Patent Abstract:
A bubble generating system is provided for use with a gas supply and a container having liquid therein. The gas supply can supply a flow of gas. The bubble generating system includes a gas provider, a first bubble generator and a second bubble generator. The gas provider has an input port, a first output port and a second output port, wherein input portion can connect to the gas supply. Each bubble generator has an inlet and an outlet and is connected to the gas provider. The first bubble generator is arranged to output the first portion of the flow of gas in a first direction. The second bubble generator is arranged to output the second portion of the flow of gas in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

Full Description:
[0001]    The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/434,610 filed Jan. 20, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a bubble generator used for waste water treatment. 
         [0003]    In industrial plants, it is a general practice to treat wastewater contaminated with animal, mineral or vegetable oil with aerobic bacteria to digest contaminants. In such a wastewater purification system, it is necessary to mix fine bubbles into wastewater to encourage oxygen respiration and create a favorable living environment for aerobic bacteria. Conventionally, such an apparatus to mix or generate fine bubbles into wastewater is placed in wastewater to be treated, and the mechanism that works by emitting air from an air outlet provided in the lower end section of a pipe, producing a spiral flow of water by guiding an upward water flow induced by this flow of air with spirally arranged vanes, and mixing bubbles within the rising water flow, while fractionalizing bubbles to promote wastewater purification with a bubble breaker having a number of projections placed inside the pipe, has been used. 
         [0004]    In a particular water treatment system, grease is removed. In some localities, waist grease from cooking vats at restaurants is dumped into the local sewage system. To minimize damage from directly dumping the grease into the sewage system, the grease is stored in a holding tank with water. This holding tank is conventionally called a grease trap. The water, having grease therein, is treated until the amount of grease is below a predetermined acceptable level. The treated water and grease mixture may then be released into the local sewage system. 
         [0005]    In some conventional grease trap cleaning systems, a detergent is added to the water to breakdown the grease. However, in some cases, detergents may be harmful to the local sewage system. In those cases, biological microbes may be added to the water to breakdown the grease. The biological microbes require oxygen to metabolize the grease. In such cases, it is beneficial to generate bubbles in the water with a conventional bubble mixing apparatus as described above. 
         [0006]    With respect to the conventional bubble generating apparatus described above, it has been believed for many years that the creation of a spiral flow of water is instrumental in achieving efficient generation and mixing of bubbles into wastewater. While a method to fractionize bubbles by letting air (bubbles) collide in projections in a flow of water is a typical practice, wastewater purification can be performed more effectively and efficiently by inducing cavitation in wastewater and fractionizing bubbles with a change of water pressure. To induce cavitation in wastewater, it is necessary to increase the velocity of a water flow. From this perspective, a spiral flow of water employed in the conventional bubble mixing apparatus inhibits the generation of bubbles in wastewater. This will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 1-6C . 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates an oblique view of a grease trap  100  and a conventional grease trap cleaning system  106 . 
         [0008]    As shown in the figure, grease trap  100  includes an input port  102  and an output port  104 . Conventional cleaning system  106  includes an air supply line  108 , a main line  110 , t-lines  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118 , and bubble generators  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  and  134 . 
         [0009]    Input port  102  is arranged to receive a flow of water from a sewer system (not shown). Output port  104  is arranged opposite of input port  102  to output material into the sewer system (not shown). Air supply line  108  is arranged to receive air from an air source (not shown). Main line  110  is arranged to receive air from air supply line  108 . T-lines  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  are arranged to receive air from main line  110 . Bubble generators  120  and  122  are arranged to receive air from t-line  112 . Bubble generators  124  and  126  are arranged to receive air from t-line  114 . Bubble generators  128  and  130  are arranged to receive air from t-line  116 . Bubble generators  132  and  134  are arranged to receive air from t-line  118 . 
         [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross sectional view of bubble generator  134  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0011]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , bubble generator  134  includes a housing portion  204 , a fan-shaped disc portion  206 , a projections disc portion  208 , a fan-shaped disc portion  210 , a projections disc portion  212 , a fan-shaped disc portion  214 , a spacer  216 , a fan-shaped disc portion  218 , a projections disc portion  220 , a fan-shaped disc portion  222  and a projections disc portion  224 . Housing portion  204  includes a top opening  226  and a bottom opening  228 . T-line  118  ends with an air outlet  230 . 
         [0012]    Fan-shaped disc portion  206 , projections disc portion  208 , fan-shaped disc portion  210 , projections disc portion  212 , fan-shaped disc portion  214 , spacer  216 , fan-shaped disc portion  218 , projections disc portion  220 , fan-shaped disc portion  222  and projections disc portion  224  are placed in the passage of rising air discharged from the air outlet  230 . Spacer  216  maintains a desirable interval between the other elements within bubble generator  134 , prevents clogging between the other elements within bubble generator  134 , or maintains a required overall height with a reduced number other elements within bubble generator  134 . 
         [0013]    Each of fan-shaped disc portion  206 , projections disc portion  208 , fan-shaped disc portion  210 , projections disc portion  212 , fan-shaped disc portion  214 , spacer  216 , fan-shaped disc portion  218 , projections disc portion  220 , fan-shaped disc portion  222  and projections disc portion  224  set appropriately with four rivets (not shown) to keep each element stationary. 
         [0014]    A more detailed discussion of the fan-shaped disc portions and the projections disc portions will now be provided with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of fan-shaped disc portion  206  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0016]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , fan-shaped disc portion  206  includes a cylindrical main body  302  and a plurality of projections, a sample projection indicated as item  304 . Each of the plurality of projections extends from cylindrical main body  302  to a tip, a sample time indicated as item  306 . Each of the plurality of projections have a length such that the tips are separated to form a hole  308  at the center of cylindrical main body  302 . 
         [0017]    Each of the plurality of projections of fan-shaped disc portion  206  is angled similar to a fan blade. Accordingly, as air bubbles pass through fan-shaped disc portion  206 , the plurality of projections force the air bubbles toward the plurality of tips. A majority of the air bubbles are funneled toward hole  308 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of projections disc portion  208  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , projections disc portion  208  includes a cylindrical main body  402  and a plurality of projections, a sample projection indicated as item  404 . Each of the plurality of projections extends from cylindrical main body  402  to a tip, a sample time indicated as item  406 . Each of the plurality of projections have a length such that the tips are separated to form a hole  408  at the center of cylindrical main body. 
         [0020]    Each of the plurality of projections of projections disc portion  208  includes a plurality of spikes. Accordingly, as air bubbles pass through projections disc portion  208 , the plurality of spikes break up the air bubbles into smaller air bubbles. Further, the plurality of tips (of the projections) of projections disc portion  208  are shaped into a sharp angle at hole  408 , where their tips face each other. Still further, the plurality of tips (of the projections) of projections disc portion  208  are made to a design length so as to form hole  408  at a size sufficient to induce cavitation. 
         [0021]    Returning to  FIG. 2 , in operation, T-line  118  provides air to bubble generator  134 . The air escapes T-line  118  from air outlet  230  as bubbles of various sizes. The bubbles an travels up toward fan-shaped disc portion  206 , a projections disc portion  208 , a fan-shaped disc portion  210 , a projections disc portion  212 , a fan-shaped disc portion  214 , a spacer  216 , a fan-shaped disc portion  218 , a projections disc portion  220 , a fan-shaped disc portion  222  and a projections disc portion  224 . 
         [0022]    As the bubbles pass through projections disc portion  224  they are broken into smaller bubbles from the plurality of spikes, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 4 . Further some bubbles passing through hole  408  become very small as a result of the cavitation. 
         [0023]    The smaller bubbles continue to rise past fan-shaped disc portion  222 , which forces more bubbles toward the center, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Some bubbles are not forced toward the center and pass between the plurality of projections. 
