Patent Description:
Soil must have good structure, enhanced microbial activity, and/or high nutritional content to develop healthy and/or to produce quality crops. However, poor soil conditions resulting from over-farming, cyclical drought, and/or poor water quality have led to soil with low nutritional content. The aforesaid conditions have increased challenges with management of soil and/or consequent management of crops. To overcome aforesaid challenges, water containing nanobubbles is now being generated and used for irrigation. Nanobubbles can be produced in water to increase oxygen content of water resulting in enhancement of quality of the soil. The nanobubbles can be produced using a nanobubble generator and the water including the nanobubbles is supplied for irrigation through conventional piping systems.

However, the conventional equipment for producing and supplying the water including the nanobubbles have several limitations associated with it. Firstly, the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator are produced slowly and do not last for a long time. Secondly, a distance that can be travelled by the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator is short. As an example, the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator may travel up to a short distance lying in a range of <NUM> meter to <NUM> meter through the piping system. This range of distance is insufficient to meet existing irrigation requirements. Thirdly, an amount of the nanobubbles produced using the conventional nanobubble generator is generally not sufficient, and this significantly reduces usability and/or efficiency of the conventional nanobubble generator.

The prior art<CIT>) discloses a fine bubble generator system which comprises a fluid input; a fluid output; at least one gas input; and a plurality of fine bubble generators; wherein the plurality of fine bubble generators are disposed between the fluid input and the fluid output. Applications for fine bubbles including cleaning, showerheads, drug delivery and boat lubrication are disclosed.

The prior art<CIT>) discuss the nanobubble generating system for generating a bulk of nano-sized fine air bubbles, which is applied to various industry fields including water purification and oxygen supply, generates a bulk of bubbles with high stability and uniformity, and rotates strongly a fluid and at the same time, changes a fluid channel to help the diffusion and uniformity in the distribution of nanobubbles.

Furthermore, the prior art <CIT>) discuss the ultra-fine bubble generating nozzle which is attached to a pump and creates ultra-fine bubbles by means of a gear installed along a pipe and a spiral formed on an inner wall corresponding to the air bubbles in water discharged from the pump.

Furthermore, the prior art<CIT>) discuss the micro-bubble generating apparatus which comprises: a nozzle body formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, having a reduced cross-section at one end portion of the pivot tube portion and extending the nozzle tube portion; a rear end cover coupled to seal the rear end portion of the pivot tube portion and sealed with a fluid inlet passage so that fluid flows into and flows into the nozzle body; a gas supply pipe extendingly coupled to the inside of the rear end cover to be inserted into the inner center of the pivot tube portion of the nozzle body to supply gas introduced adjacent to the nozzle pipe portion; and one or more turning induction gears provided on the outer circumferential surface of the gas supply pipe to supply the inside of the nozzle body to weight the amount of fluid turning, and configured to include a suction unit using sound pressure generated through operation of the liquid circulation pump.

Furthermore, the prior art <CIT>) discloses a nano-bubble-generating apparatus according to the preamble of appended claim <NUM>, which includes: an elongate housing defining an interior cavity adapted for receiving a liquid carrier, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet; a gas-permeable member at least partially disposed within the interior cavity of the housing that includes a first end adapted for receiving a pressurized gas, a second end, and a porous sidewall; and an electrical conductor adapted to generate a magnetic flux parallel to an outer surface of the gas-permeable member as the liquid carrier flows from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet.

Furthermore, the prior art<CIT>) discloses a fluid supply pipe comprises a tubular body and an internal structure. The tubular body has an inlet through which a fluid flows in and an outlet through which the fluid flows out, and is of a hollow shape having an inner wall surface of a circular cross section. The internal structure is a prismatic shaft having a plurality of lateral faces configured to be housed in and fixed to the tubular body. A plurality of pillars are arranged in a mesh pattern on the lateral faces. A space formed between the plurality of pillars between the lateral faces of the internal structure and the inner wall surface of the tubular body serves as fluid flow paths, and the fluid is given a flow characteristic by passing through the flow paths between the plurality of pillars while the fluid is supplied from the inlet and flows out of the outlet.

