Variable flow-through cavitation device

Abstract

A flow-through cavitation device having an elongated housing with an inlet and an outlet. An inner annular body and an outer annular body are concentrically and nestingly disposed in the elongated housing. The outer annular body is fixed relative to the housing and the inner annular body is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing. Each annular body has a plurality of channels that pass therethrough. Rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body provides for selective alignment or misalignment of the plurality of channels to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The device may have a plurality of pairs of inner and outer annular bodies as described.

Claims

1. A process for controlling hydrodynamic cavitation in a fluid using the variable flow-through cavitation device with an elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet, an outer annular body disposed within and fixed to the elongated housing, the outer annular body having a plurality of channels passing radially therethrough, an inner annular body disposed concentrically in and having an exterior surface abutting with an interior surface of the outer annular body and defining an inner cylindrical chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, the inner annular body having a plurality of channels passing radially therethrough corresponding to the pluraity of channels passing through the outer annular body, and a rotating shaft fixed at one end to a rotating disk attached to the inner annular body and extending therefrom through the elongated housing to permit rotational adjustment of the inner annular body relative to the outer annular body, wherein each corresponding pair of channels forms a jet nozzle in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, the process comprising the steps of: fully aligning the plurality of channels passing through the inner annular body with the plurality of channels passing through the outer annular body, wherein a flow cross-section of each corresponding pair of channels forming a jet nozzle is maximized; pumping the fluid through the inlet at a pre-determined pump pressure of between 25 and 5,000 psi; generating hydrodynamic cavitation in the fluid passing through the flow cross-section of each corresponding pair of channels forming a jet nozzle; measuring an intensity of the hydrodynamic cavitation generated in the fluid; rotating the inner annular body relative to the outer annular body rotatable such that the plurality of channels passing though the inner annular body are no longer fully aligned with the plurality of channels passing through the outer annular body and the flow cross-section of each corresponding pair of channels forming a jet nozzle is reduced, wherein the intensity of the hydrodynamic cavitation generating in the fluid is controlled through such reduction.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the measuring step comprises the steps of measuring an inlet pressure after hydrodynamic cavitation has been generated, and calculating the intensity of the hydrodynamic cavitation based upon the measured inlet pressure.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the rotating step comprises rotating the inner annular body until the inlet pressure equals the predetermined pump pressure set in the pumping step.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the measuring and rotating steps are performed by an automatic control system in electrical communication with a servomotor connected to the rotating shaft.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein the measuring step comprises measuring an intensity of pressure pulsations using a hydrophone in an outer chamber after the jet nozzle.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein the adjusting step comprises turning the inner annular body so as to increase or decrease the intensity of pressure pulsations in the outer chamber.

7. The process of claim 6, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are performed by an automatic control system in electrical communication with the hydrophone and a servomotor connected to the rotating shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present compact, adjustable flow section of multi-jet nozzles, flow-through cavitation device of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the movable disk taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

(6) FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the movable disk taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

(7) FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the movable disk taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

(8) FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of the movable disk taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

(9) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the stationary disk taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2A;

(10) FIG. 5A is a circular section of a preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle consisting of adjacent movable and stationary disks identified by circle 5 of FIG. 2B;

(11) FIG. 5B is a circular section of an alternate preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle consisting of adjacent movable and stationary disks identified by circle 5 of FIG. 2B;

(12) FIG. 5C is a circular section of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle consisting of adjacent movable and stationary disks identified by circle 5 of FIG. 2B;

(13) FIG. 5D is a circular section of yet another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle consisting of adjacent movable and stationary disks identified by circle 5 of FIG. 2B;

(14) FIG. 6A depicts an embodiment of an arrangement of channels in a multi-jet nozzle;

(15) FIG. 6B depicts an embodiment of an adjusted arrangement of channels in a multi-jet nozzle;

(16) FIG. 7 is a computer model of fluid flow through a preferred embodiment of the device;

(17) FIG. 8 is the diagram of control system for automatic rotation of the shaft and the movable disk(s) to adjust the intensity of cavitation in the working chamber(s).

(18) FIG. 9A is a computer model of fluid flow through another embodiment of the device at a first rotation angle of the shaft and movable disk(s) relative to the fixed disk.

(19) FIG. 9B is a computer model of fluid flow through the same embodiment of the device in FIG. 9A at a second rotation angle of the shaft and movable disk(s) relative to the fixed disk.

(20) FIG. 9C is a computer model of fluid flow through the same embodiment of the device in FIG. 9A at a third rotation angle of the shaft and movable disk(s) relative to the fixed disk.

(21) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a flow-through cavitation device having annularly adjustable, variable multi-jet nozzle according to the present invention.

(22) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

(23) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

(24) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 11.

(25) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

(26) FIG. 15A is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle taken along line 15-15 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(27) FIG. 15B is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle taken along line 15-15 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(28) FIG. 15C is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle taken along line 15-15 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(29) FIG. 15D is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle taken along line 15-15 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(30) FIG. 15E is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle taken along line 15-15 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(31) FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle indicated by circle 16 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(32) FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a channel through a multi-jet nozzle indicated by circle 16 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

(33) FIG. 17A illustrates full alignment of channels in a multi-jet nozzle of the present invention.

(34) FIG. 17B illustrates partial alignment of channels in a multi-jet nozzle of the present invention.

(35) FIG. 17C illustrates full misalignment of channels in a multi-jet nozzle of the present invention.

