Patent Publication Number: US-2022234914-A1

Title: Process and Apparatus for Multi-Phase Reaction Processing of Liquids

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED INFORMATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/142,235, filed Jan. 27, 2021, titled “Process and Apparatus for Multi-Phase Reaction Processing of Liquids,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to the field of filtration and processing of liquids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Historically, fluid processing under high shear stress is generated under a cavitation field. The cavitation field can be created by means of hydrodynamic processes wherein a localized pressure drop and possibly turbulence are used to generate a cavitation bubble region. Other techniques to generate cavitation include through the use of acoustic pressure oscillation. Various prior art references include certain approaches to oxidation, filtration and processing, including: US Application No. 2017/0165675A1 (Holl), U.S. Pat. No. 2,502,022A (Paul), U.S. Pat. No. 2,623,700A (Scherer), U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,363A (Entzmann), U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,929A (de los Santos), U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,090A (Griggs), U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,193B1 (Selivanov), WO2012164322A1 (Fabian), U.S. Pat. No. 10,240,774B2 (Hrinda), U.S. Pat. No. 10,259,726B2 (Fraim), US Patent Application No. 2017/0227133A1 (Mitton), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,090A, 10,240,774B2. Some of the prior art describes the use of counter rotating disks that are populated by features such as pins, or apertures wherein dry material is introduced and is impacted by the rotating features causing particle size reduction. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment under the present disclosure comprises an apparatus for creating cavitation in a liquid treatment process. Said apparatus comprises a plurality of shafts configured to be rotated by one or more motors, the plurality of shafts configured to receive an electrical current from one or more power supplies; and a housing configured to receive the plurality of shafts therethrough at distal ends, the housing comprising an inlet for receiving influent and an outlet for discharging the influent. It can further comprise a plurality of disks within the housing, each of the plurality of disks connected to one of the plurality of shafts and configured to be rotated thereby, the plurality of disks configured to face each other and define an inner and outer volume within the housing such that influent may pass between the inner and outer volumes, each of the plurality of disks comprising one or more extensions extending from the respective disk toward the other disk. The apparatus can be characterized in that when the plurality of shafts receive the electrical current an electrical potential is created between the plurality of disks such that rotating the disks creates cavitation in the influent. 
     Another embodiment under the present disclosure can comprise a water treatment system for treating influent. The system can comprise a gravity separator configured to cause high-density solids to fall out of suspension from the influent and low-density materials to coalesce and break from the influent; a particle strainer downstream of the gravity separator and configured strain solids out of the influent; and a pump downstream of the particle strainer configured to provide sufficient energy to push the influent through the water treatment system. It can further comprise a multi-phase reaction (MPR) processing system downstream of the pump, the MPR processing system comprising; a plurality of shafts configured to be rotated by one or more motors, the plurality of shafts configured to receive an electrical current from one or more power supplies; a housing configured to receive the plurality of shafts therethrough at distal ends, the housing comprising an inlet configured to receive the influent from the pump and an outlet for discharging the influent; and a plurality of disks within the housing, each of the plurality of disks connected to one of the plurality of shafts and configured to be rotated thereby, the plurality of disks configured to face each other and define an inner and outer volume within the housing such that the influent may pass between the inner and outer volumes, each of the plurality of disks comprising one or more extensions extending from the respective disk toward the other disk; wherein when the plurality of shafts receive the electrical current an electrical potential is created between the plurality of disks such that rotating the disks creates cavitation in the influent. The system can further comprise an electro-chemical cell downstream of the MPR processing system and configured to provide a catalytic reaction within the influent to convert chlorine ions into free chorine and chlorine dioxide; and a filtration system downstream of the electro-chemical cell configured to remove suspended solids from the influent. 
     Another embodiment under the present disclosure comprises a method of causing cavitation in a liquid treatment system. The method comprises receiving a flow of influent at an inlet to a housing, the housing containing two or more rotating wheels, the two or more rotating wheels defining an inner volume and an outer volume and configured to allow influent to flow between the inner and outer volumes, and further configured to carry electrical charge from outside the housing; rotating the two or more rotating wheels; applying an electrical current to the two or more rotating wheels so as to create an electric potential between the two or more rotating wheels and cause cavitation in the influent; and directing the influent out of the housing through an outlet. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an indication of the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a multi-phase reaction processing system under the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  are cross sectional views of a multi-phase reaction processing system embodiment under the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are views of rotating disk and protuberances embodiments under the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of joined rotating disks under the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  are cross sectional views of rotating disk embodiments under the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are cross sectional views of rotating disk embodiments under the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a liquid treatment system embodiment under the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a liquid treatment system embodiment under the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a liquid treatment system embodiment under the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows an electro-chemical cell embodiment under the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a method embodiment under the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. Thus, while certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed embodiments. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments. 
