Abstract: Arrays of closely-spaced holes or cross-grain grooves are formed on the inside surfaces of the staves of a barrel, and/or on an elongated wooden member to greatly increase the amount of end grain wood exposed to the liquid and thereby increase the rate of aging the liquid. The holes and grooves in the staves extend only part-way through the wood in order to maintain the structural integrity of the staves.

Abstract: A rain gutter system including a gutter and at least one internal hanger, wherein the gutter includes a front wall and a back wall interconnected through a bottom and spaced-apart to cooperatively define a water-collecting channel therebetween, the front wall including a lip extending in the direction toward the back wall and a drip edge extending in a direction away from the back wall, the back wall extending upward vertically beyond the height of the front wall, and wherein the at least one hanger is positioned in the channel spaced-apart from the bottom and includes a forward flange extending upwardly from a base for being captured beneath the lip and a rear flange extending upwardly from the base and defining a support surface sloped in a direction toward the drip edge.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater containing TMAH and ammonium nitrogen includes the steps of (a) introducing a first solution which contains ammonium nitrogen but no TMAH into a single reactor with microorganisms comprising nitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria, and denitrifying the first solution by the microorganisms under a dissolved oxygen concentration ranging from 0.1-0.5 mg/L and a pH value of 7-8; (b) when the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state, introducing a second solution which contains ammonium nitrogen and TMAH and has a concentration of TMAH lower than 60 mg/L into the reactor; and (c) gradually increasing the concentration of TMAH in the solution to be added into the reactor for several times whenever the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state. Accordingly, the inhibition of TMAH to the anammox bacteria can be significantly decreased, and both TMAH and the ammonium nitrogen can be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a flow channel that utilizes various principles of fluid dynamics to simplify the processes of preparing a sample prior to in vitro diagnostic analysis. A flow channel wherein flow conditions result in a Reynolds number no greater than about 2000, preferably no greater than about 1000, provides enhanced separation of blood cells from a liquid medium, i.e., serum or plasma.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for releasing treated wastewater into the environment by combining the treated wastewater with a concentrated salty water before discharging the combined water into the environment. The treated wastewater and concentrated salty water may be combined in a ratio that will be less toxic to at least some resident marine life than the treated wastewater alone.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a housing, a lid, a filter element and a positioning cylinder. The lid is provided for covering an opening of the housing. The filter element is disposed in the housing. The positioning cylinder together with the filter element is disposed in the housing and defining a passageway for reception of the filter element. Further, the positioning cylinder includes a plurality of bulging portions disposed about the passageway and each protruding toward a centerline axis of the passageway. The bulging portions of the positioning cylinder have their highest points equally spaced apart from the centerline axis of the passageway.

Abstract: A device and method of using same, wherein the device includes a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam, the collimated light source beam comprising a beam cross-section. The device further includes at least one body defining a first channel in a first plane, the first channel comprising a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the first channel cross-section. Optionally, the body defines a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, wherein the body defines a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A system has been developed to treat ballast water by selectively dissociating target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention involves a type of small-sized pool and PTC heater for liquid heating. The PTC heating component of PTC heater is composed of several heating cores made of PTC ceramic material, completely eliminating fire risk. Meanwhile, PTC heating component external is equipped with at least one layer of insulation and sealing component, which further includes several insulation layers and at least one sealing layer outside the insulation layer, effectively eliminating electricity leakage risk. Two layers of above mentioned insulation and sealing component could meet the insulation requirements specified in IEC standard and UL standard, so it could be used for applications with large power. In addition, the PTC heater has good water route sealing ability, so it could be used for liquid heating in small size pool. The small-sized pool is equipped with PTC heater with several layers of insulation and sealing for liquid heating, safe and reliable.

Abstract: This invention relates to filtration assemblies and methods of installing filtration units in filtration assemblies. Filtration assemblies may include first and second end pieces, at least one filtration unit between the first and second end pieces, and at least one alignment rod arrangement. The alignment rod arrangement may extend between the end pieces and align the filtration units and the end pieces.

Abstract: A filter apparatus capable of releasing air from a filter body, comprising a filter body held by a holder. The filter body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter body is disposed in the holder so as to rotate around an axis of rotation that passes through the fluid inlet. The holder includes a front panel. The front panel comprises engaging portions, for temporarily engaging the fluid outlet at either an air releasing position or at a filtering position, and a fixing means for fixing the filter body at each position. The filter apparatus further includes means for rotating the filter body.