(36) FIG. 18 is a computer model of fluid flow through another embodiment of the device at full alignment of the channels in a multi-jet nozzle of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(37) With reference now to FIGS. 1-6B, the flow-through, multi-stage, cavitation device adjustable flow section of multi-jet nozzles of the present invention is generally referred to by reference numeral 20. The device is especially suitable for processing fluids, such as organic solvents, crude oil, cell extracts, biological fluids, pharmaceutical emulsions and solutions, etc.

(38) The term “fluid” includes but is not limited to a pure liquid comprised of identical molecules, a homogeneous or heterogeneous fluidic mixture, media liquefied prior to cavitation treatment, two- or multi-phase systems including crude oil, water/oil and/or other emulsions and dispersions, salt solutions, gases and/or other matter dissolved in suitable solvent(s), melted matter, dispersions, suspensions, slurries, liquefied gases, cell culture or broth, biological fluids, tissues, and the mixtures thereof.

(39) The objects of the present invention are achieved by forcing fluids in the flow-through cavitation device adjustable flow section of multi-jet nozzles for controlled hydrodynamic cavitation to induce reactions and/or processes and/or change the properties of these fluids. The hydrodynamic cavitation process assumes the formation of vapor-filled bubbles within the fluid accelerated to a proper velocity. The phenomenon is called cavitation, because cavities form when the liquid pressure has been reduced to its vapor pressure. The bubbles expand and suddenly collapse upon reaching a high-pressure zone. The violent implosion causes a spike in pressure and temperature and intense shearing forces, resulting in reactions, mixing, emulsion formation and other effects.

(40) Usually, when a multi-component fluidic mixture moves through a multi-stage cavitation apparatus the most volatile components will form vapor bubbles first and the other components will follow in the order of increasing boiling points. With the proposed device adjustable flow section of multi-jet nozzles the components will form vapor bubbles leading to different reactions in different chambers and exhibit the different behavior, depending on the size of opening of multi-jet nozzles, the properties of material from which the device is made.

(41) Multiple embodiments of the flow-through, multi-stage, cavitation apparatus adjustable flow section of multi-jet nozzles are depicted in FIGS. 1-6B. The various parts of the apparatus 20 can be fabricated from a STELLITE® alloy, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, silver, zinc, nickel, PTFE, FEP or other fluoropolymers, poly (methyl methacrylate), PEEK, PBAT, PETG, PVC, polycarbonates, acrylic materials, polycrystalline diamond or other finished or unfinished metals and material(s).

(42) The apparatus 20 comprises a housing 22 having an inlet pipe 24 and an outlet pipe 26 for connecting in-line with an industrial pipeline (not shown). Housing 22 preferably has a circular cross-section and may be provided with gas inlet port(s) 25. Inside housing 22 there is at least one variable multi-jet nozzle 29 (FIG. 2A) or a plurality of variable multi-jet nozzles 29 (FIG. 2B). A variable multi-jet nozzle 29 consists of two disks 28 and 30, in which there are multiple through channels 32 and 34.

(43) Variable multi-jet nozzles 29 generate vortexes in fluid flow and intensive turbulent flow, thus creating microvortexes with locally decreased pressure which is equivalent to the pressure of heavy vapors of the processed fluid under the given temperature. When pressure in the local area is reduced to the pressure of heavy vapor, micro-bubbles or the so-called cavitation nuclei begin to grow. Micro-bubbles grow in size and turn into cavitation bubbles, which pulsate and collapse in the area of increased pressure. In order to create the conditions for pulsation and collapse of cavitation bubbles the flow-through cavitation device has working chambers. The flow-through cavitation generator contemplates sequential combination of cavitation zones—multi-jet nozzles as well as zones of increased pressure for cavitation bubbles collapse and pulsation—working chambers. The number of stages “cavitation bubbles generation zone—cavitation bubbles collapse zone” is determined by the degree of technological effect per one flow of processed fluid through flow-through cavitation generator. The minimum number of stages of cavitation bubbles generation and collapse can be as big as 1, but the maximum number can be theoretically unlimited and it can practically reach from 1 to 10-12 stages.

(44) The number of variable multi-jet nozzles 29 is determined by the number of working areas for the hydrodynamic and cavitation effects on the fluid required to achieve the desired technological effect during processing of the liquid flow. For a particular process and the processed fluid with certain parameters, the number of working areas and, respectively, the number of consecutive variable multi-jet nozzles 29, is determined empirically.

(45) The first disk 28 of a variable multi jet nozzle 29 along the fluid flow is rotatable about the central axis 35 of the apparatus 20. The second disk 30 of a variable multi jet nozzle 29 along the fluid flow, abuts against the first disk 28 along plane of contact 29a and is fixed, e.g., stationary within the apparatus 20. Fixation of stationary disks 30 is accomplished by bushings 38. Each stationary disk 30 is followed by working chamber 40 bounded by the walls of bushing 38, the preceding stationary disk 30 and subsequent movable disk 28, if any. The working chamber 40 located after stationary disk 30, which is the last along the flow, is bounded by the inner walls of the bushing 38 and the walls of outlet 26.

(46) A shaft 36 extends along the central axis 35 through central openings of disks 28 and 30. Movable disks 28 are fixed to the shaft 36 by pin key 42 and rotate with the same. Rotation of the shaft 36 is carried out by rotation—manual or motorized—of shaft head 44. Shaft 36 passes through stationary disks 30 so as to allow free rotation of the shaft 36 relative to the disk 30. The shaft outlet is sealed by stuffing box 46, pressed by closing sleeve 48. Rotation of shaft 36 can be carried out manually or by using a special servomotor as described below.

