Patent Publication Number: US-2018050937-A1

Title: Axial infuser assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/376,592 filed Aug. 18, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Municipal water authorities are charged with the task of providing clean drinking water. Water treatment plants are often established and configured to bring in raw, untreated water and process the raw, untreated water through one or more production processes to form purified, potable water. 
     In certain purifying production processes, desired elements and/or chemicals can be added to the raw, untreated water. Non-limiting examples of added elements and/or chemicals include carbon, soda ash and lime. In certain instances, prior to adding the elements and/or chemicals to the raw, untreated water, a slurry is formed by the addition of the elements and/or chemicals to a flowable medium, such as for example water. The resulting slurry is then inserted into the raw, untreated water for purposes of treating the raw, untreated water. 
     In other instances, the elements and/or chemicals include carbon, soda ash and lime can be inserted into the raw, untreated water without the flowable medium, that is, the elements and/or chemicals are added to the raw, untreated water in a “dry” form. 
     To be effective, the elements and/or chemicals are inserted into the raw, untreated water in desired concentrations. The desired concentrations are designed to optimize the purification of the raw, untreated water within other production measures. 
     It would be advantageous if the insertion of the elements and/or chemicals into raw, untreated water could be accomplished in a more efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the programmable locking dispenser. 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by an axial infuser assembly configured for use in a water treatment system. The axial infuser assembly includes a first segment configured for fluid communication with a first inlet pipe. The first segment is further configured to receive a slurry flow. A second segment is in fluid communication with the first segment and is configured for connection to an outlet pipe. The second segment is configured to receive the slurry flow from the first segment. A third segment is connected to the first and second segments and is configured for connection to a second inlet pipe. The third segment is configured to receive a motive flow. A jet assembly is in fluid communication with the third segment and is configured to convey the motive flow in the third segment to the slurry flow. The motive flow exiting the jet assembly is configured to infuse with the slurry flow and further configured to urge the slurry flow into flowing raw, untreated water. 
     There is also provided a method of operating an axial infuser assembly configured for use in a water treatment system. The method including the steps of receiving a slurry flow within an axial infuser assembly, receiving a motive flow within the axial infuser assembly, injecting the motive flow into the slurry flow with a jet assembly positioned within the axial infuser assembly such that the motive flow is infused into the slurry flow and conveying the combination of the slurry flow and the motive flow downstream for injection of the combination of the slurry flow and the motive flow into raw, untreated water. 
     There is also provided a water treatment system incorporating an axial infuser assembly. The water treatment system includes a first inlet pipe configured to convey a slurry flow and a second inlet pipe configured to convey a motive flow. An axial infuser assembly is in fluid communication with the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe. The axial infuser assembly is further configured to receive the slurry flow from the first inlet pipe and a motive flow from the second inlet pipe. The axial infuser assembly includes a jet assembly in fluid communication with the second inlet pipe and is configured to convey the motive flow to the slurry flow. An outlet pipe is configured to receive the slurry flow and the motive flow exiting the axial infuser assembly and convey the slurry flow and the motive flow downstream. A header is configured to receive the slurry flow and the motive flow exiting the outlet pipe and mix the slurry flow and the motive flow with flowing raw, untreated water. 
     There is also provided a method of operating a water treatment system incorporating an axial infuser assembly. The method includes the steps of forming a slurry flow having a desired concentration of elements suspended in a flowable medium, conveying the slurry flow to an axial infuser assembly, conveying a motive flow to the axial infuser assembly, the motive flow having a desired pressure and flow rate, injecting the motive flow into the slurry flow with a jet assembly positioned within the axial infuser assembly such that the motive flow is infused into the slurry flow, conveying the combination of the slurry flow and the motive flow with an outlet pipe to a header and injecting the combination of the slurry flow and the motive flow into raw, untreated water flowing in the header. 
