirements. Thirdly, an amount of the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator is generally not sufficient, and this significantly reduces usability and/or efficiency of the conventional nanobubble generator.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional nanobubble generator.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an apparatus for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator, the apparatus comprising: a hollow tubular body having a first end and a second end; and at least one riffle inside the hollow tubular body, wherein, when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to an output of the nanobubble generator and the second end is fluidically coupled to an input of a piping system, and wherein when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator towards the piping system through the apparatus, the at least one riffle break the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles and promote circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system comprising: a water pump having an input and an output; a nanobubble generator having a first input, a second input, and an output; and an apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the system is in use, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to a water source, the output of the water pump is fl uidically coupled to the first input, the second input is fluidically coupled to an oxygen source, the output of the nanobubble generator is fluidically coupled to the first end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus, and the second end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus is fluidically coupled to an input of a piping system, and wherein when water flows from the water source into the nanobubble generator via the water pump, the nanobubble generator employs hydrodynamic cavitation to produce nanobubbles in the water using oxygen received from the oxygen source, and when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator into the piping system via the apparatus, the at least one riffle of the apparatus break the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable production of the nanobubbles in an increased amount by breaking the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles that can be efficiently circulated.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as helical grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as a spiral element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an adjustable mechanics in a first state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the adjustable mechanics of FIG. 4A in a second state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGs. 5 and 6 are schematic illustrations of a variation of twist rate of at least one riffle, in accordance with different embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional profiles of at least one riffle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator, the apparatus comprising: a hollow tubular body having a first end and a second end; and at least one riffle inside the hollow tubular body, wherein, when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to an output of the nanobubble generator and the second end is fluidically coupled to an input of a piping system, and wherein when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator towards the piping system through the apparatus, the at least one riffle breaks the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles and promote circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system comprising: a water pump having an input and an output; a nanobubble generator having a first input, a second input, and an output; and an apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the system is in use, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to a water source, the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the first input, the second input is fluidically coupled to an oxygen source, the output of the nanobubble generator is fluidically coupled to the first end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus, and the second end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus is fluidically coupled to an input of a piping system, and wherein when water flows from the water source into the nanobubble generator via the water pump, the nanobubble generator employs hydrodynamic cavitation to produce nanobubbles in the water using oxygen received from the oxygen source, and when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator into the piping system via the apparatus, the at least one riffle of the apparatus breaks the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned apparatus for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator. The at least one riffle present inside the hollow tubular body breaks the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles, thereby significantly increasing amount of the nanobubbles and/or produces the smaller-sized nanobubbles at a fast rate. Further, the at least one riffle present in the hollow tubular body significantly increases circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles. The smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively transferred to the piping system resulting in significant enhancement of oxygen in water being supplied to a targeted location. Further, the smaller-sized nanobubbles produced using the apparatus stay live for a long duration resulting in prolonged supply of oxygen at the targeted location. The targeted location could beneficially be a field. Utilization of water having enhanced oxygen content results in increased growth rate, increased crop development, reduced need of pesticides and/or fertilizers, reduced yield loss, extended shelf life, improved root growth, improved stress tolerance, improved immune system, reduced pathogen burden. The system is cost effective and/or easy to operate.

The term "nanobubble generator" refers to an ultrafine bubble generator that in operation, is capable of mixing water and gas together to produce nanobubbles. Optionally, the nanobubble generator is one of: a gaswater circulation type nanobubble generator, a gas-water pressurizationdecompression type nanobubble generator. Optionally, the nanobubble generator produces the nanobubbles using at least one of: hydrodynamic technology, acoustic technology, optical technology, particle cavitation technology. The nanobubbles generated using the nanobubble generator have one or more properties such as, but not limited to, long life, negative surface charge, high surface tension, high internal pressure. The term "hollow tubular body" refers to an elongate tube-like element, that is hollow from inside. The hollow tubular body is capable of transporting fluids through it. A shape of the hollow tubular body could be at one of: a cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, a polygonal prism shape, an oval prism shape, or any other suitable shape. Notably, the first end of the hollow tubular body is configured (i.e., is designed) such that when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to the output of the nanobubble generator in a leak proof manner. The term "output" refers to an outlet pipe attached to any component of the system. In an implementation, the output of the nanobubble generator may be permanently attached to the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the first end is fluidically coupled to the output via at least one first valve.