(47) The number, shape and arrangement of channels 32 and 34 through disks 28 and 30 may have different embodiments. The cross section of the channels may have a shape of the angular sector bounded on one side by radial lines and radii R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 (n=1, 3, 5, . . . —odd numbers) that are equidistant from the central axis of the disk for each channel. In FIGS. 3A-4, the odd numbers represent the side of the angular sector closest to the central axis 35. FIGS. 3A-3D show four embodiments of channels 32 in movable disk 28. FIG. 4 only illustrates one embodiment of channels 34 in movable disk 30 for convenience. The channels 34 of stationary disk 30 may have a shape and configuration in various forms similar to that shown and described for movable disk 28 in FIGS. 3A-3D.

(48) Channels that have cross-sections in the shape of angular sectors bounded by radii R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 can be located at different distances from the central axis of the disk (FIG. 3B). Lateral lines of angular cross-sectional sectors of the channels can be shaped as semicircles (as shown in FIG. 3C), acute-angled, or any other shape. The number of channels limited by pairs of radii R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 can range from one to thirty-six or more, and it is determined by the geometrical dimensions of disks and pressure values and the fluid flow rate in the channels to create intensive cavitation. Radii R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 are determined in the plane of contact 29a of disks 28 and 30.

(49) The ratio of the radii determining the size of one row of channels 32, 34 located on the same row can have the ratio 1.1≤R.sub.n+1/R.sub.n≤10. The lengths of arcs L.sub.n+1, on radii R.sub.n+1, determining the size of the cross section of channels can have the ratio 0.5 L.sub.n+1/L.sub.n+3≤5 (as shown in FIG. 3D). The number of rows with radii R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1, along which channels 32, 34 are located in the disks 28, 30, can reach one to ten and more, and they are determined by the geometric size of the disk, the pressure and the fluid flow rate in the channels 32, 34 to create intensive cavitation. While FIG. 4 only shows an embodiment of stationary disk 30 with channels similar in shape and configuration to those of movable disk 28 shown in FIG. 3A, a person skilled in the art will realize that the stationary disk 30 preferably has channels 34 that match the shape and configuration of the channels 32 in the movable disk 28 such as shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, or any other shape.

(50) The longitudinal section of channels 32 and 34 can be rectangular (FIG. 5A), have partial and/or complete shape of a converging cone 60 in the channels 32 of movable disk 28, and the shape of diffuser 62 in channels 34 of stationary disc 30 (FIG. 5B, 5C). The shape of the longitudinal section in channel 32 of movable disk 28 and channels 34 of stationary disc 30 may have a cross section in the shape of Venturi tube (FIG. 5D). The ratio of the lengths S1 and S2 of channels 32 and 34 may be in the range of 1≤S2/S1≤10.

(51) Each variable multi jet nozzle 29 can have different variations in shape, position and size of the flow cross section area of channels 32 and 34 in disks 28 and 30. The number, shape, arrangement and size of flow area of channels 32, 34 of each variable multi jet nozzle 29 are selected depending on the characteristics of the processed liquid, the process parameters and calculated values of the hydrodynamic cavitation, which should be as small as possible.

(52) The device 20 works as follows: fluid is fed by a pump or similar mechanism in inlet pipe 24 and moves through channels 32 of movable disk 28 and channels 34 of stationary disk 30, which are elements of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29. When fluid goes through the channel 32 and then through immediately adjacent channel 34 the fluid flow develops vortices, detached flows and cavitations. The above-mentioned effects influence the particles of the emulsion or any other heterogeneous fluid and lead to their intensive dispersion and homogenization, as well as separation of boundary layers on the particles. When cavitating bubbles get into the working chamber 40 in the direction of fluid flow they pulsate and collapse thus producing micro-scale pulsations and emissions of cumulative jets, as a result, they influence the particles of the processed fluid and the fluid as a whole, intensifying heat and mass transfer processes and destroying the substances.

(53) The bubbles' implosion results in the release of a significant amount of energy that drives reactions and processes and heats the fluid. The size of the bubbles depends on the properties of the fluid, the design of the cavitation device, the pump pressure and other fluid conditions. In practice, the pump pressure is gradually increased until a cavitation field of proper intensity is established. In addition to determining the size, concentration and composition of the bubbles, and, as a consequence, the amount of released energy, the inlet pressure governs the outcome of triggered reactions.

(54) To control the intensity of hydrodynamic cavitation occurring in the channels 32, 34 of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29, their design allows adjusting the value of their flow cross sectional area. In the initial position channels 32 in movable disks 28 are fully aligned with channels 34 in stationary disks 30 (FIG. 6A). In this position, the channels 32, 34 have the largest flow cross sectional area for fluid flow. An increase in the flow rate in the channels 32, 34 of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29 and an increase the intensity of cavitation, can be achieved by reducing the flow cross sectional area of the channels 32, 34. This is possible due to the rotation of movable disk 28, which rotates when shaft 36 is rotated. Rotation of the shaft 36 is accomplished by turning head 44 of the shaft 36 by hand or with a special servomotor.

(55) When rotating disk 28, channels 32 and 34 are no longer fully aligned with the flow cross section profiles, and in the plane of contact 29a of disks 28 and 30 the flow cross sectional area of channels 32, 34 of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29 decreases. Part of the fluid flow moving through channel 32 hits the face of disk 30 which partially closes the flow cross section of channel 34 (FIG. 6B). Fluid flow is throttled through the narrower opening formed by the only partially aligned channels 32 and 34 in the contact plane 29a of movable disk 28 and stationary disk 30. Due to this constriction in available flow area, the flow rate increases rapidly and the pressure decreases by the throttling effect, which leads to the formation of vortices and growth of the bubbles of steam and gas, and the development of intensive cavitation.