     Embodiments under the present disclosure include methods and apparatuses for liquid processing for inducing a state of high shear stress, controlled cavitation and mixing by means of turbulent interaction of opposing liquid flows, while simultaneously imposing an electric field and magnetic field in the region of cavitation and high shear stress. This disclosure includes embodiments for the application of multiple physical mechanical and chemical processes to liquid streams to cause advanced oxidation reaction to the liquid under treatment. Prior art systems were usually not intended for the processing of liquids, much less the introduction of cavitation and or high shear mixing in a liquid. Furthermore, in prior art solutions, the relative energy density is too low to be of practical large-scale industrial processing. There is an ever increasing need to treat fluid streams to cause preferential reactions such as: particle size reduction, advanced oxidation, cellular lysing, long chain molecule cracking and other physical chemistry reactions. 
     Embodiments under the present disclosure include the application of an electric field in a region of liquid undergoing ultra-high shear impact, mixing and or cavitation. The co-location of electrolysis and high shear mixing and or cavitation has demonstrated the ability to cause advanced oxidation reactions and advanced reduction reactions in fluid systems such as water with both dissolved and suspended solids and hydrocarbons, with and without water emulsion. Embodiments of multi-phase reaction processing in the present disclosure are effective in creating an environment where advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are created within a water stream. The creation of AOP can be mechanically created within the reactor without the addition of other chemicals. Advanced oxidation processes are useful for the destruction of organic compounds, and under ideal circumstances, substantial removal of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is also realized. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a multi-phase reaction liquid processing system  100  under the present disclosure. A reactor housing  1000  is generally in the shape of a cylinder and has inlet port  1130  through which liquid/influent is introduced into the reactor housing  1000  and exhausted through the outlet port  1010 . System  100  can comprise a portion of a water treatment facility, a car wash, a building water treatment system, or other liquid or water treatment systems or machines. Reactor housing  1000  has side plates  1150  on either side of the reactor housing  1000  to make a sealed internal volume within the reactor housing  1000 . Shafts  1140  penetrate the side plates  1150  and can rotate the internal cavitation elements (see e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). Shafts  1140  can be supported by one or more shaft supports  1100  which can couple to a stationary surface while allowing rotation of shafts  1140 . Electrically conductive slip rings  1030  are rotationally attached to the shafts  1140 . An electrically conductive brush assembly  1115  is preferably in electrical communication with the shafts  1140  via conductive slip rings  1030 . Shafts  1140  are preferably in electrical isolation from motors  1050 , reactor housing  1000 , and side plates  1150 . A rotational force can be provided by a prime mover such as motors  1050  to the shafts  1140  via power disks  1062  which can be driven by motors  1050  and transmit the power to the rotation of shafts  1140 . Shafts  1140  can be coupled to the motor  1050  by any means that permits alignment of the motor  1050  to shafts  1140 . In this example pulleys  1060  are mounted to shafts  1140  and motors  1050 . Motors  1050  may also be mounted so as to permit direct alignment with shaft  1140 , such as with either a ridged shaft coupler or flexible shaft coupler. Regardless of the means of transmitting rotational torque from motors  1050  to the shaft  1140 , the coupler can provide means of electrically isolating the shafts  1140  from motors  1050 . The prime mover is not limited to an electric motor but can comprise any means that can provide rotational torque to the shaft  1140 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that shafts  1140  may be electrically isolated from all the surrounding and supporting structure except for the single electrically conductive path to a power supply  1070 , such as via brush assemblies  1115  and conductive slip rings  1030 . Power supply  1070  with electrical output terminals  1160 ,  1161  can be in electrical communication with brush assembly  1115  by means of electrical conductors  1080 ,  1090 . Output terminals  1160 ,  1161  may have a constant voltage difference or a time varying voltage difference, causing an electrical current to flow from one output terminal  1160  to the other 1161 (or vice versa). Conductors  1080 ,  1090  can be sized to the ampacity requirement of the electrical circuit. Supporting structures  1142  can help hold brush assemblies  1115  in place. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the reactor housing  2130  (similar to reactor housing  1150  of  FIG. 1 ) showing the internal structure. The pair of rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  are disposed within the reactor housing  2130  with a common axis of rotation and the axis of rotation is coincident with the axis of the cylindrical reactor housing  2130 . Side plates  2100  are preferably fixedly attached to the reactor housing  2130  to form a leak proof seal, preventing influent from escaping the volume of the reactor housing  2130  and side plates  2000 . The influent enters the reactor housing  2130  through an inlet flange  2070  which is fluidly connected to inlet apertures  2090 . Rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  have openings, apertures, other paths or other means by which the liquid under process is able to transfer from the outer volume defined between the side plates  2100  and the proximal faces of rotating disks  2140 ,  2100  to the inner volume in between the rotating disks  2140 ,  2100 . Exhaust/outlet aperture  2110  in the reactor housing  2130  provides means of the liquid under process to be expelled from the reactor housing  2130 . A means of connecting the exhaust aperture  2110  to fluid conduits is provided by outlet flange  2122 . 
