System and method for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages of impurities

Abstract

A system and method of the purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages is based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation processing of microbiological and chemical contaminants, micro particles and colloidal particles. The fluid flow moves at a high rate through a multi-stage cavitation device and filtration module to generate hydrodynamic cavitation features in the fluid flow. The cavitation features generate changes in the velocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of the liquid. The cavitation features also prevent the deposition of contaminants upon and remove contaminants from the surface of the filter module, reduce the load on the filter elements and increase the life of the filter module.

Claims

1. A system for purification of organoleptic indicators of treatment liquids, comprising: a high-pressure pump; a multi-stage cavitation device having a flow passageway fluidly connected to the high-pressure pump, wherein the multi-stage cavitation device comprises at least two cavitation stages disposed sequentially within the flow passageway, each cavitation stage comprising a helical plate followed by a cylinder body defining a central channel having a constriction cone, a constriction, and an expansion cone; wherein the helical plate has dimensions as follows: a width (b) in a range of 0.9Dbb0.99Db, where Db is an inner diameter of the flow passageway; a length (l) in a range of bl5b; and a rotation angle () in a range of 180360; and a filter module fluidly connected to the multi-stage cavitation device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the constriction cone of the cylinder body has an opening diameter (D) in a range of 0.8DbD0.98Db, a taper angle () in a range of 4070, and a length (Lc) in a range of 0.5DLcD; wherein the constriction has a length (Ld) in a range of dLd6d, where d, is a diameter of the constriction; and wherein the expansion cone has an exit diameter equal to the opening diameter (D) of the constriction cone, a taper angle () in a range of 1040, and a length (Le) in a range of DLe6D.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter module comprises a cylindrical filter element concentrically disposed within an annular cylindrical insert in the flow passageway.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the annular cylindrical insert defines a plurality of annular bulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annular cylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element.

5. The system, of claim 4, wherein a ratio of an inner diameter (D1) of the annular bulges, an outer diameter (D2) of the cylindrical filer element, and the diameter (d) of the constriction is in a range of 0.1(D12D22)/d21.0.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-stage cavitation device comprises a plurality of multi-stage cavitation devices connected in series.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter module has a cartridge containing loose filter or adsorbent material, fibrous material, rigid or flexible porous tubes or membranes.

8. A method for the purification of organoleptic indicators of treatment liquids, comprising the steps of: pumping a treatment liquid under pressure into a system according to claim 1; processing the treatment liquid in the multi-stage cavitation device to form a processed liquid, wherein the processing step comprises generating hydrodynamic cavitation in the treatment liquid; purifying the processed liquid through the filter module to form a purified liquid, wherein the purifying step comprises reducing a concentration of contaminants, solid particles, and colloidal particles in the processed liquid; and discharging the purified liquid from the filter module.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the multi-stage cavitation device comprises a plurality of multi-stage cavitation devices connected in series.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the processing step generates hydrodynamic cavitation by changing fluid velocity and fluid pressure of the treatment liquid within the multi-stage cavitation device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the hydrodynamic cavitation alters temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of the treatment liquid.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of repeating the pumping, processing, and purifying steps on the purified liquid before performing the discharging step.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of providing a storage tank containing the treatment liquid, wherein the pumping step pumps the treatment liquid from the storage tank.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of returning the purified liquid to the storage tank and performing the pumping, processing, and purifying steps on the purified liquid before performing the discharge step.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein the filter module comprises a cylindrical filter element concentrically disposed within an annular cylindrical insert in the flow passageway, the annular cylindrical insert defining a plurality of annular bulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annular cylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of cavitating the processed fluid in the gap between the annular cylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element so as to prevent and remove blockages of the filter element.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein the treatment liquid comprises vodka, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin, wine and aqueous solutions of natural or synthetic alcohols.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates in flow chart form the scheme of the system for purification of alcoholic beverages of impurities;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the multi-stage cavitation device;

(4) FIG. 2A is a plan view of a twisted plate from the device of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 2B is an end view of a twisted plate from the device of FIG. 2;

(6) FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a twisted plate from the device of FIG. 2;