(56) When passing from channel 32 into channel 34 one part of the fluid flows parallel to the central axis 35, and the other part of the fluid flows at an angle (theoretically from 0 degrees to 90 degrees) to the central axis 35 in the plane of contact 29a of disks 28 and 30 (FIG. 6B). When the fluid flow gets into channel 34, it disperses fan-like from the direction parallel to the central axis 35. Getting into working chamber 40, the flow twists in the opposite direction of rotation of movable disk 28 relative to stationary disk 30. The twisting of the flow causes the intense vortex formation, the emergence of shear flows and the development of cavitation, which intensifies the chemical processes, heat and mass transfer in fluid flow, and dispersion of particles in the flow. The fluid flow passage along the twisted trajectory increases the duration of the fluid presence in the working chamber 40 and hydrodynamic effects (turbulence, cavitation, pressure fluctuations, etc.) on its components.

(57) The intensity of cavitation at any position of the movable disk 28 relative to the stationary disk 30 and the cross section area of channels 32, 34 in the plane of contact 29a of disks 28 and 30 can be determined by calculation or by measurement of the pressure pulsation amplitude using a hydrophone 55 (FIG. 2A) during the collapse of cavitation bubbles. The hydrophone 55 can be placed in the working chamber 40 next to stationary disk 30 at any convenient point. This method of measuring the cavitation intensity is well known and standard.

(58) The calculation method for determining the degree of development of hydrodynamic cavitation is based on calculating the cavitation number for fixed positions of stationary and movable disks 28 and 30, channels 32 and 34 relative to each other. The starting position is the position of disks 28 and 30 at fully aligned channels 32 and 34. When rotating shaft 36 by a certain amount in degrees, the calculation of fluid flow parameters is carried out in a device by computer simulation, and the number of hydrodynamic cavitation is determined. An illustration of the calculation by this method for one embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the fluid flow line in the proposed device with the adjustable flow cross section of variable multi-jet nozzles 29.

(59) The design of the device 20 with adjustable flow cross section of variable multi-jet nozzles 29 also allows maintaining the desired flow rate and the intensity of hydrodynamic cavitation by reducing pressure and flowing rate of the processed fluid. When reducing the pressure and flow rate at the inlet 24 of the device 20, the rate in the active zones also decreases. To maintain the processing intensity at the desired level, it is necessary to increase the flow rate. In this case, shaft 36 is rotated, which in turn rotates disk 28 relative to disk 30 so that the available flow area of variable multi-jet nozzles 29 decreases due to displacement of channel 32 overlapped by the face of stationary disk 30. In this way the hydraulic resistance of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29 increases, and so does the pressure at the inlet 24 of the device 20, thereby increasing the flow rate in the fluid flow zone from channel 32 into channel 34 and intensity of hydrodynamic and cavitation processing of fluid.

(60) Maintaining the required level of cavitation intensity may be carried out in an automatic mode. A system for the automatic rotation control of the shaft 36, movable disk 28, and the cavitation intensity in the working chamber 40 is shown in FIG. 8. Shaft 36 of the proposed device 20 is connected through coupling 50 to the shaft of servomotor or stepper motor 52. The inlet 24 of the device 20 fitted with pressure sensor 54. The pressure sensor signal is supplied to an automatic control system 56 (ACS) which controls rotating of the shaft 36 by the motor 52. The magnitude of the signal from pressure sensor 54 is continuously compared with a predetermined value of pressure provided by pump 58 at the inlet 24 of device 20.

(61) If the inlet pressure drops, the automatic control system 56 will generate the command to turn the motor 52 by a specified amount which in turn rotates the shaft 36. When turning shaft 36 and disk 28, if the pressure returns to the predetermined value, ACS 56 will stop the motor 52 and the shaft 36 in the current position. If the pressure at the inlet 24 of device 20 is still less than the predetermined value, ACS 56 will repeat the command to turn the motor 52 and the shaft 36 of device 20, and will again compare the signal value of pressure sensor 54 with a predetermined pressure value until the inlet pressure reaches a desired level. There are several iterations of control commands of the ACS 56 to the servomotor until the pressure returns to the desired value. A similar control system can be implemented by using the hydrophone 55 in the working chamber 40 with a signal showing the intensity of pressure pulsations in the electronic form.

(62) The shape of the flow cross section of channels 28 and 30 in the plane of contact 29a of disks 28 and 30 significantly influences the regularity of change of the flow area of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29. For large values of radii ratios R.sub.n/R.sub.n+1 and small values of arc length L.sub.n+1, the flow cross section area of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29 varies considerably by turning shaft 36 at a certain angle. For small values of radii ratios R.sub.n/R.sub.n+1 and large values of arc length L.sub.n+1 the flow cross section area of the variable multi-jet nozzles 29 varies insignificantly by turning shaft 36 at a certain angle.

(63) When the number of variable multi-jet nozzles 29 with adjustable flow section is more than one, each variable multi-jet nozzle 29 may have a different number of channels 32 and 34 of its constituent disks 28 and 30. In a separate variable multi-jet nozzle 29 the shape of channels 32 and 34 (longitudinal and/or cross-sectional), their location along the end faces of disks 28 and 30 of variable multi-jet nozzles 29, the flow cross section area of each variable multi-jet nozzle 29 may vary. Patterns of change in flow cross section area of each variable multi-jet nozzle 29 may also be different. For example, in the first variable multi-jet nozzle 29 when rotating the movable disk 28 the flow area may vary by 50%. In the second variable multi-jet nozzle 29 it may change by 45%, and in the third variable multi-jet nozzle 29 it may change by 30%, and so on. Such varying change may occur at the same degree angle of rotation of shaft 36 and the rotation of movable disks 28 of each variable multi-jet nozzle 29.

(64) The preferred embodiments of the present invention optimize the cavitation to afford uniform cavitation of fluids and hence, alteration thereof, by applying the most suitable pump pressure. The cavitation employed in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention is achieved with a pump pressure selected from the range of approximately 25-5,000 psi to afford the highest efficiency of the treatment. However, as one familiar in the art can imagine, different media require different energies obtained through cavitation in order for their alteration to occur. Therefore, this range is in no way intended to limit use of the present invention.

(65) It becomes an equipment cost decision which device 20 to employ, since a number of approaches are technically feasible, whether for large scale upgrading or the treatment of small batches. One approach for ensuring the best conditions is to create uniform cavitation throughout the fluid flow to avoid wasting energy. Additional lines and skid systems can be added to scale up the production capacity. These systems can be easily mounted and transported, making them suitable for both production and transportation.

(66) The beneficial effects gained through the present invention cannot be achieved with a rotor-stator cavitation or sonic-/ultrasonic-induced cavitation because the conditions created by using the inventive apparatus 20, cannot be duplicated by other means. For example, cavitation bubbles form a barrier to transmission and attenuate sonic waves due to scattering and diversion, limiting the effectiveness of sonic-/ultrasonic-induced cavitation. Furthermore, ultrasonic radiation modifies liquid at specific locations, depending on the frequency, interference patterns and the source's power. The present invention overcomes these limitations, changing the composition of fluid in a uniform adjustable manner by supplying enough energy to drive target reactions and processes. Therefore, the inventive device 20 provides a superior means of upgrading fluids and producing unrivalled emulsions and dispersions.

(67) The present invention uses the energy released as a result of the cavitation bubbles' implosion to alter fluids. Hydrodynamic cavitation is the formation of vapor-filled cavities in the fluid flow followed by the collapse of the bubbles in a high-pressure zone. In practice, the process is carried out as follows: the fluid is fed in the device's inlet passage. In the localized zone the flow accelerates causing its static pressure to drop resulting in the formation of bubbles composed of the vapors of compounds that vaporize under the specific conditions. When the bubbles move to the zone wherein the flow pressure increases, the bubbles collapse, exposing the vapors found within to high pressure and temperature, shearing forces, shock waves and/or electromagnetic radiation. Each bubble represents an independent miniature reactor, in which chemical and physical alterations take place. The resulting pressures and temperatures are significantly higher than those in many industrial processes. The further transformation of fluid results from the reactions and processes occurring in the adjacent layers of vapor/liquid.

(68) The preferred embodiments of the present invention apply optimized levels of both pressure and temperature via the controlled flow-through cavitation. The process is independent of external conditions and provides a means for changing the chemical composition, physical properties and/or other characteristics of fluidic mixtures uniformly throughout the flow. In addition, important economic benefits are experienced through implementing the present invention. The optimized usage of a flow-through cavitation device serves to lower equipment, handling and energy costs, as it improves efficiency and productivity of the treatment.

EXAMPLES

(69) Intense localized pressure impulses released because of micro jet formation and compression of cavitation bubbles followed by the implosion of the bubbles, excite molecules existing in the vapor phase and the adjacent layers of surrounding fluid transiently enriched with the high-boiling ingredient(s), thereby driving target reactions and processes.

Example 1A

(70) Values for cavitation number, calculated with the specialized software ANSYS for the cavitation device 20 (length 70 cm, diameter 6 cm, 10 multi-jet nozzles) which is similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 2B. The calculation was performed for the initial position of disks 28 and 30 at fully aligned channels 32 and 34 (FIG. 6A). The channels have the Venturi tube profile in a longitudinal section (FIG. 5D). The device 20 was operated at a flow rate of 50 gpm and an inlet pressure of 272 psi. The calculation results at 25C are shown in FIG. 9A in the form of water flow lines. Cavitation numbers were calculated for each working chamber 40 following a variable multi-jet nozzle 29, and had values of 0.752, 0.645, 0.818, 0.611, 0.583, 0.442, 0.353, 0.254, 0.154, and 0.127, respectively, assuming flow moves from left to right.

Example 1B

(71) Values for cavitation number, calculated with the specialized software ANSYS for the cavitation device 20 (length 70 cm, diameter 6 cm, 10 multi-jet nozzles) which is similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 2B. The calculation was performed for the position of disks 28 rotated by 5 degrees relative to disk 30 from the fully aligned position. Channels 32 and 34 are partially offset from each other, as in the example shown in FIG. 6B. The channels have the Venturi tube profile in the longitudinal section (FIG. 5D). The device 20 was operated at a flow rate of 40 gpm and an inlet pressure of 279 psi. The calculation results are shown in FIG. 9B in the form of water flow lines at 25C. Cavitation numbers were calculated for each working chamber 40 following a variable multi-jet nozzle 29, and had values of 0.798, 0.700, 0.872, 0.656, 0.612, 0.578, 0.406, 0.312, 0.168, and 0.117, respectively, assuming flow moves from left to right.

Example 1C

(72) Values for cavitation number, calculated with the specialized software ANSYS for the cavitation device 20 (length 70 cm, diameter 6 cm, 10 multi-jet nozzles) which is similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 2B. The calculation was performed for the position of disks 28 rotated by 18 degrees relative to disk 30 from the fully aligned position. Channels 32 and 34 are partially offset from each other, as similar to the example shown in FIG. 6B. The channels have the Venturi tube profile in longitudinal section (FIG. 5D). The device 20 was operated at a flow rate of 20 gpm and an inlet pressure of 275 psi. The calculation results are shown in FIG. 9C in the form of water flow lines at 25C. Cavitation numbers were calculated for each working chamber 40 following a variable multi-jet nozzle 29, and had values of 0.801, 0.715, 0.813, 0.701, 0.577, 0.431, 0.328, 0.205, 0.125, and 0.010, respectively, assuming flow moves from left to right.