Next, the second end of the hollow tubular body is configured (i.e., designed) such that when the apparatus is in use, the second end is fluidically coupled with the input of the piping system in a leak proof manner. The term "piping system" refers to an arrangement of one or more pipes, that in operation, is capable of transporting water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles to a targeted location. The targeted location could be any region which would be benefitted from supply of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Optionally, the second end of the hollow tubular body is fluidically coupled to the input of the piping system in a leak proof manner via at least one second valve. A given valve may be a one-way valve. Herein, the given valve could be the at least one first valve and/or the at least one second valve. Optionally, the targeted location is at least one of: a field, a plant, a water conditioning unit. It will be appreciated that various other applications of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles are well within the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, a material of the hollow tubular body is one of: a plastic material, a metallic material, an alloy material, a recyclable material. Examples of the metallic material may include, copper, carbon and the like. Examples of the alloy material may include, steel, brass, cast iron, and the like. Examples of the recyclable material may include nylon, composite, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.

The term "riffle" refers to a mechanical structure which allows exertion of torque for imparting a spin to the water including nanobubbles around its longitudinal axis. Riffles enable stabilization of the projectile longitudinally and thus enable long-distance flow of water including the nanobubbles. The at least one riffle may be fixed and/or flexible. The at least one riffle may have an orientation (i.e., a direction of twist) and a twist rate. In case there is a rotation after the nanobubble generator the direction of twist needs to be same to the direction of rotation of the vortex created by the nanobubble generator. The orientation of the at least one riffle may be one of: a left direction, a right direction. Optionally, the at least one riffle is provided along an entire length of the hollow tubular body running from the first end towards the second end of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle depends upon requirements of an application of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of 1 to 100. For example, the number of the at least one riffle may lie in a range of 1, 5, 15, 40, or 70 up to 20, 50, 75, 90 or 100. More optionally, the number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of 14 to 20.

Owing to the presence of the at least one riffle, the nanobubbles produced by the nanobubble generator, when passed through the hollow tubular body break down into the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Additionally, the smaller-sized nanobubbles are propelled from the first end to the second end. Optionally, a size of nanobubbles produced using the nanobubble generator lies in a range of 1 micrometre - 500 micrometres, whereas a size of the smaller-size nanobubbles lies in a range of 0.01 micrometre - 1 micrometre. As an example, the size of the nanobubbles may lie in a range of 1 micrometre, 10 micrometre, 100 micrometre, 200 micrometre or 400 micrometre up to 150 micrometre, 300 micrometre, 400 micrometre, 450 micrometre or 500 micrometre. As another example, the size of the smaller-sized nanobubbles may lie in a range of 0.01 micrometre, 0.05 micrometre, 0.15 micrometre, 0.35 micrometre or 0.55 micrometre up to 0.30 micrometre, 0.60 micrometre, 0.80 micrometre, 0.90 micrometre or 1 micrometre. It will be appreciated that breaking the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles results in a significant increase in a number of nanobubbles in water. Moreover, owing to the at least one riffle, the smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively circulated to the target location at the require distance.

Optionally, a width of the at least one riffle varies along a length of the hollow tubular body such that a second width of the at least one riffle towards the second end lies in a range of 30 percent to 40 percent of a first width of the at least one riffle towards the first end. In other words, the width at least one riffle is optionally wider towards the first end as compared to the second end. The "width" of the at least one riffle refers to a wideness of the at least one riffle. Notably, the width of the at least one riffle changes continuously or in a stepwise manner over the length of the hollow tubular body. For example, the width of the at least one riffle may narrow down on going from the first end towards the second end of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the width of the at least one riffle at a middle portion of the hollow tubular body is less than the width towards the first end, and the width of the at least one riffle at the second end is less than the width at the middle portion. Notably, the second width is less than the first width. For example, the second width may lie in a range of 30 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, or 38 percent of the first width up to 31 percent, 34 percent, 37 percent, or 40 percent of the first width. Advantageously, when the width of riffles is narrower towards the second end compared to the first end, the nanobubbles crash more frequently into the edges of the riffles while moving towards the second end, as the circulation route of the nanobubbles started on the first end is geometrically different on the second end compared to the first end thus enhancing efficiency of breaking of the nanobubbles to smaller-sized nanobubbles on the second end.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body lies in a range of 10 centimetres to 90 centimetres. The length of the hollow tubular body is an extent of the hollow tubular body between the first end and the second end. For example, the length of the hollow tubular body may lie in a range of 10 centimetres, 20 centimetres, 40 centimetres, or 70 centimetres up to 30 centimetres, 60 centimetres, 80 centimetres or 90 centimetres. Optionally, the hollow tubular body has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Optionally, in this regard, the inner diameter is less than the outer diameter. Optionally, the inner diameter lies in a range of 1 centimetre to 20 centimetres. For example, the inner diameter may lie in a range of 1 centimetre, 3 centimetres, 5 centimetres, 9 centimetres, or 13 centimetres up to 4 centimetres, 9 centimetres, 14 centimetres, 17 centimetres, or 20 centimetres. Optionally, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body may be constant and/or vary along the length of the hollow tubular body. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body is constant. Optionally, the outer diameter lies in a range of 2 centimetres to 21 centimetres. For example, the outer diameter may lie in a range of 2 centimetres, 4 centimetres, 8 centimetres, 12 centimetres or 17 centimetres up to 5 centimetres, 10 centimetres, 15 centimetres, 18 centimetres, or 21 centimetres. It will be appreciated that the term "diameter" encompasses a diameter of a circular crosssection of the hollow tubular body, and also encompasses a straight line that runs from one side of a polygonal cross-section of the hollow body to another side of the polygonal cross-section by passing through a centre of the polygonal cross-section. Advantageously, the aforesaid length is small enough for the apparatus to be compact and portable, yet large enough for the apparatus to support effective circulation of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Optionally, the at least one riffle is implemented as helical grooves in an inner surface of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the at least one riffle is created by removing portions of the inner surface for resulting in formation of the at least one groove on the inner surface of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the helical grooves are produced using at least one of: single point cut rifling, broached rifling, button rifling, hammer forging, etching rifling, liner rifling. Rifling techniques are well-known in the art. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle depends upon a required use of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of 1 to 69. For example, the number of the at least one riffle may lie in a range of 1, 5, 15, 25, or 40 up to 20, 40, 50, 60 or 69. More optionally, the number of the at least one riffle is 34. Optionally, higher the number of helical grooves in the hollow tubular body, greater is an efficiency of the helical grooves in breaking the nanobubbles and/or circulating the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Optionally, the at least one riffle are present in the inner surface along the entire length of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the at least one riffle are present on at least one specific portion of the inner surface of the hollow tubular body. Advantageously, the helical grooves are permanent way of providing riffles, which are good for long-term use, and more robust in construction.

Optionally, a depth of each of the helical grooves lies in a range of 1 percent to 50 percent of a thickness of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the thickness of the hollow tubular body is defined as a difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the thickness of the hollow tubular body lies in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm. For example, the thickness may lie in a range of 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, or 8 mm up to 6 mm, 9 mm, 13 mm, or 15 mm. A technical effect of the depth of each of the helical grooves being less than or equal to half the thickness of the hollow tubular body, so that even upon creation of the helical grooves by reducing the thickness of the hollow tubular body, the hollow tubular body still has enough thickness to provide structural integrity to the apparatus. For example, the depth of each of the helical groove may lie in a range of 1 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, or 30 percent of the thickness of the hollow tubular body up to 10 percent, 25 percent, 40 percent, 45 percent, or 50 percent of the thickness of the hollow tubular body. As an example, the thickness of the hollow tubular body may be 10 mm and the depth of the helical groove may be 5 mm. As another example, the thickness of the hollow tubular body may be 10 mm and the depth of the helical groove may be 2 mm. More optionally, the depth of each of the helical groove lies in a range of 29 percent to 39 percent. Optionally, the aforesaid range of the depth of each of the helical groove facilitates effective breaking of the nanobubbles and/or circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Optionally, a cross-sectional profile of the at least one riffle is one of: hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, triangular. In this regard, a given riffle is one of: a hexagonal riffle, an octagonal riffle, a polygonal riffle, a triangular riffle. In one implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has a hexagonal geometry, thereby forming at least one hexagonal riffle. In another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has an octagonal geometry, thereby forming at least one octagonal riffle. In yet another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has a triangular geometry, thereby forming at least one triangular riffle. Advantageously, triangular riffles enhance efficiency of breaking of the nanobubbles. Optionally, when the at least one riffle comprises a plurality of riffles, the cross-sectional profile of different riffles is same. Advantageously, technical effect of any one of the aforesaid cross-sectional profiles of the at least one riffle is that nanobubbles can be effectively broken down into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or can be circulated to the targeted location.

Optionally, the at least one rifle are implemented as a spiral element that is removably insertable inside the hollow tubular body, the inner surface of the hollow tubular body being smooth. Optionally, in this regard, the spiral element is a resilient member, that in operation, is capable of being extended and/or retracted as per requirement of a user. Example of such a spiral element could be a spring. Alternatively, optionally, the spiral element is inflexible and cannot be deformed. The spiral element optionally has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body so as to be adequately accommodated in the hollow tubular body whilst allowing space for proper circulation of the water including the nanobubbles. Optionally, a material of the spiral element is one of: a metallic material, an alloy material. Examples of the metallic material could be aluminium, copper, and the like. Examples of the alloy material could be, steel, brass, cast iron, and the like. Optionally, the spiral element is inserted inside the hollow tubular body by one of: hands of a person, a robot, a machine with a robotic arm. Advantageously, the technical effect of using the spiral element is that it can be inserted in any hollow tubular body to be used as the apparatus.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises an adjustable mechanics having a nut and a threaded tube, the threaded tube having threads on its outer surface and being dimensioned to be screwable into the nut, wherein when the adjustable mechanics is in use, the nut is fixed at the second end and the threaded tube is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut, to adjust a length of the spiral element inserted in the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the nut is removably fixed at the second end of the hollow tubular body. The threaded tube is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut at the second end either manually, or by using a tool, a machine, or similar. Optionally, the threaded tube has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end refers to an end which is inserted into the second end of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the threaded tube has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the spiral element. Notably, the threaded tube is screwed at the second end such that when the threaded tube is rotated with respect to the nut, the threaded tube can be rotated in at least one of: an upward direction and an inward direction. Optionally, the threaded tube is rotated in one of: a clockwise direction, an anti-clockwise direction. Herein, upon rotation of the threaded tube, the threaded tube can be moved in the upward direction or the inward direction resulting in a change in a length of the spiral element. In a first case, the threaded tube may be rotated in the clockwise direction resulting in decrease in the length of the spiral element. In a second case, the threaded tube may be rotated in the anticlockwise direction resulting in increase in the length of the spiral element. Advantageously, the technical effect of utilizing the adjustable mechanics is that the length of the spiral element can be effectively and/or easily altered depending upon need of the user, thereby significantly increasing usability of the apparatus and breaking more efficiently nanobubbles in to smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Optionally, the at least one riffle has a twist rate that lies in a range of 1 :90 centimetres to 1 : 1 centimetre. In this regard, the term "twist rate" refers to a rate at which the at least one riffle turns in a spiral pattern. The twist rate is a measure of a length over which the at least one riffle makes one complete 360 degrees turn (i.e., one twist). As an example, the twist rate of 1 : 90 means that there is one turn over the specific length of 90 centimetres of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the twist rate may lie in a range of 1:90 centimetre, 1:80 centimetre, 1:70 centimetre, 1 :50 centimetre, 1 :30 centimetre or 1 : 15 centimetre up to 1 :70 centimetre, 1 :40 centimetre, 1 :20 centimetre, 1 : 10 centimetre, 1 :5 centimetre or 1 : 1 centimetre. More optionally, the twist rate lies in a range of 1 :3 centimetre to 1 :47 centimetre. Advantageously, the technical effect of aforesaid twist rate is that the nanobubbles can be effectively broken in to the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or the smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively circulated to the targe location.

Optionally, the number of turns in the at least one riffle lies in a range of 1 to 300. For example, the number of turns in the at least one riffle may lie in a range of 1, 10, 30, 50, 100, 200 up to 20, 120, 200, 250, or 300.

Optionally, the twist rate varies across a length of the hollow tubular body, the variation in the twist rate being in a range of 3 percent to 5 percent per 360 degrees turn of the at least one riffle. In other words, along the length of the hollow tubular body, the twist rate of the at least one riffle changes per 360 degrees turn. For example, the variation in the twist rate may lie in a range of 3 percent, 3.2 percent, 3.5 percent, or 4 percent per 360 degrees turn of the at least one riffle up to 3.4 percent, 4 percent, 4.5 percent or 5 percent per 360 degrees turn of the at least one riffle. As an example, the twist rate may vary as 1 :20 centimetres for a first turn, then 1 : 19.5 centimetres for a second turn, and then 1 : 18.72 centimetres for a third turn. A variation of the twist rate between the first turn and the second turn is 2.5 percent, and a variation between the second turn and the third turn is 4 percent. In an implementation wherein the at least one riffle is implemented as the helical grooves, the twist rate may be varied during manufacturing. Advantageously, varying twist rate across the length of the hollow tubular body results in effective circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles to the targeted location.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body is divided into two portions that are equal in length, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in one of the two portions is different from a twist rate of the at least one riffle in other of the two portions. In this regard, the twist rate of the at least one riffle towards the first end may be less than the twist rate of the at least one riffle towards the second end, and vice versa. In an example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle near the first end may be 1 :20 centimetre and the twist rate of the at least one riffle near the second end of the hollow tubular body is 1 :5 centimetre. Advantageously, varied twist rate of the at least one rifle results in effective breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubble.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body is divided into a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that are equal in length, the first portion extending between the first end and the second portion, the third portion extending between the second portion and the second end, and wherein the at least one riffle is provided in at least the first portion and the third portion. In one implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided in the first portion and the third portion, but not in the second portion. In this regard, the at least one riffle present in the first portion and the third portion may have similar and/or different twist rates. In said implementation, the second portion is a smooth portion (i.e., a portion excluding riffles). In another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion. In this regard, the at least one riffle present in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may have similar and/or different twist rate. Optionally, two of the portions may have similar twist rate and other may have a different twist rate. Optionally, all of the aforesaid portions may have different twist rate. A technical effect here is that if the first or the second portion of the hollow tubular body is without riffles the speed of the nanobubbles increases towards the third portion making the breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles more effective.

Optionally, the at least one riffle is provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the first portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion, and wherein the twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the third portion. An increasing twist rate of the at least one riffle from the first end towards the second end results in increase in circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles towards the targeted location through the piping system. For an instance, the first portion may have the twist rate of 1 :90 centimetre, the second portion may have the twist rate of 1 :45 centimetre and the third portion may have the twist rate of 1 : 1 centimetre.

The present disclosure also relates to the system as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned apparatus, apply mutatis mutandis to the system.

The term "water pump" refers to a device used to pump water to move it from one point to another. The water pump is a positive-displacement pump, centrifugal pump, axial-flow pump, or similar. Notably, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the water source. Optionally, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the water source via at least one third valve. Optionally, the water source is a reservoir filled with water.

Notably, the system also includes the nanobubble generator having the first input, the second input and the output. Herein, the terms "first input of the nanobubble generator and second input of the nanobubble generator" and "output of the nanobubble generator" refer to pipes attached to their designated positions at the nanobubble generator. Notably, the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to first input in a leak proof manner. Optionally, the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to first input via at least one fourth valve. Herein, when the system is in use, the water pump feeds water from the water source to the nanobubble generator via the first input and the output. Next, the second input is fluidically coupled to the oxygen source. Optionally, the second input of the nanobubble generator is fluidically coupled to the oxygen source using at least one fifth valve. Examples of the oxygen source could be an oxygen cylinder, an oxygen-generation device, an ozone-generation device, and similar. Optionally, a capacity of oxygen generation using the oxygen source is 8 Litre/minute. Optionally, a capacity of ozone generation using the ozone-generation device is 3 Litre/minute. The term "hydrodynamic cavitation" refers to a process in which nanobubbles are produced owing to a sudden change in pressure in the water flowing through the nanobubble generator. Owing to the hydrodynamic cavitation, the nanobubbles are produced which flow towards the apparatus. Optionally, a capacity of production of water including the nanobubbles using the nanobubble generator lies in a range of 50 Litre/minute to 500 Litre/minute. For example, the capacity may lie in a range of 50 Litre/minute, 100 Litre/minute, 200 Litre/minute, or 400 Litre/minute up to 150 Litre/minute, 300 Litre/minute, 400 Litre/minute or 500 Litre/minute.