         [0024]    The smaller bubbles continue to rise past projections disc portion  220 . The portion of the bubbles that were not forced toward the center of fan-shaped disc portion  222  are broken into even smaller bubbles from the plurality of spikes, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 4 . The portion of the bubbles that were forced toward the center of fan-shaped disc portion  222  pass through hole  408  of projections disc portion  220  and become very small as a result of the cavitation. 
         [0025]    The process repeats, wherein more and more bubbles are forced toward the center by fan-shaped disc portions  218 ,  214 ,  210  and  206 . Further, more and more bubbles are forced through the centers of projections disc portions  212  and  208 . As a result, the original air bubbles escaping air outlet  230  are broken into very small bubbles as they finally escape top opening  226  of air bubble generator  134 . 
         [0026]    The larger number of smaller air bubbles increase the effectiveness of an aerobic process to break down grease in the grease trap. While creating the bubbles, a flow of the water in the grease trap is also created. This will be further described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates fluid flows associated in a cross sectional view of bubble generator  134  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , fluid flows out opening  212  of bubble generator  134  as indicated by curved arrow  502 . Fluid flows along a path indicated by arrow  504  and curved arrow  506 , wherein it may reenter bubble generator  134  at opening  214 . Similarly, fluid flows out opening  212  of bubble generator  134  as indicated by curved arrow  508 . Fluid flows along a path indicated by arrow  510  and curved arrow  512 , wherein it may reenter bubble generator  134  at opening  214 . 
         [0029]    The combination of the generation of the smaller bubbles and the generation of the fluid flow remove grease from the grease trap. In particular, biological microbes may be added to the grease trap to break down the grease. The microbes need air, which is provided by the bubbles. This will be further described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  100  and a conventional grease trap cleaning system  106  along t-line  118  at a time t 0 . 
         [0031]    As shown in the figure, grease trap  100  is filled with water  602 , which includes grease particles  604 . Further, a layer of grease  606  has formed along the walls and bottom of grease trap  100 . 
         [0032]    At some point, known biological microbes may be added to water  602  to break down grease particles  604 . The biological microbes required oxygen to breakdown grease particles  604 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  100  and a conventional grease trap cleaning system  106  along t-line  118  at a time t 1 , wherein T-line  118  has been providing air to bubble generators  134  and  132  for a period of time. 
         [0034]    As shown in the figure, bubble generator  134  generates a stream of very small bubbles  620 , whereas bubble generator  622  generates a stream of very small bubbles  622 . Stream of very small bubbles  620  and stream of very small bubbles  622  greatly oxygenate water  602 . The oxygenation enables breakdown of grease particles  604  by the known biological microbes. By comparing  FIG. 6A  with  FIG. 6B , the number of grease particles  604  is greatly reduced. 
         [0035]    As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 , bubble generator  134  creates fluid flow in the directions indicated by arrows  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 ,  510  and  512 . Similarly, bubble generator  132  creates fluid flow in the directions indicated by arrows  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616  and  618 . 
         [0036]    The Bernoulli principle dictates that fluid flow in a direction will provide a decrease in pressure in a direction normal to the fluid flow. In the case of fluid flow of  FIG. 6B , the fluid flowing as indicated by arrow  504  has a velocity in the direction indicated by arrow  620 . As a result of the Bernoulli principle, the fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrow  620  creates a decreased pressure in a direction normal to arrow  602 , indicated by arrow  626 . The decrease in pressure provides a pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrow  626 . 
         [0037]    The pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrow  626  pulls grease from the wall of grease trap  100 . Once the grease is freed from the wall, the microbes in the oxygenated water may more easily break it down. 
         [0038]    Similar the fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrow  504 , fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrows  506 ,  512 ,  616 ,  618  and  612  has a velocity in the direction indicated by arrows  622 ,  624 ,  632 ,  634  and  636 , respectively. Further, the fluid flows in the direction indicated by arrows  622 ,  624 ,  632 ,  634  and  636 , respectively, creates a decreased pressure in a direction indicated by arrows  628 ,  630 ,  638 ,  640  and  642 , respectively. 
         [0039]    As a result of the pulling forces from the wall of grease trap  100  grease is pulled from the entire wall, as shown in  FIG. 6C . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  100  and a conventional grease trap cleaning system  106  along t-line  118  at a time t 2 , wherein T-line  118  has been providing air to bubble generators  134  and  132  for an extended period of time. 
         [0041]    As shown in the figure, no more grease particles are present in water  602 . Further, layer of grease  606  is no longer present on the walls of grease trap  100 . 
         [0042]    What is needed is a more efficient system and method for cleaning grease from a grease trap. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0043]    In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a more efficient system and method is provided for cleaning grease from a grease trap. 
         [0044]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a bubble generating system is provided for use with a gas supply and a container having liquid therein. The gas supply can supply a flow of gas. The bubble generating system includes a gas provider, a first bubble generator and a second bubble generator. The gas provider has an input port, a first output port and a second output port, wherein input portion can connect to the gas supply. The first bubble generator has a first inlet and a first outlet and is connected to the gas provider such that a first portion of the flow of gas is provided to the first inlet from the first output port. The second bubble generator has a second inlet and a second outlet and is connected to the gas provider such that a second portion of the flow of gas is provided to the second inlet from the second output port. The first bubble generator is arranged to output the first portion of the flow of gas from the first outlet into the liquid in a first direction. The second bubble generator is arranged to output the second portion of the flow of gas from the second outlet into the liquid in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction. 
         [0045]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a bubble generating system is provided for use with a gas supply and a container having liquid therein. The gas supply can supply a flow of gas. The bubble generating system includes a first inlet, a cylindrical main body and a plurality of projections. The first inlet can connect to the gas supply to receive a first portion of the flow of gas. The cylindrical main body has a center, can rotate about a rotational axis and is arranged to receive the first portion of the flow of gas from the first inlet in a direction along the rotational axis. The plurality of projections are connected to the cylindrical main body, wherein each of the plurality of projections extends from the cylindrical main body toward the center, and wherein each of the plurality of projections has a respective tip. The plurality of tips of the plurality of projections are arranged around an area of the center of the cylindrical main body. The area has a size to induce cavitation in the first portion of the flow of gas at the area. The plurality of projections are disposed to engage the first portion of the flow of gas to induce a rotation in a first direction about the rotational axis. 
         [0046]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for using a bubble generating system with a gas supply and a container having liquid therein. The gas supply can supply a flow of gas. The bubble generating system includes a gas provider, a first bubble generator and a second bubble generator. The gas provider has an input port, a first output port and a second output port, wherein the input port is connect to the gas supply. The first bubble generator has a first inlet and a first outlet and is connected to the gas provider such that a first portion of the flow of gas is provided to the first inlet from the first output port. The second bubble generator has a second inlet and a second outlet and is connected to the gas provider such that a second portion of the flow of gas is provided to the second inlet from the second output port. The method includes: arranging the first bubble generator in the liquid to output the first portion of the flow of gas from the first outlet into the liquid in a first direction; arranging the second bubble generator in the liquid to output the second portion of the flow of gas from the second outlet into the liquid in a second direction; and providing the flow of gas to the input port, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction. 