(73) As seen from the calculation results shown in 9A, 9B and 9C with decreasing fluid flow rate through the device, it is possible to obtain similar pressure values at the inlet 24 and the cavitation numbers in each variable multi-jet nozzle 29, as well as to maximize the flow rate of 50 gpm for the fully aligned position of disks 28 and 30. This is achieved by rotating movable disk 28 relative to stationary disk 30, displacement of channels 32 relative to channels 34 and reduction in the overall flow cross section.

Example 2

(74) The stability of emulsions that have found numerous applications in industry is commonly evaluated by measuring the amount of oil separated from a water/oil emulsion. The stability of prepared emulsions is characterized with a coefficient k.sub.t, value for which was calculated by using the following expression: k.sub.t=V.sub.o/V, where V.sub.o is the volume of oil separated from the emulsion at time t and V is the total volume. First, vegetable oil was added to an equal amount of water followed by mechanical agitation at 20° C. for 10 min. Second, emulsions were prepared with a cavitation device 20 (length 70 cm, diameter 6 cm, 10 multi-jet nozzles) similar to that shown in FIG. 2B, the number of channels 32 and 34 in disk 28 and 30 was four each. In the longitudinal section, channels 32 and 34 had venturi tube profiles (FIG. 5D).

Example 2A

(75) The position of disks 28 and 30 was established with fully aligned channels 32 and 34 (FIG. 6A). The mixture was fed in the inventive device 20 at a pump pressure of 270 psi and a rate of 50 gallons per minute and subjected to either 2-passes or 20-passes through the device 20. Then 100 ml of the prepared emulsion was transferred to a transparent measuring cylinder. The value of coefficient k.sub.t was determined at different times (Table 1). The obtained data confirmed that water/oil emulsions prepared with no surfactants by using the present device are more stable than those prepared by mechanical agitation.

(76) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 t 0.5 min 30 min 1 h 2 h 3 h 4 h 6 h Mechanical 0.1 0.39 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Agitation k.sub.t,  2 Passes 0.00 0.09 0.23 0.38 0.45 0.489 0.50 k.sub.t, 20 Passes 0.00 0.13 0.19 0.26 0.29 0.32 0.32 k.sub.t,

Example 2B

(77) Emulsification was carried out for the position of disks 28 rotated by 18 degrees relative to disks 30 from the fully aligned position. Channels 32 and 34 were partially offset from each other, as in the example shown in FIG. 6B. The mixture was fed through the inventive device 20 at a pump pressure of 275 psi and a rate of 20 gallons per minute and subjected to either 2-passes or 20-passes through the device 20. Then 100 ml of the prepared emulsion was transferred to a transparent measuring cylinder. The value of coefficient k.sub.t was determined at different times (Table 2). The obtained data confirm that water/oil emulsions prepared with no surfactants by using the present device are more stable than those prepared by mechanical agitation.

(78) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 t 0.5 min 30 min 1 h 2 h 3 h 4 h 6 h Mechanical 0.1 0.39 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Agitation k.sub.t,  2 Passes 0.00 0.08 0.21 0.33 0.432 0.47 0.49 k.sub.t, 20 Passes 0.00 0.11 0.17 0.23 0.27 0.30 0.31 k.sub.t,

(79) As can be seen from Example 2A and Example 2B, the stability of prepared emulsions at different values of the flow rate through the device, but at the same values of pressure in the inlet pipe was about the same. This confirms the same degree of cavitation intensity in the device. Since the pressure on the inlet pipe was the same in both examples, therefore, the flow rates were approximately equal by varying the flow cross section of channels 32 and 34 in disks 28 and 30 of variable multi-jet nozzles 29.

(80) FIGS. 10-18 illustrate the construction and operation of another preferred embodiment of the inventive cavitation device. In the following detailed description, this preferred embodiment be generally described as an annular multi-jet nozzle and referred to by reference numeral 70a.

(81) The apparatus 70 generally consists of an elongated housing 72, an inlet pipe 74 and an outlet pipe 76 for connecting in-line with an industrial pipeline (not shown). The housing 72 encloses at least one annular multi-jet nozzle 78 (FIGS. 11 and 12) or alternatively, a plurality of annular multi-jet nozzles 78, 78′, 78″ (FIGS. 13 and 14). Each annular multi-jet nozzle 78 comprises an inner annular body 78a and an outer annular body 78b. The annular bodies 78a, 78b are concentrically disposed in the housing 72 with an exterior surface 84a of the inner annular body 78a abutting against an interior surface 84b of the outer annular body 78b. The inner annular body 78a defines an inner cylindrical chamber 80 and the outer annular body 78b is surrounded by an outer cylindrical chamber 82.

(82) The inner annular body 78a has a plurality of channels 86a passing therethrough from the inner chamber 80 to the exterior surface 84a. The outer annular body 78a also has a plurality of channels 86b passing therethrough from the interior surface 84b to the outer chamber 82. The channels 86a of the inner body 78a are selectively aligned with the channels 86b of the outer body 78b to permit fluid communication between the inner chamber 80 and the outer chamber 82. To achieve this selective alignment, the inner body 78a is attached to a body position adjuster 88, preferably configured as a rotating disk.

(83) The rotating disk 88 is rotatable throughout three-hundred sixty degrees so as to achieve nearly any relative rotation with respect to the housing 72 and outer body 78b. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a shaft 90 passes through an end of the housing 72 and is fixed to the rotating disk 88. The shaft 90 is preferably sealed, as by one or more gaskets 92, as it passes through the housing 72. The shaft 90 may include a polygonal head 94 that is configured for adjustment as by a tool or similar implement (not shown). The rotation of the shaft 90 may be accomplished manually or using a server-motor (not shown).