Furthermore, the prior art <CIT>) discloses a nano-bubble water generating system using an ozone generator and an oxygen tank, and a method for manufacturing nano-bubble water using the system, and more specifically to the nano-bubble generating system that can generate nano-bubble water with high sterilization power by including ozone therein, and can dramatically reduce the cost of generating the nano-bubble water by easily controlling the content of ozone and oxygen supplied to a mixing tank that generates the nano-bubble water.

Furthermore, the prior art <CIT>) a kind of a kind of molten gas mixer of eddy current type for gas-liquid medium being enabled to be uniformly mixed for air-dissolving air-float. The ontology is in centrum shape, upper end outer edge is evenly distributed multiple outer end openings, lower end base opening is come downwards to by opening and is evenly distributed multiple perficial helical formula ducts, simultaneously multiple inner openings are also evenly distributed in the upper surface of centrum, bottom opening is come downwards to by opening and is provided with several internal helicoid formula ducts, air intake is located at top, and is evenly distributed to inside centrum in each spiral duct.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional nanobubble generator.

The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator. The present invention also seeks to provide a system. An aim of the present invention is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator according to appended claim <NUM>.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system according to appended claim <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present invention substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable production of the nanobubbles in an increased amount by breaking the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles that can be efficiently circulated.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present invention would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present invention are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:.

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present invention and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present invention have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present invention are also possible.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for catalysing nanobubbles according to appended claim <NUM>.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system comprising:.

The present invention provides the aforementioned apparatus for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator. The at least one riffle present inside the hollow tubular body breaks the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles, thereby significantly increasing amount of the nanobubbles and/or produces the smaller-sized nanobubbles at a fast rate. Further, the at least one riffle present in the hollow tubular body significantly increases circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles. The smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively transferred to the piping system resulting in significant enhancement of oxygen in water being supplied to a targeted location. Further, the smaller-sized nanobubbles produced using the apparatus stay live for a long duration resulting in prolonged supply of oxygen at the targeted location. The targeted location could beneficially be a field. Utilization of water having enhanced oxygen content results in increased growth rate, increased crop development, reduced need of pesticides and/or fertilizers, reduced yield loss, extended shelf life, improved root growth, improved stress tolerance, improved immune system, reduced pathogen burden. The system is cost effective and/or easy to operate.

The term "nanobubble generator" refers to an ultrafine bubble generator that in operation, is capable of mixing water and gas together to produce nanobubbles. Optionally, the nanobubble generator is one of: a gas-water circulation type nanobubble generator, a gas-water pressurization-decompression type nanobubble generator. Optionally, the nanobubble generator produces the nanobubbles using at least one of: hydrodynamic technology, acoustic technology, optical technology, particle cavitation technology. The nanobubbles generated using the nanobubble generator have one or more properties such as, but not limited to, long life, negative surface charge, high surface tension, high internal pressure.

The term "hollow tubular body" refers to an elongate tube-like element, that is hollow from inside. The hollow tubular body is capable of transporting fluids through it. A shape of the hollow tubular body could be at one of: a cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, a polygonal prism shape, an oval prism shape, or any other suitable shape. Notably, the first end of the hollow tubular body is configured (i.e., is designed) such that when the apparatus is in use, the first end is fluidically coupled to the output of the nanobubble generator in a leak proof manner. The term "output" refers to an outlet pipe attached to any component of the system. In an implementation, the output of the nanobubble generator may be permanently attached to the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the first end is fluidically coupled to the output via at least one first valve.

Next, the second end of the hollow tubular body is configured (i.e., designed) such that when the apparatus is in use, the second end is fluidically coupled with the input of the piping system in a leak proof manner. The term "piping system" refers to an arrangement of one or more pipes, that in operation, is capable of transporting water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles to a targeted location. The targeted location could be any region which would be benefitted from supply of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Optionally, the second end of the hollow tubular body is fluidically coupled to the input of the piping system in a leak proof manner via at least one second valve. A given valve may be a one-way valve. Herein, the given valve could be the at least one first valve and/or the at least one second valve. Optionally, the targeted location is at least one of: a field, a plant, a water conditioning unit. It will be appreciated that various other applications of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles are well within the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, a material of the hollow tubular body is one of: a plastic material, a metallic material, an alloy material, a recyclable material. Examples of the metallic material may include, copper, carbon and the like. Examples of the alloy material may include, steel, brass, cast iron, and the like. Examples of the recyclable material may include nylon, composite, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.

The term "riffle" refers to a mechanical structure which allows exertion of torque for imparting a spin to the water including nanobubbles around its longitudinal axis. Riffles enable stabilization of the projectile longitudinally and thus enable long-distance flow of water including the nanobubbles. The at least one riffle may be fixed and flexible. The at least one riffle may have an orientation (i.e., a direction of twist) and a twist rate. In case there is a rotation after the nanobubble generator the direction of twist needs to be same to the direction of rotation of the vortex created by the nanobubble generator. The orientation of the at least one riffle may be one of: a left direction, a right direction. Optionally, the at least one riffle is provided along an entire length of the hollow tubular body running from the first end towards the second end of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle depends upon requirements of an application of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the number of the at least one riffle may lie in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. More optionally, the number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Owing to the presence of the at least one riffle, the nanobubbles produced by the nanobubble generator, when passed through the hollow tubular body break down into the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Additionally, the smaller-sized nanobubbles are propelled from the first end to the second end. Optionally, a size of nanobubbles produced using the nanobubble generator lies in a range of <NUM> micrometre - <NUM> micrometres, whereas a size of the smaller-size nanobubbles lies in a range of <NUM> micrometre - <NUM> micrometre. As an example, the size of the nanobubbles may lie in a range of <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre or <NUM> micrometre up to <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre or <NUM> micrometre. As another example, the size of the smaller-sized nanobubbles may lie in a range of <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre or <NUM> micrometre up to <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre, <NUM> micrometre or <NUM> micrometre. It will be appreciated that breaking the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles results in a significant increase in a number of nanobubbles in water. Moreover, owing to the at least one riffle, the smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively circulated to the target location at the require distance.

Optionally, a width of the at least one riffle varies along a length of the hollow tubular body such that a second width of the at least one riffle towards the second end lies in a range of <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent of a first width of the at least one riffle towards the first end. In other words, the width at least one riffle is optionally wider towards the first end as compared to the second end. The "width" of the at least one riffle refers to a wideness of the at least one riffle. Notably, the width of the at least one riffle changes continuously or in a stepwise manner over the length of the hollow tubular body. For example, the width of the at least one riffle may narrow down on going from the first end towards the second end of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the width of the at least one riffle at a middle portion of the hollow tubular body is less than the width towards the first end, and the width of the at least one riffle at the second end is less than the width at the middle portion. Notably, the second width is less than the first width. For example, the second width may lie in a range of <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, or <NUM> percent of the first width up to <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, or <NUM> percent of the first width. Advantageously, when the width of riffles is narrower towards the second end compared to the first end, the nanobubbles crash more frequently into the edges of the riffles while moving towards the second end, as the circulation route of the nanobubbles started on the first end is geometrically different on the second end compared to the first end thus enhancing efficiency of breaking of the nanobubbles to smaller-sized nanobubbles on the second end.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body lies in a range of <NUM> centimetres to <NUM> centimetres. The length of the hollow tubular body is an extent of the hollow tubular body between the first end and the second end. For example, the length of the hollow tubular body may lie in a range of <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, or <NUM> centimetres up to <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres or <NUM> centimetres. Optionally, the hollow tubular body has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Optionally, in this regard, the inner diameter is less than the outer diameter. Optionally, the inner diameter lies in a range of <NUM> centimetre to <NUM> centimetres. For example, the inner diameter may lie in a range of <NUM> centimetre, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, or <NUM> centimetres up to <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, or <NUM> centimetres. Optionally, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body may be constant and/or vary along the length of the hollow tubular body. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body is constant. Optionally, the outer diameter lies in a range of <NUM> centimetres to <NUM> centimetres. For example, the outer diameter may lie in a range of <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres or <NUM> centimetres up to <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, <NUM> centimetres, or <NUM> centimetres. It will be appreciated that the term "diameter" encompasses a diameter of a circular cross-section of the hollow tubular body, and also encompasses a straight line that runs from one side of a polygonal cross-section of the hollow body to another side of the polygonal cross-section by passing through a centre of the polygonal cross-section. Advantageously, the aforesaid length is small enough for the apparatus to be compact and portable, yet large enough for the apparatus to support effective circulation of water including the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