         [0047]    Additional advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by way of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates an oblique view of a grease trap and a conventional grease trap cleaning system; 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross sectional view of bubble generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a fan-shaped disc portion of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a projections disc portion of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  illustrates fluid flows associated in a cross sectional view of the bubble generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6A-C  are a cross-sectional view of the grease trap of  FIG. 1 , and a conventional grease trap cleaning system at a time t 0 , t 1  and t 2 , respectively; 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example bubble generator, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  is an oblique view of a fan-shaped disc portion of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of the fan-shaped disc portion of  FIG. 8 , stacked on top of a another fan-shaped disc portion, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view of fan-shaped disc portion of  FIG. 8 , stacked on top of a another fan-shaped disc portion, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIGS. 11A-C  are a cross-sectional view of the grease trap of  FIG. 1 , and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with aspects of the present invention at a time t 0 , t 1  and t 2 , respectively; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the grease trap of  FIG. 1 , and another grease trap cleaning system in accordance with aspects of the present invention at a time t 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a bubble generator uses fan-shaped disc portions that are rotatable, as opposed to stationary as in the conventional bubble generators discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . The rotatable fan-shaped disc portions of the present invention promote additional turbulence and increase the likelihood of breaking up air bubbles into smaller air bubbles. 
         [0062]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, bubble generators are arranged to output a flow of air in different directions. In a specific example embodiment, two bubble generators are arranged to output a flow of air in opposite directions. The different directions of air flow promote additional turbulence. 
         [0063]    The additional turbulence created by the aspects of the present invention promote a more rapid breakdown of grease in a grease trap. These example aspects will now be further described with reference to  FIGS. 7-12 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example bubble generator  702 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0065]    As shown in the figure, bubble generator  702  includes a housing portion  704 , a fan-shaped disc portion  706 , projections disc portion  208 , a fan-shaped disc portion  708 , projections disc portion  212 , a fan-shaped disc portion  710 , spacer  216 , a fan-shaped disc portion  712 , projections disc portion  220 , a fan-shaped disc portion  714  and projections disc portion  224 . To simplify the discussion, a discussion of elements of bubble generator  702  that are common to bubble generator  134  as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2  will not be repeated. 
         [0066]    Fan-shaped disc portion  706 , projections disc portion  208 , fan-shaped disc portion  708 , projections disc portion  212 , fan-shaped disc portion  710 , spacer  216 , fan-shaped disc portion  712 , projections disc portion  220 , fan-shaped disc portion  714  and projections disc portion  224  are placed in the passage of rising air discharged from the air outlet  230 . 
         [0067]    Contrary to fan-shaped disc portions  206 ,  210 ,  214 ,  218  and  222  of bubble generator  134  as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention, fan-shaped disc portions  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712  and  714  are rotatable. This will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 8  is an oblique view of fan-shaped disc portion  708  of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , fan-shaped disc portion  708  includes a cylindrical main body  802  and a plurality of projections, a sample projection indicated as item  804 . Each of the plurality of projections extends from cylindrical main body  802  to a tip, a sample time indicated as item  806 . Each of the plurality of projections have a length such that the tips are separated to form a hole  808  at the center of cylindrical main body  802 . 
         [0070]    Each of the plurality of projections of fan-shaped disc portion  708  is angled similar to a fan blade. Accordingly, as air bubbles pass through fan-shaped disc portion  708 , the plurality of projections force the air bubbles toward the plurality of tips. A majority of the air bubbles are funneled toward hole  808 . 
         [0071]    In contrast with fan-shaped disc portion  206  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , fan-shaped disc portion  708  in accordance with the present invention is rotatable. Depending on the angle of the plurality of projections, fan-shaped disc portion  708  may rotate in one of two directions. In this example embodiment, the plurality of projections are shaped such that when the bubbles bass through, a force is exerted on the plurality of projections, which forces rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  708  to rotate about a rotational axis. In this example, fan-shaped disc portion  708  is able to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction indicated by arrow  810 . The rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  708  creates additional turbulence within the water, which in turn creates additional bubbles. 
         [0072]    Returning to  FIG. 7 , bubble generator  702  includes a plurality of fan-shaped disc portions. Each may be arranges so as to rotate in a predetermined direction. This will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 9-10 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of fan-shaped disc portion  708  stacked on top of a fan-shaped disc portion  902 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , fan-shaped disc portion  902  includes a cylindrical main body  904  and a plurality of projections, a sample projection indicated as item  906 . Each of the plurality of projections extends from cylindrical main body  904  to a tip. Each of the plurality of projections have a length such that the tips are separated to form a hole  908  at the center of cylindrical main body  904 . 