     Shaft seal  2150  provides a fluid tight seal between the stationary side plate  2100  and rotating shafts  2160 . The preferred seal type is that of a Silicon Carbide stationary seal and Silicon Carbide rotating face. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other materials and seal types may be used. However, the seal used preferably provides electrical isolation between the rotating shafts  2160  and stationary side plate  2100 . 
     Bearings  2050  can provide radial positioning of rotating shafts  2160  with respect to the centerline axis of the reactor housing  2130  and side plates  2100 . Bearings  2050  are mounted in a single or plurality of bearing supports  2170 . Bearing supports  2170  can be fixedly attached to any support structure or stationary surface that provides concentric radial alignment of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  with the side plates  2100  and reactor housing  2130 . Bearings  2050  are preferably constructed in a manner to provide electrical isolation between rotating shafts  2160  and the bearing support  2170 . Common means of providing electrical isolation can be by means of use of hybrid bearings comprising Silicon Carbide ball bearings or use of an electrically isolating coating on either the outer or inner shell of the bearing. 
     A means of inducing an electric voltage potential between the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  can be provided by means of an electrically conducting circuit where rotating slip rings  2010  are fixedly attached to the rotating shafts  2160 . Rotating slip rings  2010  are in electrical communication with the rotating shaft  2160 . Brushes  2040  can be fixedly attached to stationary supporting structures  2142 . Supporting structures  2142  can be located aside, below, or otherwise attached to brushes  2040  to provide a stationary support to hold brushes  2040  in place. Supporting structures  2142  can be attached to, or comprise, a portion of a plate or another stationary surface within a larger system, such as the same stationary surface attached to bearing supports  2170 . Brushes  2040  provide a means of transferring electrical current from an electrical conductor to the rotating slip ring  2010 . Brushes  2040  can be constructed of a carbon material with metallic conducting particles dispersed within the carbon. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the composition of the brushes  2040  may be optimized to minimize friction between the brush  2040  face in contact with the rotating slip rings  2010  while minimizing electrical resistance. 
     Proximal protuberance  2210  extends from the face of rotating disk  2100  facing distal protuberance  2200  extending from the face of rotating disk  2140 . Proximal protuberance  2210  and distal protuberance  2200  are mounted on the facing surfaces of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 . The heights of proximal protuberance  2210  and distal protuberance  2200  preferably extend to a distance that exceeds the center plane distance between the inner faces of rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 . The radial distance of the proximal protuberance  2210  from the axis of rotation of rotating shaft  2160  is less than the radial distance of the distal protuberance  2200  from the same axis of rotation. The difference between the proximal protuberance  2210  and distal protuberance  2200  radii is such that they do not interfere with each other in their respective rotation, while allowing overlap in the axial plane. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the gap between the proximal protuberance  2210  and distal protuberance  2200  can be optimized for reaction intensity imparted to the liquid under process. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a liquid under process can provide an electrical conduction path between the rotating disk  2100  and rotating disk  2140 . An electrical potential is established between the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  by an external power supply (such as power supply  1070  of  FIG. 1 ). Water or other influent with characteristically low conductance (e.g., low total dissolved solids) can become conductive in the presence of cavitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the gap between the proximal protuberance  2210  and distal protuberance  2200  and the rotational velocity of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  can be optimized to maximize the advanced oxidation reaction or other physical chemistry results. The height of the protuberances  2210 ,  2200  is less than the distance between the two disks. The radial dimension difference permits free passage of the protuberances  2210 ,  2200 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the geometry of the protuberance may be of any shape, including cylindrical, rectangular, extruded polygon, and is not limited to the aforementioned examples. 
     The rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  can be housed within a cylindrical reactor housing  2100  whose axis is co-axial with the central axis of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 . The radial dimension of the cylindrical reactor housing  2100  is larger than that of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 . The difference in the radial distance between the reactor housing  2100  and the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  can be sufficiently small so that a pressure difference between the volume external to the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  and the volume interior to the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  will cause a leakage path between the internal and external volumes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pressure difference, clearance gap between the distal diameter of the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  and the reactor housing  2100  can be adjusted to control the leakage and re-circulation rate of the process fluid. 
     An embodiment of a rotating disk  3010  showing the proximal protuberance  3020 , is shown in  FIG. 3A . Proximal protuberance  3020  is distributed around the central axis of rotation. Rotating disk  3010  preferably comprises a means of attachment to a shaft, such as via hub  3040 .  FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment of rotating disk  3110  with distal protuberance  3120 . Proximal protuberance  3120  is distributed around the central axis of rotation. Rotating disk  3110  preferably comprises a means of attachment to a shaft, such as via hub  3140 . A series of radially oriented spokes  3030 ,  3130  can fix the outer rim of the rotating disk  3010 ,  3110  to the hub  3040 ,  3140 . Spokes  3030 ,  3130  may be constructed in a manner that imparts a force on the liquid under process to propel from outer face  3050 ,  3150  to inner face  3060 ,  3160 . For example, spokes  3030 ,  3130  may be constructed in such a manner as to provide a pressure difference between the fluidly connected space outside paired rotating disks  3010 ,  3110  and a volume between paired counter rotating disks  3010 ,  3110 . Spokes  3030 ,  3130  can be angled, beveled, or otherwise shaped (similar to ceiling fans) so as to impart forces to the liquid under process. 
     Alternative rotating assembly embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a pair of counter rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001  are mirrored about a central plane. Between rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001  is an inner rim or hoop  4040  with a distal diameter that is less than a second outer rim  4010  whose proximal diameter is greater than the inner rim  4040 . The inner rim  4040  can be fixedly attached to one of rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001 . The outer rim  4010  can be fixedly attached to the other of rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001 . The axial length of each rim  4010 ,  4040  slightly smaller than the parallel distance between the two rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001 . Attachment can be by means of mechanical fasteners  4020 , or other appropriate means (screws, bolts, clips, glue, adhesives, or others). Hub  4045  is connected to an outer edge  4050  by means of one or more spokes  4030 . Rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001  are preferably very similar, if not identical, to each other. Those skilled in the art will recognize that differences between rotating wheels  4000 ,  4001  can be made to accommodate the attachment of either the outer rim  4010  and inner rim  4040 , or other variations not limited to attachment method. Outer rim  4010  and inner rim  4040  can comprise a plurality of radial apertures  4060 . Apertures  4060  fluidly connect the proximal and distal faces of each rim  4010 ,  4040 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the geometry of the apertures  4060  may be a straight walled cylinder, conical, polygonal or any other shape and is not limited to the aforementioned examples. The radial spacing of each aperture  4060  may be periodic, non-periodic, or a periodic arrangement of any array. Rims  4010 ,  4040  can carry electric charge, similar to wheels  4000 ,  4001  or protuberances  3020 ,  3120  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
     Cut-away and side views of an embodiment of a rotating wheel assembly  5000  are shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . A side section view along plane B-B, shown in  FIG. 5B  shows the outer rim  5020  mechanically fastened to rotor wheel  5030 . A clearance gap is preferably maintained between the outer rim  5020  and rotor wheel  5040  and the inner rim  5010 . Inner rim  5010  is mechanically fastened to rotor wheel  5040 . A clearance gap is preferably maintained between the inner rim  5010  and rotor wheel  5030 . Apertures  5045  can be seen on inner rim  5010 . 
     An end view elevation of an embodiment of a rotating wheel assembly  6000  is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  (with a cross section A-A view). A plurality of apertures  6045  can be set in an array, oriented along the radial dimension of both the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020 . The aperture  6045  can be evenly distributed around the circumference of both the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020 . A plurality of apertures  6045  can be distributed along the central axis of both the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020 . The number of apertures  6045  on the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020  may be different. The geometry of the apertures  6045  on the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020  may be different, and the apertures  6045  may not line up between the inner rim  6040  and outer rim  6020 . 
     Other embodiments under the present disclosure can comprise providing an electrical potential in the form of any constant voltage or time variant voltage between two counter rotating elements, such as rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  of  FIG. 2 . The liquid under process in a multi-phase reactor, such as described herein, can provide an electrical conduction pathway between the rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 , protuberances  2200 ,  2210 , or apertures  2045 , or inner and outer rims, or other components. Additionally, the counter rotating disks  2120 ,  2140  and their axles are preferably electrically isolated from the reactor housing  2100 , bearing support elements, seals, shaft coupling or any other electrical conduction pathway that would provide a low resistance pathway other than that between the two counter rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 . 
     A mixed metal oxide (MMO) coating containing metallic elements of Ruthenium, Tantalum, Iridium, Platinum, and/or other metals may be applied to either or both of the rotating elements (such as rotating disks  2120 ,  2140 ) in certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the composition of the MMO may comprise any ratio of the elements Ruthenium, Tantalum, Iridium and/or Platinum. Other MMOs are possible. 
     An array of permanent or temporary electromagnetic elements may be disposed on the distal surface of the reactor housing (such as reactor housing  2100  of  FIG. 2 ), wherein a permanent magnetic flux or a time variant magnetic flux is propagated into the interior region of the reactor housing  2100 , preferably in the cavitation zone formed by the perturbances  2200 ,  2210  on either disk  2120 ,  2140  or the inner and outer rims  4010 ,  4040  of  FIG. 4 . 
     The multi-phase reaction (MPR) processing systems, apparatuses and methods described in the present disclosure can be integrated into larger water treatment systems and techniques.  FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a water treatment system  700 . Influent (water under process), is introduced to a gravity separator  710  to cause separation of high density solids (clays, metals, grit, etc.) to fall out of suspension and low density materials (oil, grease, fats, etc.) to coalesce and break from the influent water. Withdrawing the water under treatment from the separator  710  after high- and low-density materials are removed, the water is passed through a particle strainer  720  to prevent solids (e.g., larger than 100 microns) from entering and/or continuing the process. The strained water is then pulled into the suction of a pump  730  that provides sufficient energy to push the water under process through the system  700 . Energized water discharged from the pump  730  is then feed to the MPR  740  (such as described in  FIGS. 1-6B  of the present disclosure) wherein the water is subjected to the mixing and controlled cavitation processes within the reactor. After passing through the MPR  740 , the water is then fed to an electro-chemical cell  750 . The electro-chemical cell  750  can provide a catalytic reaction to convert chlorine ions into free chlorine and chlorine dioxide. Cations such as Iron and Aluminum are positively charged and can enable Fenton type reactions. Following the electro-chemical cell  750 , the water is passed through a filtration system  760  to remove suspended solids. The filtration system  760  can be of any type whether cartridge, media or membrane. One embodiment is a glass bead type such as the Waterco™ Pearl 0.6-0.8 mm glass sphere. Other filtration media, such as ceramic membrane (which offer 1 nano meter—1,000 nano meter filtration), has also shown removal of cations post MPR  740  and electro-chemical cell  750 . Additional filtration media such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and other membrane filtration media can be applied as well. 
     An alternative embodiment of a water treatment system  800 , in  FIG. 8 , includes the introduction of a holding tank  860 . Similar to embodiment  700 , water under process can proceed from a separator  810 , to particle strainer  820 , to pump  830 , to MPR  840 , to electro-chemical cell  850 . Holding tank  860  can receive water under process from electro-chemical cell  850 . Holding tank  860  is operated at low pressure or atmospheric pressure. A transfer pump  870  suction line is fluidly connected to the holding tank  860  and the discharge line is to the filtration system  880 . The high pressure of the transfer pump  870  can energize the fluid under process to pass through a filtration system  880 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that various means can be used to measure the level of the fluid in the holding tank  860  to derive a control signal to control the flow rate into the holding tank  860  or withdrawn from the holding tank  860 . Possible means include flow sensors, optical sensors, level sensors, pressure sensors, and other components for measuring the level. 
     An alternative embodiment of a water treatment system  900  is shown in  FIG. 9 . Similar to embodiment  700 , water under process can proceed from a separator  910 , to particle strainer  920 , to pump  930 , to MPR  940 , to electro-chemical cell  950 , to filtration system  960 . Filtration system  960  can comprise, e.g., a high flux ceramic membrane filter, and can be held at low to atmospheric pressure. A transfer pump  970  suction line is fluidly connected to the discharge of the filtration system  960 , permitting filtered fluid to be drawn through the ceramic membrane into the pump  970 . Various means can be used to measure the level of the fluid in the holding tank, transfer pump suction line pressure, and other control signal inputs to derive a control signal to control the flow rate into the holding tank and/or out of the holding tank. Possible means include flow sensors, level sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, and others. Pump  770  can direct water elsewhere in a system, for use by users, for use in a spray, such as in a carwash, or elsewhere. Any of systems  700 ,  800 ,  900  can comprise at least a portion of a desalination system. 