     Various objects and advantages of the axial infuser assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view, in elevation, of a first embodiment of an axial infuser assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a right side view, in elevation, of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view, in elevation, of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view, in elevation, of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front sectional view, in elevation, of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view, in elevation, of a first embodiment of a jet assembly of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view, in elevation, of a second embodiment of a jet assembly of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1  shown in an installed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of the operation of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of the operation of the second embodiment of an axial infuser assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of an axial infuser assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of an axial infuser assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a right side view, in elevation, of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a right side view, in elevation, of an alternate embodiment of the axial infuser assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The axial infuser assembly will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The axial infuser assembly may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the axial infuser assembly to those skilled in the art. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the axial infuser assembly belongs. The terminology used in the description of the axial infuser assembly herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the axial infuser assembly. As used in the description of the axial infuser assembly and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the axial infuser assembly. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the axial infuser assembly are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
     The description and figures disclose an axial infuser assembly. Generally, the axial infuser assembly is configured to urge a slurry flow, formed from elements and/or chemicals and mixed with a flowable medium, into flowing raw, untreated water. The slurry is configured to mix with the flowing raw, untreated water such that the elements and/or chemicals within the slurry mix with the flowing raw, untreated water and have the desired purifying effect. 
     The term “raw, untreated water”, as used herein, is defined to mean any water that has not been examined, properly treated, and not approved by appropriate authorities as being safe for consumption. The term “slurry”, as used herein, is defined to mean a mixture of an insoluble substance with a liquid. The term “axial”, as used herein, is defined to mean characterized by an axis. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , a first non-limiting embodiment of an axial infuser assembly is shown schematically at  10 . The axial infuser assembly  10  is configured to receive a slurry flow and efficiently urge the slurry flow into a structure having a flow of raw, untreated water. 
     The axial infuser assembly  10  includes a first segment  12 , a second segment  14 , a third segment  16  and a jet assembly  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , the first segment  12  includes a first circumferential wall  20  defining a first internal passage  22  and a first coupling  24 . The first internal passage  22  is configured to receive a slurry flow and convey the slurry flow to the second segment  14  of the axial infuser assembly  10 . The first coupling  24  is configured for threaded connection to a first inlet pipe  26  ( FIG. 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling  24  is internally threaded such as to receive a threaded portion of the first inlet pipe  26 . Although in other embodiments, the first coupling  24  can have other configurations sufficient for connection to the first inlet pipe  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , the second segment  14  is in fluid communication with the first segment  12  and includes a second circumferential wall  30  defining a second internal passage  32  and a second coupling  34 . The second internal passage  32  is configured to receive a slurry flow exiting the first internal passage  22  of the first segment  12  and further configured to convey the slurry flow through the second segment  14  and out of the axial infuser assembly  10 . The second internal passage  32  is further configured to receive a portion of the jet assembly  18 . The jet assembly  18  will be discussed in more detail below. The second coupling  34  is configured for threaded connection to an output pipe  28  ( FIG. 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling  34  is internally threaded such as to receive a threaded portion of the outlet pipe  28 . Although in other embodiments, the second coupling  34  can have other configurations sufficient for connection to the output pipe  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , the third segment  16  includes a third circumferential wall  40  defining a third internal passage  42 , a third coupling  44  and an internal wall  46 . The third internal passage  42  is configured to receive a motive flow (not shown) and convey the motive flow to the jet assembly  18 . The motive flow and the jet assembly  18  will be discussed in more detail below. The third coupling  44  is configured for connection to a motive flow input pipe  29  ( FIG. 