         [0075]    Similar to fan-shaped disc portion  708  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 8 , fan-shaped disc portion  902  in accordance with the present invention is rotatable. Depending on the angle of the plurality of projections, fan-shaped disc portion  902  may rotate in one of two directions. In this example embodiment, the plurality of projections are shaped such that when the bubbles bass through, a force is exerted on the plurality of projections, which forces rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  902  about a rotational axis. In this example embodiment, fan-shaped disc portion  902  is able to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction indicated by arrow  910 . The rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  910  creates additional turbulence within the water, which in turn creates additional bubbles. In other words, in this example embodiment, fans-shaped disc portion  902  is operable to rotate about the same rotational axis, and in the same direction as fan-shaped disc portion  708 . 
         [0076]    The counter-clockwise directional rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  910  creates a general spiraling of the water in a counter-clockwise direction. This general spiraling of the water in a counter-clockwise direction is continued with the counter-clockwise rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  708 . 
         [0077]    It should be noted that a spacer, such as for example spacer  216 , a projections disc portion, such as for example projections disc portion  220 , or any combination or number thereof, may separate fan-shaped disc portion  708  from fan-shaped disc portion  902 . This figure merely illustrates an arrangement of fan-shaped disc portions to rotate in a similar direction. 
         [0078]    In another embodiment, the fan-shaped disc portions may be arranged to rotate in opposite directions. This will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view of fan-shaped disc portion  708  stacked on top of a fan-shaped disc portion  1002 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , fan-shaped disc portion  1002  includes a cylindrical main body  1004  and a plurality of projections, a sample projection indicated as item  1006 . Each of the plurality of projections extends from cylindrical main body  1004  to a tip. Each of the plurality of projections have a length such that the tips are separated to form a hole  1008  at the center of cylindrical main body  1006 . 
         [0081]    Similar to fan-shaped disc portion  708  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 8 , fan-shaped disc portion  1002  in accordance with the present invention is rotatable. Depending on the angle of the plurality of projections, fan-shaped disc portion  902  may rotate in one of two directions. In this example embodiment, the plurality of projections are shaped such that when the bubbles bass through, a force is exerted on the plurality of projections, which forces rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  1002  about a rotational axis. In this example embodiment, fan-shaped disc portion  1002  is able to rotate in a clockwise direction indicated by arrow  1010 . The rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  1002  creates additional turbulence within the water, which in turn creates additional bubbles. In other words, in this example embodiment, fans-shaped disc portion  1002  is operable to rotate about the same rotational axis, but in a different direction as fan-shaped disc portion  708 . 
         [0082]    The clockwise directional rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  1002  creates a general spiraling of the water in a clockwise direction. This general spiraling of the water in a clockwise direction is disrupted by the counter-clockwise rotation of fan-shaped disc portion  708 . The disruption creates additional turbulence, not encountered when two stacked fan-shaped disc portions rotate in a similar manner. This additional turbulence creates additional bubbles. 
         [0083]    It should be noted that a spacer, such as for example spacer  216 , a projections disc portion, such as for example projections disc portion  220 , or any combination or number thereof, may separate fan-shaped disc portion  708  from fan-shaped disc portion  1002 . This figure merely illustrates an arrangement of fan-shaped disc portions to rotate in an opposite direction. 