(7) FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view a constriction cylinder from the device of FIG. 2;

(8) FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view the cavitation device of FIG. 2 taken along line 2E-2E;

(9) FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of multi-stage cavitation devices arranged in series;

(10) FIG. 4 illustrates the combined multi-stage cavitation device and filter module located in a common housing;

(11) FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the filter module of FIG. 4 in circle 5;

(12) FIG. 5a is a close-up view of the passageway of FIG. 2 in circle 5A;

(13) FIG. 6 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a filter module located in a common housing with the multi-stage cavitation device;

(14) FIG. 6A is another view of the filter module shown in FIG. 6 including diameter markings;

(15) FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

(16) FIG. 8 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

(17) FIG. 9 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap between body and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

(18) FIG. 10 is a plan view of a twisted plate showing 180 rotation;

(19) FIG. 10A is an end view of the twisted plate of FIG. 10;

(20) FIG. 10B is the twisted plate of FIG. 10 combined with a constriction element;

(21) FIG. 11 is a plan view of a twisted plate showing 225 rotation;

(22) FIG. 11A is an end view of the twisted plate of FIG. 11;

(23) FIG. 11B is the twisted plate of FIG. 11 combined with a constriction element;

(24) FIG. 12 is a plan view of a twisted plate showing 270 rotation;

(25) FIG. 12A is an end view of the twisted plate of FIG. 12;

(26) FIG. 12B is the twisted plate of FIG. 12 combined with a constriction element;

(27) FIG. 13 is a plan view of a twisted plate showing 360 rotation;

(28) FIG. 13A is an end view of the twisted plate of FIG. 13;

(29) FIG. 13B is the twisted plate of FIG. 13 combined with a constriction element;

(30) FIG. 14 is the twisted plate of FIG. 2A combined with a constriction element; and

(31) FIG. 15 is a partial cut-away, isometric drawing of a device for purification of alcoholic beverages in table-top version for use at home.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(32) A principal diagram of a possible system for purification 10 of drinking water, aqueous solutions of alcohols and alcohols is depicted in FIG. 1. The purification system 10 is comprised of the several parts that make it possible to efficiently treat of alcoholic beverages and remove various contaminants there from by using filtration. The system 10 consists of inlet tank 12, which is filled with fluid to be purified. A high-pressure pump 14 feeds the fluid to multi-stage cavitation device 16 (FIG. 2) or to the set of cavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) for the cavitation treatment of the fluid. The set of cavitation devices 20 may comprise 2, 3, 4, or more devices as needed. To provide the required pressure drop necessary for the filtration process, an additional pump 22 may be installed upstream of the filter module 18 to increase the pressure in the fluid flow to the required level. The filtration module 18 provides filtration on the fluid to be purified.

(33) Multi-stage cavitation device 16 comprises several stages or regions 24 to generate cavitation in the fluid stream. A region 24 for generating cavitation may consist of elements such as a twisted plate 26 to form a spiral element to tighten the flow of liquid and a work piece in the form of a cylinder 28 with a central channel 29 having a constriction and expansion of the passage section of the fluid flow for inception of cavitation. The constriction and expansion of the passage section of the fluid flow of the central channel 29 is preferably designed in the form of Venturi tube. The cavitation stages 24 are installed in a housing 32. Feeding and discharge of the treated liquid is done through inlet 34 and the outlet 36 installed on the housing 32.

(34) The twisted plate 26 should enter freely into the passageway 32a of the housing 32, without distortions. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the twisted plate 26 has thickness a, width b, length l, and angle of rotation . The angle of rotation measures how much the twisted plate 26 is rotated from the leading edge on the left side to the trailing edge on the right side, as indicated in FIG. 2B. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the angle of rotation is 225 as shown in FIG. 2B.

(35) It is necessary that the width b of the twisted plate 26 closely match the internal diameter (D.sub.b) of the passageway 32a as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E. Because of this design, the twisted plate 26 can be reliably inserted into and removed from the passageway 32a without deformation or deflection. This permits repeated assembly and disassembly of the device when cleaning or replacing elements or when switching to other process parameters for different process fluids. At the same time, the twisted plate 26 should not be able to move once installed in the passageway 32a. To meet this requirement, it is sufficient to maintain certain ratios of the plate width b relative to the internal diameter (D.sub.b) of the passageway 32a. The requirement will be satisfied if the width of the twisted plate b is in the range 0.9D.sub.bb0.99D.sub.b, where D.sub.b is the housing inner diameter (FIG. 5A).

(36) The thickness (a) of the twisted plate 26 should provide rigidity so as to not deform when pressure is applied to the parts inside the device 16. At the same time, the thickness (a) of the plate 26 must be chosen so that it only slightly reduces the flow area inside the passageway 32a. To fulfill these conditions, the thickness (a) of the twisted plate 26 should be in the range 0.02ba0.2b, where b is the width of the plate 26. (FIGS. 2A and 2B).

(37) It is necessary to ensure the compactness of the device when several stages or regions 24 are installed. This is achieved, in part, by making the plate 26 no longer (l) than is necessary to provide an adequate length of rotation for swirling the flow. At the same time, there are technical difficulties in obtaining a large angle of rotation () of the plate 26 in a short length (l). In order not to require a significant increase in the dimensions of the device 16, and at the same time to provide a sufficiently smooth rotation of the plate 26 relative to the central axis, the length of the plate (l) must be in the range bl5b (FIG. 2A). The plate rotation angle () relative to the central axis should be in the range 180360 (FIG. 2B). A minimum rotation angle () of 180 is sufficient to provide a spiral-shaped flow path.

(38) The cylinder 28 has an outer diameter (D.sub.b) that matches the internal diameter (D.sub.b) of the passageway 32a so as to provide an almost complete seal between the cylinder 28 and the inner wall of the passageway 32a. (FIG. 2E) End surfaces 28a, 28b of the cylinder 28 serve as a support for end edges 26a, 26b of the twisted plate 26. For the plate 26, given the above dimension ratios of thickness (a), width (b), length (l), and angle of rotation (), the supporting area of the end surfaces 28a, 28b of the cylinder 28 are sufficient to maintain position of the plate 26 within the passageway 32a.

(39) On each end 28a, 28b of the cylinder 28 there are openings with diameters (D) that taper toward the central channel 29 having a smaller diameter (d). The openings in each of the end surfaces 28a, 28b preferably have a uniform diameter (D) such that the end surfaces 28a, 28b of the cylinder 28 for the plate 28 have a relatively smaller surface area. To provide the necessary support area for the plate 26, the largest diameter (D) of the openings in the end surfaces 28a, 28b must be in the range 0.8D.sub.bD0.98D.sub.b (FIG. 2D). The higher the pressure at the inlet to the device 16, the smaller the ratio of D.sub.b to D is necessary. Generally, the selection of D.sub.b is dictated by the size range of standard tubes.

(40) The energy cost of pumping fluid through the central channel 29 mainly determines the pressure loss in the constriction area. The smaller the narrowing angle () of the flow profile, the lower the pressure loss and energy consumption. The narrowing angle () of the flow profile depends on the length (L.sub.c) of the narrowing section 28c and the largest diameter (D) of the cylinder 28. The largest diameter (D) is determined by hydraulic and technological calculations. The length (L.sub.c) of the narrowing section 28c can be made to optimize the energy and material costs through proper selection of the dimensions of the device. The minimum energy consumption at the inlet section of the narrowing channel 29 during the flow will be observed at a narrowing angle () of between 400 and 70. The length (L.sub.c) of the narrowing section 28c is preferably determined by the ratio of the length L.sub.c to its largest diameter D, preferably in the range of 0.5L.sub.cD (FIG. 2D).

(41) The central channel 29 preferably has a length (L.sub.d) and a uniform diameter (d). The smallest diameter (d) of the central channel 29 is determined by hydraulic and technological calculation. With the flow of fluid through a section of the central channel 29 with the smallest diameter, a decrease in pressure occurs due to an increase in the flow rate. When the pressure in the flow reaches the saturated vapor pressure of the liquid being treated, steam bubbles are formed and cavitation develops. To get the maximum technological effect from processing, cavitation bubbles should grow to the maximum possible size, and then collapse. The collapse of the cavitation bubble occurs with increasing pressure in the surrounding fluid. This can happen when the flow rate decreases due to an increase in the channel cross section. For the formation of cavitation bubbles in the processed fluid stream, it is recommended that the length L.sub.d of the central channel 29 with the smallest diameter d be in the range dL.sub.d6d (FIG. 2D).