According to an example which is not part of the present invention, the at least one riffle is implemented as helical grooves in an inner surface of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the at least one riffle is created by removing portions of the inner surface for resulting in formation of the at least one groove on the inner surface of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the helical grooves are produced using at least one of: single point cut rifling, broached rifling, button rifling, hammer forging, etching rifling, liner rifling. Rifling techniques are well-known in the art. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle depends upon a required use of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, a number of the at least one riffle lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the number of the at least one riffle may lie in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. More optionally, the number of the at least one riffle is <NUM>. Optionally, higher the number of helical grooves in the hollow tubular body, greater is an efficiency of the helical grooves in breaking the nanobubbles and/or circulating the smaller-sized nanobubbles. Optionally, the at least one riffle are present in the inner surface along the entire length of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the at least one riffle are present on at least one specific portion of the inner surface of the hollow tubular body. Advantageously, the helical grooves are permanent way of providing riffles, which are good for long-term use, and more robust in construction.

Optionally, a depth of each of the helical grooves lies in a range of <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent of a thickness of the hollow tubular body. In this regard, the thickness of the hollow tubular body is defined as a difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the thickness of the hollow tubular body lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the thickness may lie in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. A technical effect of the depth of each of the helical grooves being less than or equal to half the thickness of the hollow tubular body, so that even upon creation of the helical grooves by reducing the thickness of the hollow tubular body, the hollow tubular body still has enough thickness to provide structural integrity to the apparatus. For example, the depth of each of the helical groove may lie in a range of <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, or <NUM> percent of the thickness of the hollow tubular body up to <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, or <NUM> percent of the thickness of the hollow tubular body. As an example, the thickness of the hollow tubular body may be <NUM> and the depth of the helical groove may be <NUM>. As another example, the thickness of the hollow tubular body may be <NUM> and the depth of the helical groove may be <NUM>. More optionally, the depth of each of the helical groove lies in a range of <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent. Optionally, the aforesaid range of the depth of each of the helical groove facilitates effective breaking of the nanobubbles and/or circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Optionally, a cross-sectional profile of the at least one riffle is one of: hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, triangular. In this regard, a given riffle is one of: a hexagonal riffle, an octagonal riffle, a polygonal riffle, a triangular riffle. In one implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has a hexagonal geometry, thereby forming at least one hexagonal riffle. In another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has an octagonal geometry, thereby forming at least one octagonal riffle. In yet another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided such that its cross-sectional profile has a triangular geometry, thereby forming at least one triangular riffle. Advantageously, triangular riffles enhance efficiency of breaking of the nanobubbles. Optionally, when the at least one riffle comprises a plurality of riffles, the cross-sectional profile of different riffles is same. Advantageously, technical effect of any one of the aforesaid cross-sectional profiles of the at least one riffle is that nanobubbles can be effectively broken down into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or can be circulated to the targeted location.

According to the present invention, the at least one rifle is implemented as a spiral element that is removably insertable inside the hollow tubular body, the inner surface of the hollow tubular body being smooth. In this regard, the spiral element is a resilient member, that in operation, is capable of being extended and/or retracted as per requirement of a user. Example of such a spiral element could be a spring. The spiral element optionally has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular body so as to be adequately accommodated in the hollow tubular body whilst allowing space for proper circulation of the water including the nanobubbles. Optionally, a material of the spiral element is one of: a metallic material, an alloy material. Examples of the metallic material could be aluminium, copper, and the like. Examples of the alloy material could be, steel, brass, cast iron, and the like. Optionally, the spiral element is inserted inside the hollow tubular body by one of: hands of a person, a robot, a machine with a robotic arm. Advantageously, the technical effect of using the spiral element is that it can be inserted in any hollow tubular body to be used as the apparatus.

The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises an adjustable mechanics having a nut and a threaded tube, the threaded tube having threads on its outer surface and being dimensioned to be screwable into the nut, wherein when the adjustable mechanics is in use, the nut is fixed at the second end and the threaded tube is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut, to adjust a length of the spiral element inserted in the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the nut is removably fixed at the second end of the hollow tubular body. The threaded tube is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut at the second end either manually, or by using a tool, a machine, or similar. Optionally, the threaded tube has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end refers to an end which is inserted into the second end of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the threaded tube has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the spiral element. Notably, the threaded tube is screwed at the second end such that when the threaded tube is rotated with respect to the nut, the threaded tube can be rotated in at least one of: an upward direction and an inward direction. Optionally, the threaded tube is rotated in one of: a clockwise direction, an anti-clockwise direction. Herein, upon rotation of the threaded tube, the threaded tube can be moved in the upward direction or the inward direction resulting in a change in a length of the spiral element. In a first case, the threaded tube may be rotated in the clockwise direction resulting in decrease in the length of the spiral element. In a second case, the threaded tube may be rotated in the anti-clockwise direction resulting in increase in the length of the spiral element. Advantageously, the technical effect of utilizing the adjustable mechanics is that the length of the spiral element can be effectively and/or easily altered depending upon need of the user, thereby significantly increasing usability of the apparatus and breaking more efficiently nanobubbles in to smaller-sized nanobubbles.

Optionally, the at least one riffle has a twist rate that lies in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetres to <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre. In this regard, the term "twist rate" refers to a rate at which the at least one riffle turns in a spiral pattern. The twist rate is a measure of a length over which the at least one riffle makes one complete <NUM> degrees turn (i.e., one twist). As an example, the twist rate of <NUM>:<NUM> means that there is one turn over the specific length of <NUM> centimetres of the hollow tubular body. Optionally, the twist rate may lie in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre or <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre up to <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre or <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre. More optionally, the twist rate lies in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre to <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre. Advantageously, the technical effect of aforesaid twist rate is that the nanobubbles can be effectively broken in to the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or the smaller-sized nanobubbles can be effectively circulated to the targe location.

Optionally, the number of turns in the at least one riffle lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the number of turns in the at least one riffle may lie in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

Optionally, the twist rate varies across a length of the hollow tubular body, the variation in the twist rate being in a range of <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent per <NUM> degrees turn of the at least one riffle. In other words, along the length of the hollow tubular body, the twist rate of the at least one riffle changes per <NUM> degrees turn. For example, the variation in the twist rate may lie in a range of <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, or <NUM> percent per <NUM> degrees turn of the at least one riffle up to <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent or <NUM> percent per <NUM> degrees turn of the at least one riffle. As an example, the twist rate may vary as <NUM>:<NUM> centimetres for a first turn, then <NUM>:<NUM> centimetres for a second turn, and then <NUM>:<NUM> centimetres for a third turn. A variation of the twist rate between the first turn and the second turn is <NUM> percent, and a variation between the second turn and the third turn is <NUM> percent. In an implementation wherein the at least one riffle is implemented as the helical grooves, the twist rate may be varied during manufacturing. Advantageously, varying twist rate across the length of the hollow tubular body results in effective circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles to the targeted location.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body is divided into two portions that are equal in length, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in one of the two portions is different from a twist rate of the at least one riffle in other of the two portions. In this regard, the twist rate of the at least one riffle towards the first end may be less than the twist rate of the at least one riffle towards the second end, and vice versa. In an example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle near the first end may be <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre and the twist rate of the at least one riffle near the second end of the hollow tubular body is <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre. Advantageously, varied twist rate of the at least one rifle results in effective breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubble.

Optionally, the length of the hollow tubular body is divided into a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that are equal in length, the first portion extending between the first end and the second portion, the third portion extending between the second portion and the second end, and wherein the at least one riffle is provided in at least the first portion and the third portion. In one implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided in the first portion and the third portion, but not in the second portion. In this regard, the at least one riffle present in the first portion and the third portion may have similar and/or different twist rates. In said implementation, the second portion is a smooth portion (i.e., a portion excluding riffles). In another implementation, the at least one riffle may be provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion. In this regard, the at least one riffle present in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may have similar and/or different twist rate. Optionally, two of the portions may have similar twist rate and other may have a different twist rate. Optionally, all of the aforesaid portions may have different twist rate. A technical effect here is that if the first or the second portion of the hollow tubular body is without riffles the speed of the nanobubbles increases towards the third portion making the breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles more effective.

Optionally, the at least one riffle is provided in the first portion, the second portion and the third portion, and wherein a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the first portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion, and wherein the twist rate of the at least one riffle in the second portion is lesser than a twist rate of the at least one riffle in the third portion. An increasing twist rate of the at least one riffle from the first end towards the second end results in increase in circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles towards the targeted location through the piping system. For an instance, the first portion may have the twist rate of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre, the second portion may have the twist rate of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre and the third portion may have the twist rate of <NUM>:<NUM> centimetre.