         [0084]    With the rotating fan-shaped disc portion aspect discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , additional bubbles and or water turbulence is created. The additional bubbles provide an increased chance to oxygenate the biological material and therefore increase its ability to break down grease. The additional turbulence promotes movement of the grease and the biological material within the water and therefore increase a likelihood of contact between the two. Accordingly, the rotating fan-shaped disc portion aspect discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  provides an increased rate of grease breakdown over that of the conventional systems discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0085]    With the rotating fan-shaped disc portion aspect discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , additional bubbles and or water turbulence is created. The additional bubbles provide an increased chance to oxygenate the biological material and therefore increase its ability to break down grease. The additional turbulence promotes movement of the grease and the biological material within the water and therefore increase a likelihood of contact between the two. Accordingly, the rotating fan-shaped disc portion aspect discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  provides an increased rate of grease breakdown over that of the conventional systems discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0086]    Another aspect in accordance with the present invention provides an increased rate of grease removal from the walls of the greasetrap over that of the conventional systems discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . This aspect will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 11A-12 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  1100  and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with aspects of the present invention along t-line  118  at a time t 0 . In contrast with the conventional system discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6A , in accordance with the present invention, each bubble generator is arranged to expel the bubbles in different directions. 
         [0088]    As shown in the figure, grease trap  1100  is filled with water  1106 , which includes grease particles  1108 . Further, a layer of grease  1110  has formed along the walls and bottom of grease trap  100 . 
         [0089]    At some point, known biological microbes may be added to water  1106  to break down grease particles  1108 . The biological microbes required oxygen to breakdown grease particles  1108 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  100  and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with the present invention along t-line  118  at a time t 1 , wherein t-line  118  has been providing air to bubble generators  1102  and  1104  for a period of time. Of course a t-line is shown here for purposes of discussion. Any type of air provider may be used, wherein the air provider is operable to provide a flow of air to a first inlet of bubble generator  1102  and a second inlet of bubble generator  1104 . 
         [0091]    As shown in the figure, bubble generator  1102  generates a stream of very small bubbles  1146  in a first direction toward the top of grease trap  100 . On the other hand, bubble generator  1104  generates a stream of very small bubbles  1148  in a second direction toward the bottom of grease trap  100 . Stream of very small bubbles  1146  and stream of very small bubbles  1148  greatly oxygenate water  1106 . The oxygenation enables breakdown of grease particles  1108  by the known biological microbes. By comparing  FIG. 11A  with  FIG. 11B , the number of grease particles  1108  are greatly reduced. 
         [0092]    Similar to the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 , bubble generator  1102  creates fluid flow in the directions indicated by arrows  1112 ,  1114 ,  1116 ,  1118 ,  1120  and  1122 . Bubble generator  1104  creates fluid flow in the directions indicated by arrows  1124 ,  1126 ,  1128 ,  1130 ,  1132  and  1134 . 
         [0093]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, bubble generators may be positioned such that the fluid flows created by one bubble generator constructively interferes with the fluid flows created by another bubble generator to create on overall increased fluid flow near the surface of the grease trap. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11B , because bubble generator  1102  is arranged to create a flow in a direction indicated by arrow  1114  and because bubble generator  1104  is arranged to create a flow in a direction indicated by arrow  1132 , an overall larger total flow is created in a direction indicated by arrows  1136 ,  1138 ,  1440 , and  1142 . 
         [0094]    The fluid flowing as indicated by arrow  1136  has a velocity in the direction indicated by arrow  1150 . As a result of the Bernoulli principle, the fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrow  1150  creates a decreased pressure in a direction normal to arrow  1150 , indicated by arrow  1152 . The decrease in pressure provides a pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrow  1152 . 
         [0095]    The fluid flowing as indicated by arrow  1138  has a velocity in the direction indicated by arrow  1154 . As a result of the Bernoulli principle, the fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrow  1154  creates a decreased pressure in a direction normal to arrow  1154 , indicated by arrow  1156 . The decrease in pressure provides a pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrow  1156 . 
         [0096]    The fluid flowing as indicated by arrow  1140  has a velocity in the direction indicated by arrow  1158 . As a result of the Bernoulli principle, the fluid flow in the direction indicated by arrow  1158  creates a decreased pressure in a direction normal to arrow  1158 , indicated by arrow  1160 . The decrease in pressure provides a pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrow  1160 . 
         [0097]    The pulling force from the wall of grease trap  100  in the direction of arrows  1152 ,  1156  and  1160  pulls grease from the wall of grease trap  100 . Once freed from the wall, the grease may be more easily broken down by the microbes in the oxygenated water. 
         [0098]    It should be noted that fluid flowing from bubble generator  1102  as indicated by arrow  1120  is opposite to fluid flowing from bubble generator  1104  as indicated by arrow  1126 . While these fluid flows are opposite, they do not destructively interfere so as to “cancel” the fluid flow. The destructive interference creates additional turbulence between bubble generator  1102  and bubble generator  1104 . The additional turbulence promotes movement of the grease and the biological material within the water and therefore increases a likelihood of contact between the two, which increases the rate of grease breakdown. 
         [0099]    As a result of the pulling forces from the wall of grease trap  100  grease is pulled from the entire wall, as shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         [0100]      FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  1100  and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with aspects of the present invention along t-line  118  at a time t 2 , wherein t-line  118  has been providing air to bubble generators  1102  and  1104  for an extended period of time. 
         [0101]    As shown in the figure, no more grease particles are present in water  1106 . Further, layer of grease  1110  is no longer present on the walls of grease trap  1100 . 
         [0102]    In the example embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C , the bubble generators are arranged to output flows of air in opposite directions. However, in other embodiments, bubble generators are arranged to output flows of air, not in opposite directions, but in different directions. This will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  1100  and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with aspects of the present invention along t-line  118  at a time t 0 . In contrast with the system discussed above with reference to  FIG. 11A , in accordance with the present invention, each bubble generator is arranged to expel the bubbles in different directions, yet not opposing directions. 
         [0104]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of grease trap  100  and a grease trap cleaning system in accordance with the present invention along t-line  118  at a time t 1 , wherein t-line  118  has been providing air to bubble generators  1102  and  1202  for a period of time. 
         [0105]    As shown in the figure, bubble generator  1102  generates a stream of very small bubbles  1146  in a first direction toward the top of grease trap  100 . On the other hand, bubble generator  1202  generates a stream of very small bubbles  1204  in a second direction toward the side of grease trap  100 . Stream of very small bubbles  1146  and stream of very small bubbles  1204  greatly oxygenate water  1106 . The oxygenation enables breakdown of grease particles  1108  by the known biological microbes. 
         [0106]    In this example embodiment, fluid flows created by one bubble generator does not constructively interfere with the fluid flows created by another bubble generator to create on overall increased fluid flow near the surface of the grease trap, as in the embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIG. 11 . However, in this embodiment, the different directions of fluid flows create different types of turbulence to promote movement of the grease and the biological material within the water and therefore increase a likelihood of contact between the two, which increases the rate of grease breakdown. 
         [0107]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, rotating fan-shaped disc portions discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , may be used in bubble generators that are arranged to output a flow of air in different directions as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 11A-12 . 
         [0108]    In the example embodiments discussed above, a biological material is used to breakdown grease in a grease trap. However, this is a non-limiting example use of aspects of the present invention. Any type of material may be used to breakdown grease. Aspects of the present merely provide a manner of generating additional bubbles and increasing fluid flow within the grease trap. 
         [0109]    In the example embodiments discussed above, a system and method is disclosed for breaking down grease in a grease trap. However, this is a non-limiting example use of aspects of the present invention. Any type of solute within a solution, wherein the solute precipitates in a trap may be used. Aspects of the present merely provide a manner of generating additional bubbles and increasing fluid flow within the solute trap. 
         [0110]    In the example embodiments discussed above, the bubbles are generated with a supply of air. However, this is a non-limiting example use of aspects of the present invention. Any type of gas may be used that includes oxygen. If anaerobic microbes or a composition are used to break down a solute within the water, than any known gas may be used to facilitate the solute breakdown. 
         [0111]    The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8