System and method for dissolving gases in fluids and for delivery of dissolved gases
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, comprising:
- (a) a dissolution tank which includes;
(i) a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid,(ii) at least one inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space so as to dissolve gas contained in the head space in the untreated fluid, and(iii) an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the pressure vessel;
(b) a fluid supply system configured to provide the untreated fluid from a fluid source to the at least one inlet of the dissolution tank;
(c) a gas supply system configured to transport the at least one gas from a gas source to the head space contained with the pressure vessel; and
(d) a discharge device external to the dissolution tank, in communication with the outlet, and immersed in a target liquid, the discharge device positioned inside an entrainment tube having a first open end and a second open end, the discharge device configured to pass the treated fluid from the dissolution tank into the target liquid.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for facilitating dissolution of one or more gases into a liquid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. An apparatus of the present invention includes a dissolution tank that includes a pressure vessel, at least one liquid spray nozzle, and a fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a gas source, an element for passing fluid into the pressure vessel, and a discharge device connected to the fluid outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice. Preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.
71 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, comprising:
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(a) a dissolution tank which includes; (i) a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid, (ii) at least one inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space so as to dissolve gas contained in the head space in the untreated fluid, and (iii) an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the pressure vessel; (b) a fluid supply system configured to provide the untreated fluid from a fluid source to the at least one inlet of the dissolution tank; (c) a gas supply system configured to transport the at least one gas from a gas source to the head space contained with the pressure vessel; and (d) a discharge device external to the dissolution tank, in communication with the outlet, and immersed in a target liquid, the discharge device positioned inside an entrainment tube having a first open end and a second open end, the discharge device configured to pass the treated fluid from the dissolution tank into the target liquid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising:
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(a) providing a dissolution tank which includes; (i) a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid, (ii) at least one inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space to dissolve gas contained in the head space in the untreated fluid, and (iii) an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the pressure vessel; (b) supplying the untreated fluid from a fluid source to the at least one inlet of the dissolution tank; (c) supplying the at least one gas from a gas source to the head space contained in the pressure vessel; (d) discharging the treated fluid from the outlet of the dissolution tank to a discharge device, the discharge device being immersed in a target liquid, the discharge device being positioned inside an entrainment tube having a first open end and a second open end; and (e) supplying the treated fluid from the discharge device to the target fluid for mixing therewith. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising:
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(a) providing a dissolution tank which includes; (i) a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid, (ii) at least one inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space to dissolve gas contained in the head space in the untreated fluid, and (iii) an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the pressure vessel; (b) supplying the untreated fluid from a fluid source to the at least one inlet of the dissolution tank; (c) supplying the at least one gas from a gas source to the head space contained in the pressure vessel, wherein the at least one gas enters the vessel at or near ambient pressure and is pressurized via injection of untreated fluid into the pressure vessel until a desired higher pressure is attained within the pressure vessel; (d) discharging the treated fluid from the outlet of the dissolution tank to a discharge device, the discharge device being immersed in a target liquid; and (e) supplying the treated fluid from the discharge device to the target fluid for mixing therewith.
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Specification