Optionally, the system further comprises at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is arranged between the output of the nanobubble generator and the first end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus. In this regard, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator includes a plurality of holes arranged in a grid pattern. Optionally, a size of the plurality of holes of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator lies in a range of 0.1 mm to 10mm. For example, the grid size may lie in a range of 0.1 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm or 7 mm up to 2 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 8.5 mm or 10 mm. Optionally, a shape of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is one of: a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape. Optionally, the shape of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator corresponds to a shape of the output of the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator have at least one lieve portion extending from edge. The term "lieve" refers to a lower edge of hole-bored turbulent accelerator. The at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator may be mounted permanently or temporarily in the output of the nanobubble generator. In an embodiment, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is temporarily mounted in the output of the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is mounted in the output of the nanobubble generator using at least one of: hands of a person, a machine. It will be appreciated that the at least one turbulent accelerator is mounted in a portion of the output of the nanobubble generator that lies between the output of the nanobubble generator and the first end of the apparatus. Advantageously, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator accelerates breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or accelerates circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubble.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 100 of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 comprises a hollow tubular body 104 having a first end 106 and a second end 108, and at least one riffle (depicted for example as a riffle 110) inside the hollow tubular body 104. When the apparatus 100 is in use, the first end 106 is fluidically coupled to an output 112 of the nanobubble generator 102 and the second end 108 is fluidically coupled to an input 114 of a piping system 116.

FIG. 1 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as helical grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The helical grooves are provided in an inner surface 202 of a hollow tubular body 204.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as a spiral element 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spiral element 302 is removably placed inside a hollow tubular body 304 and an inner surface of the hollow tubular body 304 is smooth.

FIGs. 2 and 3 are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an adjustable mechanics 400 in a first state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustable mechanics 400 comprises a nut 402 and a threaded tube 404. When the adjustable mechanics 400 is in use, the nut 402 is fixed at a second end (not shown) of a hollow tubular body 406, and the threaded tube 404 is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut 402, to adjust a length of a spiral element 408 inserted in the hollow tubular body 406. In the first state, as shown, the length of the spiral element 408 is equal to LI units.

Referring to FIG. 4B, illustrated is a schematic illustration of the adjustable mechanics 400 of FIG. 4A in a second state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the threaded tube 404 is rotated with respect to the nut 402 such that the threaded tube 404 moves towards a first end of the hollow tubular body 406 (i.e., moves in an inward direction into the hollow tubular body 406), there occurs a decrease in a length of the spiral element 408 inside the hollow tubular body 406, and vice versa. In the second state, as shown, the length of the spiral element 408 is equal to L2 units, wherein L2 is lesser than LI.

FIGs. 4A and 4B are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a variation of twist rate of at least one riffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle varies such that the twist rate is higher near a second end 502 of a hollow tubular body 504 as compared to the twist rate near a first end 506 of the hollow tubular body 504. For example, turns of a spiral element 508 used to implement the at least one riffle are densely arranged with respect to each other near the second end 502 as compared to turns near the first end 506.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a variation of twist rate of at least one riffle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle varies such that the twist rate is lesser near a second end 602 of a hollow tubular body 604 as compared to the twist rate near a first end 606 of the hollow tubular body 604. For example, turns of helical grooves 608 used to implement the at least one riffle are sparsely arranged with respect to each other near the second end 602 as compared to turns near the first end 606.

FIGs. 5 and 6 are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGs. 7A, 7B and 7C, illustrated are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional profiles of at least one riffle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7A, the cross-sectional profile of at least one riffle (depicted for example as riffles 702) is hexagonal. In FIG. 7B, the cross-sectional profile of at least one riffles (depicted for example as riffles 704) is polygonal. In FIG. 7C, the cross- sectional profile of at least one riffles (depicted for example as 706) is triangular.

