Patent ID: 7360755
Filing Date: 2008-04-22
Classification: B01F,B01J,C02F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for mixing two or more fluids by inducing cavitation, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a substantially cylindrical interior chamber bounded by spaced substantially planar side walls joined by a cylindrical peripheral wall; a substantially cylindrical rotor rotatably mounted within said interior chamber, said rotor having an axis, spaced substantially planar sides, and a cylindrical peripheral surface joining said planar sides; said cylindrical peripheral surface of said rotor and said cylindrical peripheral wall of said chamber defining therebetween an annular space having a substantially uniform dimension in the axial direction of said rotor; a first array of spaced bores formed in said peripheral surface of said rotor, each bore of said first array extending radially into said rotor a predetermined distance and opening into said annular space; said bores of said first array being arranged in a first row that extends around said cylindrical peripheral surface of said rotor; a second array of spaced bores formed in said peripheral surface of said rotor, each bore of said second array extending radially into said rotor a predetermined distance and opening into said annular space; said bores of said second array being arranged in a second row that extends around said cylindrical peripheral surface of said rotor; said first row of bores and said second row of bores being spaced apart in the axial direction of said rotor and defining therebetween a void zone wherein no bores are formed in said peripheral surface of said rotor; a first fluid inlet in said housing positioned to introduce fluid into said chamber at a first predetermined location adjacent one of said substantially planar sides of said rotor; a second fluid inlet in said housing positioned to introduce fluid into said chamber at a second predetermined location adjacent the other one of said substantially planar sides of said rotor; said second fluid inlet being substantially axially aligned with said first fluid inlet to equalize pressure on said rotor as fluid is introduced into said chamber through said fluid inlets; a fluid outlet in said housing positioned for withdrawal of fluid from said chamber at a third predetermined location adjacent said cylindrical peripheral surface of said rotor; said third predetermined location being aligned within said void zone defined between said first row of bores and second row of bores for withdrawal of fluid after it has passed a row of bores and to minimize cavitation damage at the location of said fluid outlet.