Patent ID: 8118283
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: B01F,C02F,Y02W,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for aerating an aqueous solution, comprising: a) a vortex cylinder operatively connected to a pump, said vortex cylinder including a vortex chamber and a mixing chamber; b) a wall separating said vortex chamber from said mixing chamber, said wall including a centrally located opening providing fluid communication between said vortex chamber and said mixing chamber; c) a discharge conduit concentrically disposed within said mixing chamber, wherein said discharge conduit depends from said wall and includes an upper end circumscribing said opening; d) an air intake tube concentrically disposed within said vortex cylinder, said air intake tube including an upper portion extending through a top wall of said vortex chamber, said upper portion including an externally threaded section engaging a threaded collar mounted on said top wall of said vortex chamber and wherein a lower portion of said air intake tube extends into said discharge conduit and terminates at a point spaced above a lower end of said discharge conduit; e) a valve assembly having au axially extending air intake passageway connected to said air intake tube, said valve assembly comprising: