System and method for dissolving gases in liquids
First Claim
1. An apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising:
- (a) a saturation tank comprising (i) a pressure vessel for containing the liquid and providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, (ii) at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of liquid into the pressure vessel, and (iii) an outlet for the liquid;
(b) liquid pumping means in fluid communication with the at least one liquid spray nozzle;
(c) a source of the gas in communication with the regulated gas head space of the saturation tank; and
(d) a chamber external the saturation tank and connected thereto via the liquid outlet, which chamber is provided with a plurality of orifices through which liquid containing dissolved gas from the saturation tank can be released into a region external the chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for dissolving a gas into a liquid comprises a saturation tank, a high pressure liquid pump in fluid communication with the tank, and a pressurized gas source in communication with a regulated gas head space of the saturation tank. The saturation tank comprises a pressure vessel for containing the liquid and has a regulated gas head space above the liquid, contains at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of liquid into the pressure vessel, and an outlet for the liquid containing dissolved gas. Upon passing the gas-containing liquid into a second fluid, the gas is released in the form of microbubbles. The microbubbles aid in flocculation of suspended particles and promote dissolution of the gas in the second fluid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. Anticipated uses include treatment of rivers, streams, and ponds in natural or industrial settings, as well as smaller scale applications.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising:
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(a) a saturation tank comprising (i) a pressure vessel for containing the liquid and providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, (ii) at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of liquid into the pressure vessel, and (iii) an outlet for the liquid;
(b) liquid pumping means in fluid communication with the at least one liquid spray nozzle;
(c) a source of the gas in communication with the regulated gas head space of the saturation tank; and
(d) a chamber external the saturation tank and connected thereto via the liquid outlet, which chamber is provided with a plurality of orifices through which liquid containing dissolved gas from the saturation tank can be released into a region external the chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising:
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(a) pressurizing an enclosed vessel with the gas;
(b) spraying a first portion of the liquid into the vessel containing the gas under conditions effective to dissolve the gas in the liquid;
(c) passing the first portion of liquid containing dissolved gas from the vessel into a chamber that is provided with a plurality of orifices and which is immersed in a second portion of the liquid; and
(d) discharging the first liquid portion containing dissolved gas through the chamber orifices into the second liquid portion. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification