The present invention provides a booster apparatus (10) for entraining gas in a flowing second fluid. The booster apparatus comprises a booster housing (116) for receiving a fluid. The booster apparatus has at least one inlet (123) through which a first fluid passes to be entrained in the second fluid when the second fluid is flowing through the booster housing. The present invention also provides a booster assembly (12) comprising a booster apparatus (10) and a fluid motive mechanism such as a turbine unit (11).

An air-driven generator for generating electric power from movement of a working fluid. Upper ends of buoyancy conduits are in fluidic communication with an upper end of a gravitational distribution conduit, and a lower end of the gravitational distribution conduit is in fluidic communication with lower ends of the buoyancy conduits. An air injection system injects air into the buoyancy conduits. A closed fluid loop is formed with working fluid flowing from the gravitational distribution conduit driving a fluid turbine system that is interposed between the lower ends of the gravitational distribution conduit and the buoyancy conduits. Flow of working fluid can be induced by an injection of air into working fluid disposed in the buoyancy conduits to achieve a generation of power by actuation of the fluid turbine system. An upper chamber can remove entrained air. A Rankin Cycle Generator can receive and be actuated by exhausted air.

A valve assembly for an inflation system that includes a pressure relief valve and a vent valve. The pressure relief valve has a pressure relief housing and a pressure relief valve poppet. The pressure relief housing defines a first pressure relief cavity that is disposed between a first end wall defining a first flow port and a first wall defining a passageway and a second pressure relief cavity disposed between the first wall and a second wall. The pressure relief valve poppet is movably disposed within the first pressure relief cavity and the second pressure relief cavity. The vent valve has a vent housing and a vent valve poppet. The vent housing defines a vent cavity that is disposed between the second wall defining a vent flow port and a second end wall. The vent valve poppet is movably disposed within the vent cavity.

A valve assembly for an inflation system that includes a pressure relief valve and a vent valve. The pressure relief valve has a pressure relief housing and a pressure relief valve poppet. The pressure relief housing defines a first pressure relief cavity that is disposed between a first end wall defining a first flow port and a first wall defining a passageway and a second pressure relief cavity disposed between the first wall and a second wall. The pressure relief valve poppet is movably disposed within the first pressure relief cavity and the second pressure relief cavity. The vent valve has a vent housing and a vent valve poppet. The vent housing defines a vent cavity that is disposed between the second wall defining a vent flow port and a second end wall. The vent valve poppet is movably disposed within the vent cavity.

An apparatus and method for cleaning containers using water within the container and a submersible pump exhibiting a nozzle. Air may be injected into the pumped water to increase its pressure as it exists the nozzle.

An apparatus and method for cleaning containers using water within the container and a submersible pump exhibiting a nozzle. Air may be injected into the pumped water to increase its pressure as it exists the nozzle.

A gas conversion apparatus (100) for converting a process gas to one or more other gases comprises: means (105) for introducing process gas into a liquid medium in a column (125); and an ultrasonic energy generator (140) arranged to generate ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (100) being configured to launch ultrasonic energy generated by the generator (140) into the liquid medium such that process gas is exposed to ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (100) being arranged to allow collection of process gas that has been exposed to ultrasonic energy. The apparatus (100) also preferably comprises a microbubble generator (120) to generate microbubbles of the process gas for exposure to the ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy generator (140) may be configured to generate ultrasonic energy as a consequence of a flow of a drive gas therethrough.

A gas conversion apparatus (100) for converting a process gas to one or more other gases comprises: means (105) for introducing process gas into a liquid medium in a column (125); and an ultrasonic energy generator (140) arranged to generate ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (100) being configured to launch ultrasonic energy generated by the generator (140) into the liquid medium such that process gas is exposed to ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (100) being arranged to allow collection of process gas that has been exposed to ultrasonic energy. The apparatus (100) also preferably comprises a microbubble generator (120) to generate microbubbles of the process gas for exposure to the ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy generator (140) may be configured to generate ultrasonic energy as a consequence of a flow of a drive gas therethrough.

A bubble pump is provided. The bubble pump has an interior formed from a material that is resistant to attack by molten aluminum. The interior surface may be formed from a ceramic. The ceramic may be selected from the following: alumina, magnesia, silicate, silicon carbide, or graphite, and the mixtures thereof. The ceramic may be a carbon-free, 85% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 phosphate bonded castable refractory.

A bubble pump is provided. The bubble pump has an interior formed from a material that is resistant to attack by molten aluminum. The interior surface may be formed from a ceramic. The ceramic may be selected from the following: alumina, magnesia, silicate, silicon carbide, or graphite, and the mixtures thereof. The ceramic may be a carbon-free, 85% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 phosphate bonded castable refractory.