     An embodiment of an electro-chemical cell  1110 , such as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , is shown in  FIG. 10 . The liquid under process enters the electro-chemical cell  1110  through a port  1210 . The liquid under process is passed by electrodes  1230 ,  1235 . Electrodes  1230 ,  1235  can comprise an even plurality of electrodes, each pair forming a cathode and anode circuit. Electrodes  1230 ,  1235  are affixed to electro-chemical cell  1110  by means of support  1240  comprised of a di-electric material. Electrically conductive conduits  1250 ,  1255  connect to electronic power supply  1260 . Electrodes  1230 ,  1235  are in electrical communication with output terminals  1270 ,  1275  of power supply  1260 . An electrical voltage potential is established between output terminals  1270 ,  1275 . Voltage potential  280  can be a time invariant signal (DC), or a time variant signal such as sine, square, triangle, or any arbitrary waveform. The time rate of change can vary, but in a preferred embodiment may be zero (0) to greater than 1 Volt per Micro-Second. Electrodes  1230 ,  1235  preferably comprise Titanium and Titanium coated with Mixed Metal Oxides (MMO) such as those containing Iridium, Platinum and Ruthenium. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other electrically conductive materials can be utilized, even electrically conductive polymers. The liquid under process can provide the electrical conduit circuit between the electrodes  1230 ,  1235  (anode and cathode). 
     A method  1200  of causing cavitation under the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 11 . At step  1210 , a flow of liquid is received at an inlet to a housing, the housing containing at least one pair of rotating wheels, the at least one pair of rotating wheels defining an inner volume and an outer volume and configured to allow liquid to flow between the inner and outer volumes, and further configured to carry electrical charge from outside the housing. At step  1220 , the two or more rotating wheels are rotated. At step  1230 , an electrical charge is applied to the two or more rotating wheels so as to cause cavitation in the housing. At step  1240 , the flow of fluid is directed out of the housing through an outlet. 
     Abbreviations and Defined Terms 
     To assist in understanding the scope and content of this written description and the appended claims, a select few terms are defined directly below. Unless defined otherwise, 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 present disclosure pertains. 
     The term “influent” refers to any “liquid under process” and these terms can be used interchangeably. Although a liquid may change throughout a liquid treatment process (undergoing filtration, cavitation, and other changes or processes), the liquid throughout the whole system can be referred to as “influent” or “liquid under process.” The present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of liquid or fluid. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” as used herein, represent an amount or condition close to the specific stated amount or condition that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount or condition that deviates by less than 10%, or by less than 5%, or by less than 1%, or by less than 0.1%, or by less than 0.01% from a specifically stated amount or condition. 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments or implementations, which are exemplary in nature. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an “implementation” of the present disclosure or embodiments includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the present description. 
     As used in the specification, a word appearing in the singular encompasses its plural counterpart, and a word appearing in the plural encompasses its singular counterpart, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Thus, it will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a singular referent (e.g., “a widget”) includes one, two, or more referents unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Similarly, reference to a plurality of referents should be interpreted as comprising a single referent and/or a plurality of referents unless the content and/or context clearly dictate otherwise. For example, reference to referents in the plural form (e.g., “widgets”) does not necessarily require a plurality of such referents. Instead, it will be appreciated that independent of the inferred number of referents, one or more referents are contemplated herein unless stated otherwise. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. 
     It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and/or combinations thereof. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalization thereof. Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
     It is understood that for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Additionally, it will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. 
     In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about,” as that term is defined herein. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter presented herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the subject matter presented herein 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 the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
     Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that although the present disclosure has been specifically disclosed in part by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this present description. 
     It will also be appreciated that systems, devices, products, kits, methods, and/or processes, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein. 
     All references cited in this application are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the described embodiments as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques specifically described herein are intended to be encompassed by this present disclosure. 
     When a group of materials, compositions, components, or compounds is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of those groups and all subgroups thereof are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and sub-combinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure. 
     The above-described embodiments are examples only. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the description, which is defined solely by the appended claims.