FIGs. 7A, 7B and 7C are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a system 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 800 comprises a water pump 802 having an input 804 and an output 806; a nanobubble generator 808 having a first input 810, a second input 812, and an output 814; and an apparatus 816 for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by the nanobubble generator 808. When the system 800 is in use, the input 804 of the water pump 802 is fluidically coupled to a water source 818, the output 806 of the water pump 802 is fluidically coupled to the first input 810, the second input 812 is fluidically coupled to an oxygen source 820, the output 814 of the nanobubble generator 808 is fluidically coupled to a first end 822 of a hollow tubular body 824 of the apparatus 816, and a second end 826 of the hollow tubular body 824 of the apparatus 816 is fluidically coupled to an input 828 of a piping system 830.

FIG. 8 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hole-bored turbulent accelerator 900 includes a lieve 902 and a plurality of holes arranged in a grid pattern (depicted for example as a grid pattern 904). The at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator 900 is arranged between an output (not shown) of a nanobubble generator 906 and first end 908 of a hollow tubular body 910.

FIG. 9 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100, 816) of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator (102, 808), the apparatus comprising: a hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) having a first end (106, 506, 606, 822, 908) and a second end (108, 502, 602, 826); and at least one riffle (110) inside the hollow tubular body, wherein, when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to an output (112) of the nanobubble generator and the second end is fluidically coupled to an input (114) of a piping system (116), and wherein when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator towards the piping system through the apparatus, the at least one riffle breaks the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles and promote circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

2. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one riffle (110) is implemented as helical grooves (608) in an inner (202) surface of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 604, 824, 910).

3. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 2, wherein a depth of each of the helical grooves lies in a range of 1 percent to 67 percent of a thickness of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 604, 824, 910).

4. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one riffle (110) is implemented as a spiral element (508) that is removably insertable inside the hollow tubular body (104, 304, 406, 414, 504, 824, 910), the inner surface of the hollow tubular body being smooth.

5. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 4, further comprising an adjustable mechanics (400) having a nut (402, 410) and a threaded tube (404, 408), the threaded tube having threads on its outer surface and being dimensioned to be screwable into the nut, wherein when the adjustable mechanics is in use, the nut is fixed at the second end and the threaded tube is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut, to adjust a length of the spiral element inserted in the hollow tubular body.

6. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one riffle (110) has a twist rate that lies in a range of 1:90 centimetres to 1 : 1 centimetre.

7. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 6, wherein the twist rate varies across a length of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910), the variation in the twist rate being in a range of 3 percent to 5 percent per 360 degrees turn of the at least one riffle.

8. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) is divided into two portions that are equal in length, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in one of the two portions is different from a twist rate of the at least one riffle in other of the two portions.

9. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any claims 1-7, wherein a length of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) is divided into a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that are equal in length, the first portion extending between the first end and the second portion, the third portion extending between the second portion and the second end, and wherein the at least one riffle (110) is provided in at least the first portion and the third portion.

10. An apparatus (100, 816) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one riffle (110) is provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the first portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion, and wherein the twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the third portion.

11. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the at least one riffle (110) is one of: hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, triangular.

12. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a width of the at least one riffle (110) varies along a length of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) such that a second width of the at least one riffle towards the second end lies in a range of 30 percent to 40 percent of a first width of the at least one riffle towards the first end.

13. An apparatus (100, 816) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) lies in a range of 10 centimetres to 90 centimetres.

14. A system (800) comprising: a water pump (802) having an input (804) and an output (806); a nanobubble generator (808, 906) having a first input (810), a second input (812), and an output (814); and an apparatus (816) according to any of claims 1-13, wherein when the system is in use, the input of the water pump is fl u idically coupled to a water source (818), the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the first input, the second input is fluidically coupled to an oxygen source (820), the output of the nanobubble generator is fluidically coupled to the first end (822) of the hollow tubular body (824) of the apparatus, and the second end (826) of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus is fl uidically coupled to an input (828) of a piping system (830), and wherein when water flows from the water source into the nanobubble generator via the water pump, the nanobubble generator employs hydrodynamic cavitation to produce nanobubbles in the water using oxygen received from the oxygen source, and when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator into the piping system via the apparatus, the at least one riffle of the apparatus break the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles.

15. A system according to claim 14, further comprising at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator (900), wherein the at least one hole- bored turbulent accelerator is arranged between the output of the nanobubble generator (808,906) and the first end (908) of the hollow tubular body (104, 204, 304, 406, 414, 504, 604, 824, 910) of the apparatus.