(42) Following the central channel 29 is an expanding section 28d having a length (L.sub.e) and an expanding angle (). The collapse of cavitation formations occurs, as a rule, in the zone of expansion of the cylinder 28. Expanding sections 28d are commonly called diffusers. Intensive liquid treatment in the diffuser 28d occurs not only due to pulsations and collapse of cavitation bubbles, but also due to intensive vortex formation during turbulent flow. The vortex flow in the diffuser 28d occurs when the flow is partially or completely separated from the walls of the expanding section 28d. With complete separation of the flow, the internal volume of the diffuser 28d is occupied by an extensive reverse circulation zone, which is characterized by intense vortex formation, pressure pulsations, and flow velocity. The flow regime of the fluid flow in the diffuser is significantly or completely detached at an expanding angle () in the diffuser of at least 10 and not more than 40. These values of the expansion angle () correspond to certain ratios of the length (L.sub.e) of the expansion section 28d and its largest diameter D. In order for the fluid flow in the diffuser to be detached and to provide an intensive hydrodynamic effect on the fluid being treated, it is necessary that the length L.sub.e of the expansion section 28d be in the range DL.sub.e6D (FIG. 2D).

(43) In the multi-stage cavitation device 16 (FIG. 2), macro vortexes are generated in the fluid flow, by both the twisted plate 26 and cylinder 28, which are accompanied by local pressure decreases to the saturated vapor point of the fluid at the given temperature. When this happens, the proper conditions for the growth of cavitation nuclei in the cavitation bubbles are reached. The formed cavitation bubbles pulse and implode in downstream high-pressure zones.

(44) Stages 24 for generating cavitation is installed in the housing 32. Multi-stage cavitation device 16 can be arranged in the set of cavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) connected between pump 14 and filter unit 18 (or pump 22 when needed) by means of piping 38. A filter module 18 can be installed in the form of a standard cartridge for quick replacement. In the design of the filter module 18, various materials and substances can be used for mechanical or sorption purification of liquids in the form of loose, fibrous materials, flexible or rigid tubes and membranes.

(45) The filter module 18 can work in a dead-end mode, where a contaminated fluid passes through a special pore-sized microfilter or membrane to separate suspended particles from the process liquid, or in a cross-flow mode of filtration, i.e. in the presence of a flow of fluid moving along the membrane surface and jetting the discharge of contaminated liquid.

(46) The micro filter or membrane module 18 may also be installed in a single housing together with a cavitation device 16 to increase the cleaning efficiency of the filter surface, as shown in FIG. 4. The combined cavitation and filter module 30 installed in a single housing 32 consists of a multi-stage cavitation device 16 and a filter element or membrane 40 similar to the filter module 18. To work in dead-end mode, the device 30 has one inlet 34 and one outlet 36. To work in a cross-flow filtration mode the device 30 has one inlet 34 and two outlets: the purified outlet 36 is used for discharge of purified liquid, and the waste outlet 46 is designed to discharge liquid with colloidal particles and chemical impurities out of the device 30 (FIG. 5).

(47) In the housing 32, in the zone of the filter element 40, a cylindrical insert 42 can be mounted, with bulges 44 on its inner surface to provide turbulence of the treated fluid as it flows along the filtering surface (FIGS. 5-6).

(48) The shape of an annular section of bulges 44 for turbulent flow may have an angular or rounded profile, forming the constrictions and the subsequent expansion of the flow section for liquid flow, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. The shape of the annular section of bulges 44 can have a surface profile of a Venturi tube, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, bulges 42 can have an undulating profile as shown in FIG. 9.

(49) In order for the fluid flow to be intense and to generate turbulence and cavitation in the area surrounding the filter element 40, it is necessary that it be similar in flow profile to the flow in the central channel 29. For this, it is necessary that the flow rate in the gap between the protrusions 44 and the outer surface of the filter 40 be such or approaching the magnitude of the velocity in the central channel 29. Since the volume of fluid flow when passing along the filter surface decreases due to passage through the filter element, in order to maintain speed in the gap between the protrusion 44 and the outer surface of the filter 40, it is necessary that the gap between the protrusion 44 and the surface of the filter 40 be reduced. The magnitude of the reduction of the gap and, accordingly, the reduction of the inner diameter of the protrusions D.sub.2 is proportional to the degree of fluid flow through the filter. In order for the flow rate in the gap between the first upstream protrusion 44 and the outer surface of the filter 40 to be equal to the speed in the central channel 29, it is necessary that the areas of the passage section be generally equal. Assuming that the flow volume in the gap after passing through the last protrusion will decrease by 90%, we obtain the ratio of the square of the diameter of the central channel d, to the difference in the square of the inner diameter (D.sub.2) of the annular protrusions 44 and the square of the outer diameter (D.sub.1) of the filter element 40 to be in the range 0.1(D.sub.1.sup.2D.sub.2.sup.2)/d.sup.21.

(50) FIGS. 10-14 illustrate various configurations of twisted plates 26 and cylinder bodies 28. In particular, FIGS. 10 and 10A illustrate a twisted plate 26 having a rotation angle of 180. FIG. 10B illustrates the twisted plate 26 of FIGS. 10 and 10A paired with a cylinder body 28. FIGS. 11 and 11A illustrate a twisted plate 26 having a rotation angle of 225. FIG. 11B illustrates the twisted plate 26 of FIGS. 11 and 11A paired with a cylinder body 28. FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate a twisted plate 26 having a rotation angle of 270. FIG. 12B illustrates the twisted plate 26 of FIGS. 12 and 12A paired with a cylinder body 28. FIGS. 13 and 13A illustrate a twisted plate 26 having a rotation angle of 360. FIG. 13B illustrates the twisted plate 26 of FIGS. 13 and 13A paired with a cylinder body 28. FIG. 14 illustrates the twisted plate 26 of FIGS. 2A-2C paired with a cylinder body 28.

(51) A system 10 for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages of impurities can be made in an industrial version for high performance and a table-top version for use at home. A preferred embodiment of the table-top version of the device 50 for purification and improvement of the quality of alcohol beverages is shown in isometric view in FIG. 15.

(52) The table-top version of the device 50 for purification and improvement of the quality of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages comprises a liquid filling tank 52. The tank 52 preferable has a capacity of 0.2-1.0 gallons in volume. A pump 54 is connected to the tank 52 for transfer of the liquid to be treated to one or more multi-stage cavitation devices 56, with multiple devices preferably connected in series. A filter cartridge 58 is connected to the outlet from the last of the cavitation device 56 to remove microbiological and chemical impurities, as well as solid and colloidal particles from the liquid. The outlet of the filter cartridge 58 is preferably connected back to the tank 52.

(53) The table-top device 50 preferably has an outlet valve 60 to control fluid flow in multiple processing modes, whether to dispense purified liquid, or to rinse and drain washing water from the system. To control the fluid pressure at the outlet of the pump 54, a manometer 62 is provided. The piping system 64 is preferably made of standard fittings and flexible tubes. The operation of the device 50 is controlled through an electronic control system 66 that is operationally connected to pump 54. The table-top device 50 has no analogues for purification and improvement of the quality of drinking water and alcoholic beverages at home.

(54) Looking at FIG. 1, the inventive purification system 10 functions as follows. Fluid to be treated enters the tank 12 and then is transferred by the pump 14 to the cavitation device 16 or the series of cavitation devices 20. The cavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow in each cavitation device 16 pulsate and implode, resulting in heat and mass transfer processes and destruction of contaminants and pathogens. The fluid is then transferred from the cavitation device 16 or the set of cavitation devices 20 to filtration module 18. A secondary pump 22 may be used prior to the filtration module 18 as necessary to increase the fluid pressure through the filtration module 18.