Abstract: A filter assembly, filter element and methods are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter base in which a filter element is mounted. The filter element includes a bypass valve carried by the filter element that operates independent of and free of interaction with the filter base. Methods include providing an entirely new bypass valve for the filter assembly by inserting a filter element including a complete bypass valve into the filter base such that bypass valve structures of the filter base are rendered useless or superfluous.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an improved filter and cleaning processes for same. A rotating cleaning element is actuated by vacuum pressure, and relatively precise controls ensure that all portions of the filter's surface are vacuumed cleaned during cleaning cycles. Longitudinal pressure on the rotating cleaning element is balanced to reduce wear and improve performance.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: A filter apparatus capable of releasing air from a filter body, comprising a filter body held by a holder. The filter body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter body is disposed in the holder so as to rotate around an axis of rotation that passes through the fluid inlet. The holder includes a front panel. The front panel comprises engaging portions, for temporarily engaging the fluid outlet at either an air releasing position or at a filtering position, and a fixing means for fixing the filter body at each position. The filter apparatus further includes means for rotating the filter body.

Abstract: A slurry dividing apparatus is configured to divide a main slurry stream into smaller constituent slurry streams, wherein each stream contains a desired proportion of suspended solids. The dividing apparatus includes a main flow channel and a plurality of branch flow channels extending upward from a flow divider that terminates an upper end of the main flow channel. The main slurry stream enters the main flow channel, at an inlet opening thereof, and is decelerated, by an upward extension and expanding cross-section of the main flow channel, before reaching the flow divider and being divided into the smaller constituent slurry streams flowing within the plurality of branch flow channels. Each of the smaller streams flows up and then over a weir, which extends across an upper portion of each of the branch flow channels, and then down into a corresponding discharge flow channel of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lightweight portable motorized oil filter inspection device comprising a housing, a drive plate having a plurality of gear teeth, an oil filter size adapter mounting adaptable to receive at least one of a plurality of interchangeable oil filter size adapters, at least one drive pin assembly mounting for accepting at least one adjustable drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents, a cutting blade assembly and a means to rotate the drive plate. The drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents enables precise alignment of at least one drive pin with at least one of the oil flow apertures of an oil filter canister. The drive plate is directly driven by a motor drive gear having a plurality of compatible gear drive teeth, mounted on an electric motor shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A concentrator of particles dissolved or suspended in a liquid includes a top surface having a hole array therethrough and a bottom surface fused to the top surface to define an intermediate volume accessed only through the hole array. A concentrator of particles dissolved or suspended in a liquid is also provided that has an inner channel and an exterior surface and a tube having a hole array providing liquid communication between the inner channel and the exterior surface. A liquid-impermeable sheath surrounds the hole array and forms a seal to the exterior surface to define a volume between said sheath and the exterior surface. A process for concentrating particles from a liquid with these concentrators is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing DMF for sucralose production, including, e.g., isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol, using a single-tower rectification system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the composition, after the removal of water and methanol, may be further dried/dehydrated, such as, by using a dehydration agent and/or filtration. The resulting substantially pure DMF may comprise at least about 98-99% DMF. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a composition comprising anhydrous sucrose for sucralose production, which may comprise mixing regular sucrose with a water-containing DMF composition, and drying the resulting sucrose-DMF composition. Also provided is a single-tower separation system for isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol.

Abstract: There is described a water disinfection apparatus comprising a channel for defining a flow of water, and plural ultraviolet light sources, each comprising an elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis; and a microwave unit comprising a microwave energy source for exciting the at least one ultraviolet bulb. In use, at least part of the elongate lamp unit encounters the flow of water.

Abstract: The utilization of electrical potential and currents, as well as magnetic fields and mixed-phase reactions to effect efficient separation of platelets from blood without initiating platelet activation.

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cylindrical casing (12) is disclosed which is of glass reinforced plastic and has an end cap at each end thereof. In the drawing the illustrated end cap is designated 42.2. Each end cap has at least one opening (52) therein through which water can flow. The illustrated end cap 42.2 is held in place by a mounting ring (28) embedded in the wall of the casing and encircling the casing internally. An internal groove (32) extends circumferentially of the mounting ring (28). A first locking ring (34) having a peripherally extending external rib (36) is within the ring 28. The rib (36) is in the groove (32). A second locking ring (38) fits into the locking ring (34) to expand it outwardly and press the rib (36) into the groove (32). Stud holes (40) in the end cap (42.2) and in the locking ring (38), receive studs (44) which secure the locking ring (38) to the end cap (42.2).

Abstract: A system and method is provided which includes using a liquid treatment apparatus, which is equipped with cyclonettes, for example, to subject a liquid medium processing stream in an alcohol production process to hydraulic cavitation, i.e., to shear under vacuum, at one or more locations. The liquid treatment apparatus, in one embodiment, is directed to the formation of a central axial jet and a vacuum chamber that can be sealed by the exiting jet. Cavitation is generated by directing a high velocity jet of liquid medium processing stream through a volume of vapor under a vacuum created in the chamber through which the jet travels. This can reduce the production cost of alcohol, such as ethanol, by improving alcohol yield per bushel, among other benefits. In one embodiment, the alcohol production process is a dry grind process, a modified dry grind process, or a wet mill process. In one embodiment the alcohol production process utilizes grain as a starting material.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A spin-on filter cartridge (20) comprising a cannister (21), a filter element (22), and an adaptor-mounting plate (24) positioned within the cannister (21) between its open end and the filter element (22). The adaptor-mounting plate (24) has a scooped-ramped inner perimeter that allows non-threaded engagement with an adaptor (60). To install the filter cartridge (20) onto a threaded mounting stud (61), the cartridge (20) is rotated (e.g., “spun”) relative to the stud (61).

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating particles using ultrasonic standing waves which are switched between two different frequencies. A second order harmonic standing wave is used together with the fundamental standing wave. If the particles are exposed to the fundamental standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the centre. If the particles are exposed to the second order harmonic standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the two pressure nodes at the sides. By switching the frequency between the second order harmonic standing wave and the fundamental standing wave, particles with different properties will be exposed to different accelerations and are separated into two streams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical lock for securing one or more filters within a filtration device and methods for producing the mechanical lock. The use of an interference fit punch causes a portion of the inner surface of the wall to be skived and rolled along the wall until it reaches the desired location where it forms a mechanical crimp to retain the one or more filters within the device. In one embodiment, the inner surface has an inwardly taper. In the other, it has straight walls or outwardly tapered walls. The use of a gasket such as an O-ring on top of the filter before the wall is skived provides a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: There is described a water disinfection apparatus comprising a channel for defining a flow of water, and plural ultraviolet light sources, each comprising an elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis; and a microwave unit comprising a microwave energy source for exciting the at least one ultraviolet bulb. In use, at least part of the elongate lamp unit encounters the flow of water.

Abstract: A method for processing flue gas scrubber material flows. The flue gas is scrubbed with a calcium-based absorbent containing washing fluid for absorbing sulphur oxides from the flue gases, and the formed gypsum slurry is directed from the flue gas scrubber to the separator. At the separating point of the separator, gypsum is separated from the washing fluid and the gypsum and washing fluid are taken out of the separator as separate material flows. From the flue gas scrubber the washing fluid is directed to a tank located before the separating point of the separator or after the separating point of the separator, in which tank foam is separated from the washing fluid as its own phase and taken out of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid filter system has a manifold having a fluid inlet with an inlet stop and a fluid outlet with an outlet stop and a cartridge seat. A cartridge is separable from the manifold and adapted to mount and dismount in the manifold. The cartridge has a filter housing containing a filter for filtering fluid, and an integral closure member having a first level and a second level. A radial inlet port is on a face of the first level of the closure member and an axial outlet port is on top of the second level of the closure member. A first boss on the closure member opens the inlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. A second boss on the closure member is disposed to open the outlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. The bosses engage the stops sequentially.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a filter layer and a method using the same are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a cylindrical tube made of a transparent material; a screw installed at a central portion in the cylindrical tube, to be rotated for shifting a sample from the lower part to the upper part of the cylindrical tube, and a rotary operating unit fixed to the upper end of the screw for rotating the screw, wherein the cylindrical tube is provided with a scale formed on its outer circumference and a protective cap combined with the lower end for smoothly excavating the filter layer and preventing the damage of the cylindrical tube. The apparatus further lower case a fixed supporter on the upper end of the screw and a supporting hand lever protruding from one side of the fixed supporter to be pressed by a worker with force required for excavation.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42–48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing sanitation in a kitchen equipped with an oil/grease separator includes a barrier made of two vertical portions connected by a horizontal portion to bound a volume between the oil/grease separator and a kitchen wall and prevent the ingress of debris. The vertical portions have lower flanges for affixation to a floor, edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the wall, and horizontal ears at upper ends. The horizontal portion has downward edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the kitchen wall and is readily cut to a length for the oil/grease separator.

