Variable flow-through cavitation device

Abstract

A flow-through cavitation device having an elongated housing with an inlet and an outlet. One or more variable multi-jet nozzles are disposed throughout the elongated housing with a working chamber following each variable multi-jet nozzle. Each variable multi-jet nozzle consists of a movable disk fixedly mounted on a central shaft and a stationary disk fixedly mounted on the housing and in contact with the rotating disk. The movable and stationary disks of each variable multi-jet nozzle have through channels. The flow cross-sectional area of the through channels is variable by rotating the movable disk relative to the stationary disk.

Claims

1. A variable flow-through cavitation device, comprising: an elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet defining a flowpath; a rotatable shaft disposed along a central axis of the elongated housing; a variable multi-jet nozzle disposed in the flowpath, wherein the variable multi-jet nozzle comprises a movable disk abutting against a stationary disk, wherein the movable disk is fixedly secured to the rotatable shaft and freely rotatable relative to the elongated housing, wherein the stationary disk is fixedly secured to the elongated housing and the rotatable shaft passes freely through the stationary disk; and a plurality of first channels through the movable disk and a plurality of second channels through the stationary disk that when aligned together form through channels in the variable multi-jet nozzle, wherein an alignment of the plurality of first channels with the plurality of second channels is variable depending upon a degree of rotation of the rotatable shaft, and wherein the through channels in the variable multi-jet nozzle have a complete longitudinal cross-section in the shape of a Venturi tube.

2. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein the variable multi-jet nozzle, the movable disk, and the stationary disk are all oriented perpendicular to the central axis.

3. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels are all oriented generally parallel to the central axis.

4. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein the movable disk has a flat facing surface that abuts against a flat opposing surface of the stationary disk.

5. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein the variable multi-jet nozzle comprises a plurality of variable multi-jet nozzles disposed in the flowpath in a spaced relationship along the central axis and a working chamber after each variable multi-jet nozzle.

6. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first channels has a channel length S1 and each of the plurality of second channels has a channel length S2, wherein a ratio of S2 to S1 is in the range of 1S2/S110.

7. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first channels and each of the plurality of second channels has a lateral cross-section in the shape of an angular sector bounded radially by radial lines R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 (n=1, 3, 5, . . . ) uniformly spaced from the central axis and bounded laterally by angular radii.

8. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 7, wherein the angular radii are semi-circular or acutely angled.

9. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 7, wherein each of the radial lines R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 (n=1, 3, 5, . . . ) bounding the angular sectors has a ratio of radial distances of R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 in the range of 1.1R.sub.n+1/R.sub.n10.

10. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 9, wherein each of the radial lines R.sub.n+1 and R.sub.n+3 (n=1, 3, 5, . . . ) bounding the angular sectors has a ratio of arc lengths of L.sub.n+1 and L.sub.n+3 in the range of 0.5 L.sub.n+1/L.sub.n+35.

11. The variable flow-through cavitation device of claim 7, wherein the number of radial lines R.sub.n and R.sub.n+1 (n=1, 3, 5, . . . ) bounding the angular sectors comprises from one to ten.

12. A variable flow-through cavitation device, comprising: an elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet defining a flowpath; a rotatable shaft disposed along a central axis of the elongated housing; a variable multi-jet nozzle disposed in the flowpath, wherein the variable multi-jet nozzle comprises a movable disk abutting against a stationary disk, wherein the movable disk is fixedly secured to the rotatable shaft and freely rotatable relative to the elongated housing, wherein the stationary disk is fixedly secured to the elongated housing and the rotatable shaft passes freely through the stationary disk; and a plurality of first channels through the movable disk and a plurality of second channels through the stationary disk that when aligned together form through channels in the variable multi-jet nozzle, wherein each of the plurality of first channels has a longitudinal cross-section comprising a converging cone and each of the plurality of second channels has a longitudinal cross-section comprising a diffusing cone, and wherein an alignment of the plurality of first channels with the plurality of second channels is variable depending upon a degree of rotation of the rotatable 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(21) 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.

(22) 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.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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).

(26) 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.

(27) 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 zonesmulti-jet nozzles as well as zones of increased pressure for cavitation bubbles collapse and pulsationworking chambers. The number of stages cavitation bubbles generation zonecavitation 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.

(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) 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 rotationmanual or motorizedof 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.

(31) 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 stationary 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.

(32) 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.

(33) The ratio of the radii determining the size of one row of channels 32, 34 located on the same row can have the ratio 1.1R.sub.n+1/R.sub.n10. 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 0.5L.sub.n+1/L.sub.n+35 (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.

(34) 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/S110.

(35) 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.

(36) 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.

(37) 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.

(38) 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.

(39) 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.

(40) 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.

(41) 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.

(42) 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.

(43) 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.

(44) 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.

(45) 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.

(46) 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+1/R.sub.n 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+1/R.sub.n 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.

(47) 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.

(48) 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.

(49) 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.

(50) 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.

(51) 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.

(52) 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

(53) 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

(54) 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 25 C 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

(55) 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 25 C. 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

(56) 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 25 C. 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.

(57) 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

(58) 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

(59) 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.

(60) 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

(61) 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.

(62) 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,

(63) 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.

(64) 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.

(65) 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.