(55) Under the action of cavitation on the fluid, colloids and particles which can contain bacteria and viruses are dissolved. The pathogens are deprived of protection under chemical and physical effects of cavitation. Intense shock waves, cumulative fluid jets during collapse of cavitation bubbles cause the death of bacteria and viruses.

(56) In the filtration module 18, an alcohol beverage is purified to remove microparticles and colloid particles, whose dimensions are larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane. In the filtration module 18, drinking water is purified to remove dead bacteria and viruses, solid particles, and colloidal particles having dimensions larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane.

(57) After cavitation treatment, the particles to be removed generally have an average size smaller than that which existed before cavitation. The microflora does not emit waste products and does not emit substances that contribute to agglomeration of particles on the surface and in the pores of the microfilter membrane, so as to prevent or delay blockage of the membrane. The liquid may circulate from the filter module 18 back into the tank 12 in a closed circuit, where it can then be removed from the purification system 10. Alternatively, the purified liquid may be discharged from the filter module 18 via an outlet pipe.

(58) When the treated fluid flows into the multi-stage cavitation device 16, it passes through the inlet 34 and successively passes through each cavitation generating stage 24 and then be discharged from the multi-stage cavitation device 16 through the outlet 36. At each stage 24, the liquid first flows around the helical plate 26 and then passes through the cylinder 28 with a central channel 29. As the liquid flows relative to the surface of the helical plate 26, the liquid swirls. The swirling flow passes through the central channel 29 of the cylindrical body 28, the channel 29 having a constriction in the form of a nozzle and an expansion in the form of a diffuser or the overall shape of a Venturi tube, in which cavitation is generated. The swirling flow passes through the central channel 29 at a higher a higher velocity than a comparable flow with streamlines parallel to the central axis 31. The high flow velocity in the zone of the channel 29 with a minimum flow area or throat of the Venturi tube causes reduction in the flow pressure to the saturated vapor pressure and the formation of cavitation bubbles that pulsate and collapse when they enter the zone of increased pressure in the diffuser or at the outlet of the Venturi tube.

(59) The collapse of cavitation bubbles produces enough energy for the dissociation of water, alcohol and other molecules followed by the generation of protons, hydroxyl ions, hydroxyl radicals, peroxide and hydrogen molecules. Gas molecules present in these bubbles are excited and affected by multiple energy and charge exchange processes. Oxygen and hydrogen molecules participate in a number of reactions, including the formation of hydroperoxyl radicals.

(60) Alcoholic beverages based on an aqueous solution of alcohol (vodka, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin and others), as well as food ethanol may contain impurities such as Acetaldehyde and/or Acetal, Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils, as Isobutyl, Isoamyl and active Amyl, Non Volatile Matter, Heavy Metals and others. The presence of these impurities in alcohol-containing beverages reduces their flavor and aroma qualities. Cavitation treatment of alcohol beverages and ethanol causes destruction of impurities, decreases the concentration of Acetaldehyde, Acetal, Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils, precipitation of salts of heavy metals, thus helping to improve the organoleptic indicators of alcohol beverages.

(61) When the purification system 10 is in operation, a portion of the cavitation bubbles from the cavitation device 16 is moved by the liquid flow into the filter module 18. The cavitation bubbles come to the surface of the microfilter or membrane and collapse. When cavitation bubbles collide, pressure waves are generated, and cumulative jets are released towards the surface of the microfilter or membrane. Pressure pulsations and cumulative jets destroy contaminants that can be deposited on the surface of the microfilter or membrane.

(62) In a combined cavitation and filter device 30, cavitation bubbles are formed both in the cavitation stages 24 and in the areas of bulges 44 for turbulent flow of the treated liquid as it flows along the filtering surface of the microfilter or membrane 40.

(63) When the fluid flows in the gap between the insert 42 and the filter element 40, the constrictions and expansions caused by the bulges 44 create eddies, which generate hydrodynamic pressure pulsations and cavitation. The subsequent collapse of cavitation bubbles generates pressure waves, and releases cumulative jets towards the surface of the micro filter or membrane.