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the third coupling  44  is internally threaded such as to receive a threaded portion of the motive flow inlet pipe  29 . Although in other embodiments, the third coupling  44  can have other configurations sufficient for connection to a motive flow input pipe  29 . The internal wall  46  extends radially from the jet assembly  18  to the third circumferential wall  40  and is configured to block the motive flow from passing from the third internal passage  42  of the third segment  16  to the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  of the first and second segments  12 ,  14 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the first, second and third segments  12 ,  14  and  16  have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first, second and third segments  12 ,  14  and  16  can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the first segment and second segments  12 ,  14  are formed from nominal 2.00 inch pipe and the first internal passage  22  has a first diameter D 1  and the second internal passage  32  has a second diameter D 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the diameters D 1 , D 2  are the same and are about 1.88 inches. However, in other embodiments, the first and second segments can be formed from pipes having other sizes and the diameters D 1 , D 2  can be different from each other and can be more or less than about 1.88 inches. The diameters D 1 , D 2  form cross-sectional areas of the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  are about 2.8 square inches. Alternatively, in other embodiments the cross-sectional areas of the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  can be more or less than about 2.8 square inches. The cross-sectional areas of the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6A , a first embodiment of the jet assembly  18  is illustrated. The jet assembly  18  extends from the internal wall  46  and is configured to convey the motive flow received in the third segment  16  to the second internal passage  32  of the second segment  14 . The jet assembly  18  has a first jet segment  50  and a second jet segment  52 . The first and second jet segments  50 ,  52  include outer walls  51 ,  53  respectively. The outer wall  51  of the first jet segment  50  defines a fourth internal passage  54  extending the length of the first jet segment  50  and the outer wall  53  of the second jet segment  52  defines a fifth internal passage  55  extending the length of the second jet segment  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second jet segments  50 ,  52  form hollow structures having circular cross-sectional shapes. In alternate embodiments, the first and second segments  50 ,  52  can form other structures and can have non-circular cross-sectional shape. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6A , the first jet segment  50  has a first end  60  and a second end  62 . Similarly, the second jet segment  52  has a first end  64  and a second end  66 . The first end  60  of the first jet segment  50  includes a first jet aperture  68  and the second end  62  of the first jet segment  50  includes a second jet aperture  70 . The first end  64  of the second jet segment  52  includes a third jet aperture  72  and the second end  66  of the second jet segment  52  includes a fourth jet aperture  74 . The first jet aperture  68  is in fluid communication with the third internal passage  42  of the third segment  16  and is further configured to receive the motive flow contained within the third segment  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6A , the second end  62  of the first jet segment  50  and the first end  62  of the second jet segment  52  are connected together such that the second jet aperture  70  of the first jet segment  50  and the first jet aperture  72  of the second jet segment align and are in fluid communication with each other such that the motive flow received by the first jet aperture  68  can flow through the first jet segment  50  and into the second jet segment  52 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6A , the fourth aperture  74  of the second jet segment  52  is in fluid communication with the second internal passage  32  of the second segment  14  such that motive flow received by the second jet segment  52  exits the fourth jet aperture  74  and flows into the second internal passage  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6A , the first and second jet segments  50 ,  52  are formed from nominal 0.50 inches pipe. However, in other embodiments, the first and second jet segments can be formed from pipe having other dimensions. The fourth internal passage  54  of the first jet segment  50  has a first diameter D 3  and the fifth internal passage  55  has a second diameter D 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, the diameters D 3 , D 4  are the same and are about 0.44 inches. However, in other embodiments, the diameters D 3 , D 4  can be different from each other and can be more or less than about 0.44 inches. The diameters D 3 , D 4  form a cross-sectional area of the fourth and fifth internal passages  54 ,  55 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the fourth and fifth internal passages  54 ,  55  are about 0.15 square inches. However, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the fourth and fifth internal passages  54 ,  55  can be more or less than about 0.15 square inches. The cross-sectional areas of the fourth and fifth internal passages  54 ,  55  of the first and second jet segments  50 ,  52  will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6A , the second jet segment  52  of the jet assembly  18  is radially centered about longitudinal axis JA-JA. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  of the first and second segments  12 ,  14  are radially centered about longitudinal axis SS-SS. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axes SS-SS and JA-JA are arranged to be substantially parallel, such that the motive flow exiting the fourth jet aperture  74  of the jet assembly  18  flows in the same direction with the slurry flow in the second segment  14  of the axial infuser assembly  10 . As the motive flow flows in the same direction with the slurry flow in the second segment  14  of the axial infuser assembly  10 , the motive flow is infused into the slurry flow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the axial infuser assembly  10  is shown in an installed position. The first coupling  24  of the first segment  12  is connected to the first inlet pipe  26 , the second coupling  34  of the second segment  14  is connected to the outlet pipe  28  and the third coupling  44  of the third segment  16  is connected to the motive flow input pipe  29 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , operation of the axial infuser assembly  10  will now be described. The first segment  12  of the axial infuser assembly  10 , connected to the first inlet pipe  26 , receives the slurry flow as characterized by direction arrows A. The slurry flow is configured for mixing with raw, untreated water as a purification treatment. In the illustrated embodiment, the slurry flow is a mixture of water and elements and/or chemicals, including the non-limiting examples of carbon, soda ash and/or lime. Alternatively, the slurry flow can be a mixture of other desired elements. The slurry flow can have any desired concentration level of the elements and/or chemicals within the water. As one non-limiting example, in the illustrated embodiment, the concentration level is 12.0%, as achieved by a mixture including one pound of carbon with one gallon of water. However, other concentration levels can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the third segment  16  of the axial infuser assembly  10 , connected to the motive flow input pipe  29 , receives the motive flow as characterized by direction arrows B. As the motive flow flows through the third segment  16 , a portion of the motive flow contacts the third internal wall  46  and is prevented from further flow. Another portion of the motive flow is received by the first jet aperture  68  and continues to flow through the jet assembly  18  as characterized by direction arrows C. The motive flow continues to flow through the jet assembly  18  and exits the jet assembly  18  through the fourth jet aperture  74 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the motive flow is configured for infusing with the slurry flow and further configured to urge the slurry flow into flowing raw, untreated water. In the illustrated embodiment, the motive flow is formed by a flow of non-potable water at a pressure in a range of from about 25.0 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 200.0 psi and a flow rate in a range of from about 1.0 gallons per minute to about 5 gallons per minute. However, in other embodiments, the motive flow can be formed from other mediums, at other pressures and at other flow rates. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the motive flow exits the jet assembly  18  and is infused into the slurry flow, thereby forming an infused slurry flow as characterized by direction arrows D. The infused slurry flow is conveyed downstream by the outlet pipe  28 . Simultaneously, a header  80  is configured to carry a flow of raw, untreated water as characterized by direction arrow E. The outlet pipe  28  is in fluid communication with the header  80  such that the infused slurry flow is injected into, and mixes with, the flow of raw, untreated water in the header  80 , thereby forming treated water as characterized by direction arrow F. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6A , the cross-sectional area of the fifth internal passage  55  of the second jet segment  52  is about 0.15 square inches and the cross-sectional area of the second internal passage  32  of the second segment  14  is about 2.8 square inches. Accordingly, a jet assembly ratio can be calculated as the cross-sectional area of the fifth internal passage  55  of the second jet segment  52  divided by the cross-sectional area of the second internal passage  32  of the second segment  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the jet assembly ratio is about 0.05. While the illustrated embodiment provides a jet assembly ratio of about 0.05, it has been found that effective infusion of the motive flow into the slurry flow occurs with a jet assembly ratio in a range of from about 0.03 to about 0.10. Without being held to the theory, it is believed the jet assembly ratio is one measure providing for the efficiency of the infusion process of the motive flow into the slurry flow. In the event the jet assembly ratio is less than about 0.03, then the motive flow exiting the jet assembly  18  lacks sufficient volume to urge the slurry flow. In the event the jet assembly ratio is greater than 0.10, then the motive flow exiting the jet assembly provides unacceptable dilution of the slurry flow. 
     Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the slurry flow rate through the first segment  12  is about 11.6 gallons per minute (gpm) at about 34.00 pounds per square inch and the motive flow through the jet assembly  18  has a flow rate of about 3.6 gallons per minute at about 36.00 pounds per square inch. Accordingly, a motive flow pressure ratio can be calculated as the pressure of the motive flow slurry divided by the pressure of the slurry flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the motive flow pressure ratio is about 1.06. While the illustrated embodiment provides a jet assembly pressure ratio of about 1.06, it has been found that effective infusion of the motive flow into the slurry flow occurs with a jet assembly pressure ratio in a range of from about 1.00 to about 1.60. In the event the jet assembly pressure ratio is less than about 1.00, then the motive flow exiting the jet assembly  18  lacks sufficient pressure to urge the slurry flow. In the event the jet assembly pressure ratio is greater than 1.60, then the motive flow exiting the jet assembly provides unacceptable dilution of the slurry flow. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the axial infuser assembly  10  provides many benefits, although all benefits may not be present in all embodiments. First, since the axial infuser assembly  10  provides that the motive flow is flowing in the same parallel axial direction as the slurry flow, the slurry flow and the motive flow work together to achieve a desired penetration of the infused slurry flow into the raw, untreated water. Second, the motive flow provides sufficient fluid force to the infused slurry flow such that the infused slurry flow is able to overcome boundary pressure of the flowing raw, untreated water within the header  80 . Third, the axial infuser assembly  10  eliminates the need for conventional back pressure infusers. Fourth, the axial infuser assembly  10  can be configured to closely maintain the desired concentration levels of the slurry flow. Fifth, the axial infuser assembly  10  can be configured to maintain the suspension of the elements and/or chemicals within the slurry flow. Finally, the axial infuser assembly  10  is configured to use the motive flow at pressures and flow rates that are significantly less than pressures and flow rates used by conventional back pressure systems. 
     While the embodiment of the axial infuser assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-8  illustrates the use of a slurry flow, it is within the contemplation of the axial infuser assembly that the elements and/or chemicals can be inserted into a header in a “dry” form, that is, without a liquid medium. In these embodiments, the jet assembly can be used to insert a gaseous medium, such as the non-limiting example of air, which is infused with the dry elements and/or chemicals. The mixture of the dry elements and/or chemicals and infused gaseous medium is subsequently injected into the header containing raw, untreated water. Referring now to  FIG. 9 , one non-limiting example of a dry injection system is illustrated. The dry injection system includes an axial infuser assembly  110  having a main segment  112  configured to support a jet assembly  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, the jet assembly  118  is the same as, or similar to the jet assembly  18  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . However, in other embodiments, the jet assembly  118  can be different from the jet assembly  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the jet assembly  118  includes a first jet segment  150  and a second jet assembly  152  and the main segment  112  includes an internal wall  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the internal wall  146  is the same as, or similar to the internal wall  46  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . However, in other embodiments, the internal wall  146  can be different from the internal wall  46 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , a first end  182  of the main segment  112  is connected to an inlet pipe  126  such that fluid communication is enabled therebetween. A second end  184  of the main segment  112  is connected to a header  180  in a manner such that the jet assembly  118  is in fluid communication with the header  180 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , in operation the main segment  112  of the axial infuser assembly  110 , connected to the inlet pipe  126 , receives a flow of a gaseous medium infused (hereafter “infused gaseous medium”) with dry elements and/or chemicals from the inlet pipe  126 , as characterized by direction arrows AA. The infused gaseous medium is configured for mixing with raw, untreated water as a purification treatment. The infused gaseous medium can have any desired concentration level of the elements and/or chemicals within the gaseous medium. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , as the infused gaseous medium flows through the main segment  112 , a portion of the infused gaseous medium contacts the internal wall  146  and is prevented from further flow. Another portion of the infused gaseous medium is received by an inlet jet aperture  168  and continues to flow through the jet assembly  118  as characterized by direction arrow BB. The infused gaseous medium continues to flow through the jet assembly  118  and exits the jet assembly  118  through an exit jet aperture  174 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , simultaneously, the header  180  is configured to carry a flow of raw, untreated water as characterized by direction arrow CC. The infused gaseous medium is injected into, and mixes with, the flow of raw, untreated water in the header  180 , thereby forming treated water as characterized by direction arrow DD. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of an axial infuser assembly is shown generally at  210 . The axial infuser assembly  210  includes a first segment  212 , a second segment  214 , a third segment  216  and a jet assembly  218 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment  212  and the second segment  214  are the same as, or similar to the first segment  12  and the second segment  14  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 5 . This embodiment is characterized in that the third segment  216  forms an angle α with the first segment  212  and the angle α is less than 90°. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the angle α is about 45°. However, in other embodiments, the angle α can be less than 45° or more than 45° and less than 90°. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , a first segment  250  of the jet assembly  218  forms an angle β with a second segment  252  of the jet assembly  218  and the angle β is more than about 90°. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the angle β is about 135°. However, in other embodiments, the angle β can be in a range of more than about 90° to about 180°. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6A , the jet assembly  18  includes discrete first and second jet segments  50 ,  52  connected together. However, it is within the contemplation of the axial infuser assembly that the jet assembly can have a different structure. Referring now to  FIG. 6B , a second embodiment of a jet assembly is illustrated generally at  318 . The jet assembly  318  is configured to extend from an internal wall and is further configured to convey the motive flow received in the third segment to the second internal passage of the second segment in a manner similar to the jet assembly  18  described above. The jet assembly  318  has a continuous segment  350  formed by an outer wall  351 . In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous segment  350  has an arcuate shape. However, in other embodiments, the continuous segment  350  can have other shapes. The outer wall  351  of the continuous segment  350  defines an internal passage  354  extending the length of the continuous segment  350 . In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous segment  350  forms a hollow structure having circular cross-sectional shape. In alternate embodiments, the continuous segment  350  can form other structures and can have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6B , the continuous segment  350  has a first end  360  and a second end  362 . The first end  360  of the continuous segment  350  includes a first jet aperture  368  and the second end  362  of the continuous segment  350  includes a second jet aperture  370 . The first and second jet apertures  368 ,  370  are in fluid communication with the internal passage  354  such that a motive flow received by the first jet aperture  368  can flow through the continuous segment  350  and exit the second jet aperture  370 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6A , the internal passage  354  has a diameter D 5  and a circular cross-sectional shape thereby forming a cross-sectional area. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D 5 , circular cross-sectional shape of the internal passage  354 , and the cross-sectional area of the internal passage  354  are the same as, or similar to the diameters D 3 , D 4 , circular cross-sectional shape of the internal passages  54 ,  55 , and the cross-sectional area of the internal passages  54 ,  55  shown in  FIG. 6A  and described above. However, in other embodiments, the diameter D 5 , circular cross-sectional shape of the internal passage  354 , and the cross-sectional area of the internal passage  354  can be different from the diameters D 3 , D 4 , circular cross-sectional shape of the internal passages  54 ,  55 , and the cross-sectional area of the internal passages  54 ,  55 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6B , the second jet aperture  370  of the jet assembly  318  is radially centered about longitudinal axis JB-JB. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , as discussed above the first and second internal passages  22 ,  32  of the first and second segments  12 ,  14  are radially centered about longitudinal axis SS-SS. With the jet assembly  318  in an installed position, the longitudinal axis JB-JB and the longitudinal axes SS-SS are arranged to be substantially parallel, such that the motive flow exiting the jet assembly  318  flows in the same direction with the slurry flow in the second segment  14  of the axial infuser assembly  10 . As the motive flow flows in the same direction with the slurry flow in the second segment  14  of the axial infuser assembly  10 , the motive flow is infused into the slurry flow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , another embodiment of an axial infuser assembly is shown generally at  410 . The axial infuser assembly  410  is configured to urge a slurry flow, formed from elements and/or chemicals and mixed with a plurality of flowable mediums, into flowing raw, untreated water. The slurry flow is configured to mix with the flowing raw, untreated water such that the elements and/or chemicals within the slurry mix with the flowing raw, untreated water and have the desired purifying effect. The axial infuser assembly  410  includes a first segment  412  connected to a first inlet pipe  426 , a second segment  414  connected to an outlet pipe  428 , a third segment  416  connected to a motive flow inlet pipe  429  and a fourth segment  482  connected to a second inlet pipe  484 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment  412 , first inlet pipe  426 , second segment  414 , outlet pipe  428 , third segment  416  and motive flow inlet pipe  429  are the same as the first segment  12 , first inlet pipe  26 , second segment  14 , outlet pipe  28 , third segment  16  and motive flow inlet pipe  29  described above and shown in  FIG. 5 . However, in other embodiments, the first segment  412 , first inlet pipe  426 , second segment  414 , outlet pipe  428 , third segment  416  and motive flow inlet pipe  429  can be different than the first segment  12 , first inlet pipe  26 , second segment  14 , outlet pipe  28 , third segment  16  and motive flow inlet pipe  29 . 
     Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the fourth segment  482  has the same structure, or a similar structure, as the first inlet pipe  426 . In alternate embodiments, the fourth segment  482  can have a different structure than the first inlet pipe  426 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the axial infuser assembly  410  includes a first jet assembly  418   a  and a second jet assembly  418   b . The first jet assembly  418   a  extends from a first internal wall  446   a  in the third segment  416  and the second jet assembly  418   b  extends from a second internal wall  446   b  in the fourth segment  482 . The internal walls  446   a ,  446   b  are configured to contain motive flows received in the third and fourth segments  416 ,  482 . 
     Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the jet assemblies  418   a ,  418   b  are the same as the jet assembly  18  described above and shown in  FIG. 5 . However, in other embodiments, the jet assemblies  418   a ,  418   b  can be different from the jet assembly  18 . The jet assembly  418   a  is configured to convey the motive flow received in the third segment  416  to an internal passage  432  of the second segment  414  as represented by direction arrows G. In a similar manner, the jet assembly  418   b  is configured to convey the motive flow received in the fourth segment  482  to an internal passage  432  of the second segment  414  as represented by direction arrows H. Advantageously, the slurry flow flowing through the first and second segments  412 ,  414  can be impacted by a plurality of motive flows G, H. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a schematic view of the outlet end of the second segment  414  of the axial infuser assembly  410  is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the jet assemblies  418   a ,  418   b  are positioned proximate each other and are generally centered within the internal passage  432  formed within the second segment  414 . However, it is within the contemplation of the axial infuser assembly that the jet assemblies can have different positioning within the internal passage formed by the second segment. Referring now to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment of the axial infuser assembly is shown schematically at  510 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , a plurality of jet assemblies  518   a - 518   h  are positioned in a spaced apart arrangement within the internal passage  532  formed within the second segment  514 . In the illustrated embodiment, the jet assemblies are positioned radially proximate an internal wall  586  formed by the second segment  514 . However, such positioning is optional and not required for operation of the plurality of jet assemblies  518   a - 518   h . While a quantity of eight (8) jet assemblies are illustrated, it should be appreciated that any desired quantity of jet assemblies can be used. It is also within the contemplation of the axial infuser assembly that a combination of centrally positioned jet assemblies and radially positioned jet assemblies can be used. 
     While the axial infuser assembly has been described above in context to the treatment of flowing raw, untreated water in a water treatment facility, it is within the contemplation of the axial infuser assembly that other applications are possible. Non-limiting examples of other applications include the flow of storm water in storm pipes, the flow of water exiting a filter system in a pool, the flow of water from a field tile discharge, the flow of water exiting a sump pump and the like. It is contemplated that the axial infuser assembly has application in situations where a flow of a liquid medium must overcome a barrier pressure of a flowing liquid medium. 
     The principle and mode of operation of the axial infuser assembly has been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the axial infuser assembly may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.