(84) In contrast, the outer body 78b is fixed to the housing 72. In a device 70 where there is one inner body 78a and one outer body 78b, the outer body 78b may be attached to the housing 72 at the same end as and around the rotating disk 88. As described below, a device 70 that includes an alternating plurality of inner bodies 78a and outer bodies 78b, the outer bodies 78b are preferably attached to the housing 72 opposite the rotating disk 88.

(85) As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the apparatus 70 may be constructed with a plurality of annular multi-jet nozzles 78, 78′, 78″ nestingly and concentrically disposed in the housing 70. Each of the inner bodies 78a, 78a′, 78a″ in each of the pairs of annular multi-jet nozzles 78 are fixed to the rotating disk 88 and each of the outer bodies 78b, 78b′, 78b″ are fixed to the housing 72, preferably opposite the disk 88. As with a single annular multi-jet nozzle 78, the channels 86a through the inner bodies 78a′, 78a″ and channels 86b through the outer bodies 78b′, 78b″ of the plurality of annular multi-jet nozzles 78′, 78″ are selectively alignable through rotation of the disk 88 and corresponding inner bodies 78a, 78a′, 78a″ relative to the outer bodies 78b, 78b′, 78b″.

(86) The primary components of the apparatus 70 are preferably disposed concentrically around a central longitudinal axis 96 of the housing 72. These primary components include the shaft 90, the inner bodies 78a, 78a′, 78a″, the outer bodies 78b, 78b′, 78b″, and the disk 88. As described, the inner bodies 78a, 78a′, 78b″ are rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis 96 of the housing 72. The corresponding outer bodies 78b, 78b′, 78b″ are fixed to the housing 72. Each outer body 78b, 78b′, 78b″ is surrounded by an outer chamber 82 bounded by the disk 88 and the housing 72 or one of the inner bodies 78a′, 78a″.

(87) As shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, the channels 86a, 86b through the inner and outer bodies 78a, 78b may have various shapes. FIG. 15A shows a channel 86a, 86b having cross-section of a rectangular slit with rounded corners. The channels 86a, 86b can have a circular cross-section (FIG. 15B), a square cross-section (FIG. 15C), an oval cross-section (FIG. 15D), and a rectangular cross-section (FIG. 15E), as well as, other shapes. FIG. 16A illustrates each of the channels 86a, 86b having a generally rectangular cross-section in a radial plane, i.e., in a direction from the longitudinal axis 96 to the housing 72. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 16b, the channels 86a, 86b may have a cross-section in a radial plane of a diffuser, i.e., channel 86a has a generally rectangular shape and channel 86b has a generally truncated conical shape. The ratio of the lengths of the channels 86a, 86b—S1 and S2 respectively—in the radial direction may be in the range of 1≤S2/S1≤10.

(88) The apparatus 70 operates as follows. Fluid is fed by a pump or similar mechanism in inlet pipe 74 and moves into the inner cylindrical chamber 80. From there, the fluid moves into the channels 86a of the inner body 78a. When channels 86b are aligned with channels 86a, the fluid also flows into channels 86b (FIG. 17a)—both channels 86a, 86b together for a jet nozzle. If there are additional pairs of annular bodies 78a, 78b, the fluid flow passes into and around the outer cylindrical chamber 82 to the angularly offset channels 86a, 86b of these additional pairs of annular bodies 78a, 78b. Upon reaching the outermost cylindrical chamber 82, the fluid flow is then directed to the outlet 76 and passes into the rest of the industrial process.

(89) When the fluid flows through the channels 86a, 86b the fluid flow develops vortices, detached flows and cavitations. These fluid flow features develop because of the reduction in cross-sectional flow area, which results in a decrease of fluid pressure and increased flow velocity. As the fluid enters an outer chamber 82, the fluid flow features collapse, at least in part, before being reconstituted in the next set of channels 86a, 86b.

(90) In the present invention, during normal operation of the device 70 the positions of the shaft 90, the disk 88, and the inner bodies 78a are not adjusted. Operation begins with the channels 86a, 86b fully aligned as depicted in FIG. 17A. The channels 86a, 86b in the bodies 78a, 78b through which the flow of the fluid flows are fixed relative to each other. Each pair of channels 86a, 86b forms one continuous channel for the flow of fluid. Their location relative to each other provides such a size of the flow area for each pair of channels 86a, 86b, at which the most favorable pressure and flow parameters are created for the development of cavitation.

(91) The supply and pressure of the fluid at the inlet 74 to the apparatus 70 are constant and designed for a certain performance. Only in case of any deviations of pressure and flow rate at the device inlet 74 from the specified parameters, the velocity and pressure in the channels 86a, 86b of a pair of cylinders 78a, 78b is controlled in order to keep the cavitation effect at the required level. Regulation of the velocity and pressure of the flow in the channels 86a, 86b is carried out by changing the flow area of the same. The change in the flow area of the channels 86a, 86b in each pair of cylinders 78a, 78b occurs by changing the relative rotation of the inner bodies 78a compared to the outer bodies 78b. The movable inner bodies 78a are rotated at a certain angle relative to the fixed bodies 78b. FIG. 18b illustrates an alignment of the channels 86a, 86b that is other than fully aligned. In this configuration, the available flow area is further reduced, resulting in further decreased fluid pressure and further increased flow velocity.