(64) Pressure pulsations and cumulative streams prevent solid and colloidal particles, molecular associates and molecules of various impurities from forming a contaminant film on the surface of the filter elements. Removing contamination from the surface of the microfilter or membrane can increase the service life and reduce the load on the filter elements. As the surface of the filter element is kept clean, without accumulated contaminations, the filter element operates for a long time at the minimum design pressure. This makes it possible to increase the operating time of the filter element until it needs to be replaced or cleaned.

(65) The combined cavitational and filtering device 30 can operate both in the dead-end mode (FIG. 6) and in the cross-flow mode of filtration (FIG. 5). When working in the dead-end mode, the liquid to be treated is fed into the inlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through the cavitation generation stages 24, is filtered through the filter element 40, and is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36.

(66) When operating in a cross-flow mode, the processed liquid is fed through inlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through the cavitation generating stages 24, is filtered through the filter element 40, and the purified liquid is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36. The liquid with particles, colloidal particles and chemical impurities is discharged from the device through the waste outlet 46. The cross-flow mode is the most efficient operating regime for combined cavitational and filtering device 30, since the flow velocity in the gap between the body and porous septum of the combined device 30 is large, the flow has a developed turbulence and cavitation, which prevents the deposition of contaminants on the surface of the filter element 40.

(67) The inventive purification system 50 functions as follows. An alcoholic beverage is poured into a container 52 and then is transferred by the pump 54 to the series-connected multi-stage cavitation devices 56. The cavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow pulsate and implode resulting in heat and mass transfer processes and destruction of contaminants. The fluid is then transferred from the final multi-stage cavitation device 56 to the filtration cartridge 58. Alternatively, the combined cavitational and filtering device 30, may replace the series connected multi-stage devices 56 and filtration cartridge 58.

(68) In a filtration cartridge 58, a fluid is purified of particles and colloidal particles, whose dimensions are larger than the pores of the microfilter or membrane. After purification in the filter cartridge 58, the fluid may be removed from the tank 52 of the purification system 50 directly through the outlet valve 60. The liquid can also circulate from the filter cartridge 58 back into the tank 52 in a closed circuit and then be removed from the purification system 50 as described.

Example 1

(69) Raw vodka in a volume of 1 liter was poured in the top-table device for purification of alcohol-containing beverages. Vodka was subject to the cavitation treatment and purified through the filter module in the form of a cartridge filled with activated carbon in a cyclic mode for 12 minutes. The pressure at the outlet of the pump was 140 psi, the flow was 2.7 liters per minute. Impurities were determined using FFAP column chromatography.

(70) Table 1 shows that the amount of chemical impurities in vodka decreased by an average of 5%. The harsh smell of vodka dissipated, and its taste became softer.

(71) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Concentration, milligram/liter Impurity Before treatment After treatment Acetaldehyde 1,0632 1,0126 Methyl acetate 0,911 0,847 Ethyl acetate 0,882 0,859 Isopropanol 1,098 1,049

Example 2

(72) Artesian water in the volume of 2 liters was poured in the top-table device for purification of water. The water was cavitated and purified through a filter module in the form of a cartridge filled with activated carbon in a cyclic mode for 20 minutes. The pressure at the pump outlet was 135 psi, the flow was 2.5 liters per minute.

(73) Table 2 shows indicators of artesian water before and after processing in the device for cavitation treatment and water purification.

(74) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Before After Parameter treatment treatment Hydrogen index, pH 7.3 7.9 Solid residual, mg/L 690 320 Water hardness, mg-eq/L 6.8 3.2 Ferrum, mg/L 2.8 0.24 Manganese, mg/L 1.8 0.1 Chlorides, mg/L 115 39.5 Sulfates, mg/L 210 24 Fluorides, mg/L 2.5 0.9

(75) As can be seen from Table 2, the amount of contaminants in artesian water significantly decreased. Hydrogen index is increased due to the cavitation treatment of water, destruction of water molecules and increase in the concentration of transitory components, such as hydrogen ions, hydroxide ions, diatomic hydrogen, and hydrogen peroxide in water. Due to the increase in pH of the fluid during cavitation, hydrogen peroxide rapidly breaks down.

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