Patent ID: 7458564

Claim:
Equipment for use in the removal of at least one of relatively fine particulates and components from a first substance, using a second substance, the equipment including a static, co-current contacting mixer section having a plurality of stages defining a flow path, with a flow profile, for the first and the second substance, at least one stage being shaped to define a substantially curved flow path section having an effective centre of curvature located to one side of the flow path, an outside surface and an inside surface between the outside surface and the centre of curvature; at least one immediately adjacent stage being shaped to define an oppositely curved flow path section having a centre of curvature on an opposite side of the flow path, an outside surface and an inside surface between the outside surface and the centre of curvature whereby, as the first and second substances flow through the mixer section, the second substance and particles present in the first substance migrate through the first substance, first in one direction relative to a general flow direction and then in a substantially opposite direction to promote interphasic interaction, the flow path characterised in being provided with an edge formation in a region between said adjacent stages so as to enhance launch of the second substance on the outside surface of the curved flow path section of said at least one stage towards the outside surface of the oppositely curved flow path section of the immediately adjacent stage, thus increasing the interphasic interaction.