(92) In the outer chamber 82, the implosion of the cavitation bubbles results in the release of a significant amount of energy that drives reactions and processes and heats the fluid. The size of the bubbles depends on the properties of the fluid, i.e., viscosity, temperature, etc., the design of the apparatus 70, the inlet pump pressure and other fluid properties. In practice, the pump pressure is gradually increased until a cavitation field of proper intensity is established. In addition to determining the size, concentration and composition of the bubbles, and, as a consequence, the amount of released energy, the inlet pressure governs the outcome of triggered reactions.

(93) To control the intensity of hydrodynamic cavitations that occur in the channels 86a, 86b of multi-jet nozzles 78, their design allows to change the size of the flow area of the channels 86a, 86b. In the fully aligned position, the channels 86a in the movable bodies 78a are fully aligned with the channels 86b in the stationary bodies 78b (FIG. 17A). In this position, the channels 86a, 86b have the largest possible flow area. To increase the flow velocity in the channels 86a, 86b of multi-jet nozzles 78 and increase the intensity of cavitation, it may be necessary to reduce the flow area of the channels 86a, 86b. This is accomplished by rotation of the movable bodies 86a relative to the fixed bodies 86b, which rotates when the shaft 90 and disk 88 are rotated. The shaft 90 is rotated by turning the head 94 by hand or using a special servomotor.

(94) When the inner bodies 78a rotate, the channels 86a move away from the position of complete alignment with the channels 86b of the flow profiles and in the plane of contact of the bodies 78a, 78b (FIG. 17B). The flow area of the multi-jet nozzles 78 is reduced. Part of the fluid flow flowing through the channel 86a, hits the wall of the outer body 78b, which overlaps the open area of the channel 86a (FIG. 17B). The fluid flow is throttled through the smaller opening formed by the walls of the channels 86a, 86b in the plane of contact of the annular bodies 78a, 78b. This dramatically increases the flow velocity and decreases the fluid pressure due to the effect of throttling, which leads to vortex formation, the growth of vapor-gas bubbles, and the development of intensive cavitation.

(95) During the transition from channel 86a to channel 86b, one part of the flow flows perpendicular to a central axis, and the other part of the flow of liquid flows at an angle (theoretically from 0 degrees to 90 degrees) to a radial line in the plane of contact of annular bodies 78a, 78b (FIG. 17B). Getting into the channel 86b of the outer bodies 78b, the fluid flow diverges fan-like from the direction of the radial line. Getting into the outer chamber 82, the flow twists in the direction opposite to the rotation of the inner bodies 78a relative to the outer bodies 78b. Spin flow contributes to intensive vortex formation, the appearance of shear currents and the development of cavitation, which intensifies the chemical-technological processes, heat and mass transfer in the fluid flow, and dispersion of particles in the fluid. The passage of fluid flow along a swirling trajectory increases the residence time of the fluid in the outer chamber 82 and the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation on its components (turbulence, cavitation, pressure pulsations, etc.).

(96) As shown in FIG. 17C, rotation of inner bodies 78a is not relative to a central axis, but within a certain angle range (α), which forms an angular sector. Half of the angle range (α/2) is determined by the length (L) of the channels 86a, 86b, on the radius (Ri) along the outer surface 84a of the inner body 78a (where “i”=1, 2, 3, . . . corresponding to the number of the inner body 78a from the axis 96 to the outer chamber 82).

(97) The intensity of cavitation at any position of the inner bodies 78a relative to the outer bodies 78b and the flow area of the channels 86a, 86b in the plane of contact of the bodies 78a, 78b can be determined by a calculation method or by measuring the amplitude of pressure pulsations with a hydrophone when the cavitation bubbles collapse. The hydrophone can be installed in the working chamber 82 after the outer body 78b at any point convenient for its placement. Although the hydrophone installation unit is not shown in the drawings, this method of measuring the intensity of cavitation is generally known.

(98) The design method for determining the degree of development of hydrodynamic cavitation is based on calculating the cavitation number (Cv) with fixed positions of the inner bodies 78a and outer bodies 78b, as well as, channels 86a, 86b relative to each other. The initial position is the position of the bodies 78a, 78b with fully aligned channels 86a, 86b. When the shaft 90 is rotated by a certain amount in degrees, the parameters of fluid flow in the device 70 may be calculated by computer simulation, and the cavitation number may be determined. An illustration of a computer similar of a particular embodiment of the apparatus 70 is shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows the flow lines of the fluid in the proposed device with a variable flow area of multi-jet nozzles, similar to the device shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

(99) The design of the device with a variable flow area of multi-jet nozzles also allows one to maintain the required flow velocity and intensity of hydrodynamic cavitation while reducing the pressure and flow rate of the treated liquid. With a decrease in pressure and fluid flow at the entrance to the device, the velocity in the active zones also decreases. To maintain the intensity of processing at the required level, it is necessary to increase the flow rate. In this case, the shaft 90 is rotated, the bodies 78a rotate relative to the bodies 78b so that the flow area of multi-jet nozzles 78 is reduced due to the displacement of the channels 86a, 86b and them overlapping with the walls of the respective bodies 78a, 78b. Due to this configuration, the hydraulic resistance of multi-jet nozzles 78 will increase, the pressure at the inlet 74 to the device will increase, the flow velocity in the area of throttling of the fluid flow from the channel 86a to the channel 86b and the intensity of cavitation features and cavitation fluid treatment will increase.

(100) Although the description above contains much specificity, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention offering many potential uses for the products of the invention. The readers should appreciate that many other embodiments of the present invention are possible as understood by those skilled in this art. For example, there are many approaches to creating cavitation in fluids in addition to the ones described above. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the given examples.

(101) Although several embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications of each may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.