The present disclosure also relates to the system as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned apparatus, apply mutatis mutandis to the system.

The term "water pump" refers to a device used to pump water to move it from one point to another. The water pump is a positive-displacement pump, centrifugal pump, axial-flow pump, or similar. Notably, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the water source. Optionally, the input of the water pump is fluidically coupled to the water source via at least one third valve. Optionally, the water source is a reservoir filled with water.

Notably, the system also includes the nanobubble generator having the first input, the second input and the output. Herein, the terms "first input of the nanobubble generator and second input of the nanobubble generator" and "output of the nanobubble generator" refer to pipes attached to their designated positions at the nanobubble generator. Notably, the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to first input in a leak proof manner. Optionally, the output of the water pump is fluidically coupled to first input via at least one fourth valve. Herein, when the system is in use, the water pump feeds water from the water source to the nanobubble generator via the first input and the output.

Next, the second input is fluidically coupled to the oxygen source. Optionally, the second input of the nanobubble generator is fluidically coupled to the oxygen source using at least one fifth valve. Examples of the oxygen source could be an oxygen cylinder, an oxygen-generation device, an ozone-generation device, and similar. Optionally, a capacity of oxygen generation using the oxygen source is <NUM> Litre/minute. Optionally, a capacity of ozone generation using the ozone-generation device is <NUM> Litre/minute. The term "hydrodynamic cavitation" refers to a process in which nanobubbles are produced owing to a sudden change in pressure in the water flowing through the nanobubble generator. Owing to the hydrodynamic cavitation, the nanobubbles are produced which flow towards the apparatus. Optionally, a capacity of production of water including the nanobubbles using the nanobubble generator lies in a range of <NUM> Litre/minute to <NUM> Litre/minute. For example, the capacity may lie in a range of <NUM> Litre/minute, <NUM> Litre/minute, <NUM> Litre/minute, or <NUM> Litre/minute up to <NUM> Litre/minute, <NUM> Litre/minute, <NUM> Litre/minute or <NUM> Litre/minute.

Optionally, the system further comprises at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is arranged between the output of the nanobubble generator and the first end of the hollow tubular body of the apparatus. In this regard, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator includes a plurality of holes arranged in a grid pattern. Optionally, a size of the plurality of holes of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator lies in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the grid size may lie in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. Optionally, a shape of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is one of: a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape.

Optionally, the shape of the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator corresponds to a shape of the output of the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator have at least one lieve portion extending from edge. The term "lieve" refers to a lower edge of hole-bored turbulent accelerator. The at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator may be mounted permanently or temporarily in the output of the nanobubble generator. In an embodiment, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is temporarily mounted in the output of the nanobubble generator. Optionally, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator is mounted in the output of the nanobubble generator using at least one of: hands of a person, a machine. It will be appreciated that the at least one turbulent accelerator is mounted in a portion of the output of the nanobubble generator that lies between the output of the nanobubble generator and the first end of the apparatus. Advantageously, the at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator accelerates breaking of the nanobubbles into the smaller-sized nanobubbles and/or accelerates circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubble.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an apparatus <NUM> of catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a hollow tubular body <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, and at least one riffle (depicted for example as a riffle <NUM>) inside the hollow tubular body <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is in use, the first end <NUM> is fluidically coupled to an output <NUM> of the nanobubble generator <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is fluidically coupled to an input <NUM> of a piping system <NUM>.

<FIG> is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as helical grooves, which is not part of the present invention. The helical grooves are provided in an inner surface <NUM> of a hollow tubular body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one riffle implemented as a spiral element <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spiral element <NUM> is removably placed inside a hollow tubular body <NUM> and an inner surface of the hollow tubular body <NUM> is smooth.

