Patent ID: 7628924
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: B01F,C02F

Abstract:
1. A mass transfer apparatus for dissolving a gas into a liquid stream, comprising: means for introducing a gas into a liquid stream to create a mixed stream; a pump having an inlet for receiving the mixed stream of liquid and gas, and an outlet; for discharging said mixed stream at an elevated pressure; at least one hydrocyclone connected downstream from said pump outlet; for shearing and more thoroughly mixing and dissolving said gas into said mixed/dissolved stream creating a more intimately mixed/dissolved stream, said at least one hydrocyclone having at least one inlet for receiving said pressurized mixed stream, and an outlet; for discharging said more intimately mixed/dissolved stream; a pressure retention vessel connected downstream from said hydrocyclone for holding said intimately mixed/dissolved stream at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time period for effectively treating, disinfecting and/or clarifying said intimately mixed/dissolved stream, thereby creating a treated stream, said pressure retention vessel having an inlet for receiving said intimately mixed/dissolved stream from said hydrocyclone, a first outlet; for discharging said treated stream, and a second outlet; for discharging residual gas; pressure control means in communication with said at least one hydrocyclone and said pressure retention vessel for adjusting the pressure of said mixed and intimately mixed/dissolved streams to ensure effective dissolution of said gas within said liquid stream; and means, in communication with said pressure retention vessel, for reducing the pressure downstream from said pressure retention vessel as said treated stream is released therefrom; wherein said at least one hydrocyclone comprises: a housing vessel equipped with said at least one hydrocyclone inlet and said hydrocyclone outlet; a hydrocyclone liner contained in said housing vessel, said liner having an upper neck portion and a lower outlet portion, said lower outlet portion being in communication with said outlet of said housing vessel, and said liner having a internal diameter that reduces from said upper neck portion towards said lower outlet portion; and a spin inducer attached to the upper neck portion of said hydrocyclone liner and in communication with the at least one inlet of said hydrocyclone for inducing circular flow to the mixed stream as it enters said hydrocyclone.