<FIG> is merely an example which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an adjustable mechanics <NUM> in a first state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The adjustable mechanics <NUM> comprises a nut <NUM> and a threaded tube <NUM>. When the adjustable mechanics <NUM> is in use, the nut <NUM> is fixed at a second end (not shown) of a hollow tubular body <NUM>, and the threaded tube <NUM> is rotatably screwed with respect to the nut <NUM>, to adjust a length of a spiral element <NUM> inserted in the hollow tubular body <NUM>. In the first state, as shown, the length of the spiral element <NUM> is equal to L1 units.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of the adjustable mechanics <NUM> of <FIG> in a second state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the threaded tube <NUM> is rotated with respect to the nut <NUM> such that the threaded tube <NUM> moves towards a first end of the hollow tubular body <NUM> (i.e., moves in an inward direction into the hollow tubular body <NUM>), there occurs a decrease in a length of the spiral element <NUM> inside the hollow tubular body <NUM>, and vice versa. In the second state, as shown, the length of the spiral element <NUM> is equal to L2 units, wherein L2 is lesser than L1.

<FIG> are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a variation of twist rate of at least one riffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, for example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle varies such that the twist rate is higher near a second end <NUM> of a hollow tubular body <NUM> as compared to the twist rate near a first end <NUM> of the hollow tubular body <NUM>. For example, turns of a spiral element <NUM> used to implement the at least one riffle are densely arranged with respect to each other near the second end <NUM> as compared to turns near the first end <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a variation of twist rate of at least one riffle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the twist rate of the at least one riffle varies such that the twist rate is lesser near a second end <NUM> of a hollow tubular body <NUM> as compared to the twist rate near a first end <NUM> of the hollow tubular body <NUM>. For example, turns of helical grooves <NUM> used to implement the at least one riffle are sparsely arranged with respect to each other near the second end <NUM> as compared to turns near the first end <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional profiles of at least one riffle, which are not part of the present invention. In <FIG>, the cross-sectional profile of at least one riffle (depicted for example as riffles <NUM>) is hexagonal. In <FIG>, the cross-sectional profile of at least one riffles (depicted for example as riffles <NUM>) is polygonal. In <FIG>, the cross-sectional profile of at least one riffles (depicted for example as <NUM>) is triangular.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a system <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system <NUM> comprises a water pump <NUM> having an input <NUM> and an output <NUM>; a nanobubble generator <NUM> having a first input <NUM>, a second input <NUM>, and an output <NUM>; and an apparatus <NUM> for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by the nanobubble generator <NUM>. When the system <NUM> is in use, the input <NUM> of the water pump <NUM> is fluidically coupled to a water source <NUM>, the output <NUM> of the water pump <NUM> is fluidically coupled to the first input <NUM>, the second input <NUM> is fluidically coupled to an oxygen source <NUM>, the output <NUM> of the nanobubble generator <NUM> is fluidically coupled to a first end <NUM> of a hollow tubular body <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of the hollow tubular body <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> is fluidically coupled to an input <NUM> of a piping system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic illustration of at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hole-bored turbulent accelerator <NUM> includes a lieve <NUM> and a plurality of holes arranged in a grid pattern (depicted for example as a grid pattern <NUM>). The at least one hole-bored turbulent accelerator <NUM> is arranged between an output (not shown) of a nanobubble generator <NUM> and first end <NUM> of a hollow tubular body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) for catalysing nanobubbles that are produced in water by a nanobubble generator (<NUM>, <NUM>), the apparatus comprising:
a hollow tubular body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and at least one riffle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) inside the hollow tubular body,
wherein the first end is configured to be fluidically coupled to an output (<NUM>) of the nanobubble generator and the second end is
configured to be
fluidically coupled to an input (<NUM>) of a piping system (<NUM>), and wherein when the water including the nanobubbles flows from the nanobubble generator towards the piping system through the apparatus, the at least one riffle breaks the nanobubbles into smaller-sized nanobubbles and promote circulation of the smaller-sized nanobubbles,
wherein the at least one riffle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is implemented as a spiral element that is a resilient member,
characterised in that the spiral element is removably insertable inside the hollow tubular body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), in that the inner surface of the hollow tubular body is smooth, and in that the apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises an adjustable mechanics (<NUM>) having a nut (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a threaded tube (<NUM>, <NUM>), the threaded tube having threads on its outer surface and being dimensioned to be screwable into the nut, wherein the nut is configured to be fixed at the second end of the hollow tubular body and the threaded tube is configured to be rotatably screwed with respect to the nut, to adjust a length of the spiral element inserted in the hollow tubular body when the adjustable mechanics (<NUM>) is in use.