Abstract: A fluid filter system has a manifold having a fluid inlet with an inlet stop and a fluid outlet with an outlet stop and a cartridge seat. A cartridge is separable from the manifold and adapted to mount and dismount in the manifold. The cartridge has a filter housing containing a filter for filtering fluid, and an integral closure member having a first level and a second level. A radial inlet port is on a face of the first level of the closure member and an axial outlet port is on top of the second level of the closure member. A first boss on the closure member opens the inlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. A second boss on the closure member is disposed to open the outlet stop when the cartridge is mounted in the manifold. The bosses engage the stops sequentially.

Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.

Abstract: A system for recapturing electrical energy from a waste stream is disclosed. Further, features of the invention can be used to reduce the energy required for waste stream processing. Various energy sources are identified within the waste stream, and source-specific modules are provided for converting the various sources into electrical energy.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a filter element that is adapted to filter fluid. The filter element defines a center post cavity constructed and arranged to receive a center post. The filter element has a first end and a second end. A first end plate is attached to the first end of the filter element. The first end plate defines a first end plate opening. A second end plate is attached to the second end of the filter element. The second end plate defines a second end plate opening. A seal is positioned in the second end plate opening to seal around the center post. A floating seal assembly is received in the first end plate opening to seal around the center post. The floating seal assembly includes a gasket and a gasket retainer. The gasket retainer retains the gasket against the first end plate to seal around the center post.

Abstract: Ozone gas having a high ozone concentration is generated by a solid electrolyte electrolytic process. An ozone solution is prepared by injecting the ozone gas into an acidic solution of pH 6 or below. The ozone solution heated at a temperature in the range of 50° to 90° C. is supplied to a contaminated object to oxidize and dissolve a chromium oxide film by an oxidizing dissolving process. The ozone solution used in the oxidizing dissolving process is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to decompose ozone contained in the ozone solution, the ozone solution is passed through an ion-exchange resin to remove ions contained in the ozone solution. An oxalic acid solution is supplied to the contaminated object to dissolve an iron oxide film by a reductive dissolving process.

Abstract: A novel open tube with a zwitterionic betaine polymer layer can be prepared by initiated grafting polymerization. This open tube can be used for separating inorganic anions, peptides and proteins. A capillary electrophoresis method and a capillary chromatography method use the novel open tube. There are methods for manufacturing the novel open tube.

Abstract: A method of purifying waste water biologically by using three particularly suitable bacteria: Bacillus sp. DT-1, Pseudomonas azelaica, DT-2, and/or Rhizobus sp. DT-5, or mixed populations thereof. The invention further relates to the bacteria and the mixed populations and use thereof in purifying waste water. The invention further relates to a bioreactor including the bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for the ultrasonic destruction of microbiological contamination of fluids. The process involves subjecting contaminated fluids to ultrasonic vibration so as to cause cavitation within the fluids. The cavitation results in the destruction of microbial cells and mats of microbial colonies. To create cavitation in the fluids a number of piezoelectric ceramic rings surround a metal tube through which the fluids flows. Those piezoelectric rings are immersed in a transmission medium which is pressurized sufficiently to prevent cavitation occurring in it and causing damage to the piezoelectric rings electrodes. This process is applicable to many liquids such as fuels, lubricating fluids, potable and marine ballast waters, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, liquid food products and beverages.

Abstract: A treatment system is provided for liquefied livestock waste contained in a slurry pit of a livestock confinement building or lagoon. Waste slurry is pumped through a sonication chamber where it is treated with ultrasound and energy density. The configuration of sonicator probes, the duration of treatment, and the sonication chamber design subject the animal waster therein to maximum sonic cavitation. The treatment should be such that the particle size of the waste is sufficiently reduced to suspend or dissolve the particles permanently, which greatly enhances the speed of biodegradation. Where the pits are under confinement buildings, the waste slurry may be recycled after treatment back into the slurry pit. In other cases, the waste slurry may be treated and then passed to a transient storage tank for trapping methane, and then to a lagoon, or passed directly to a lagoon.

Abstract: Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic outlet channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an inlet channel. The inlet channel and each outlet channel are disposed within different layers of a three-dimensional device. Each channel is defined through the entire thickness of a stencil layer. A multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through the outlet channels.

Abstract: A machine that produces Carbon Dioxide Gas for horticultural use is described. The machine produces CO2 gas by accurately controlling a chemical reaction between an acid and a base. The chemicals involved are Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) and Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric swimming pool acid). The machine comprises a plastic container, a peristaltic pump, a submersible mixing pump and an output filter. The peristaltic pump draws acid and pushes the acid into the plastic container through acid resistant tubing. The acid exits the tubing directly into the flow of water mixed with Sodium Bicarbonate created by a submersible mixing pump mounted inside the plastic container. The acid/base mixture combines to produce CO2 gas and salt water. The gas builds inside the plastic container and then exits via another tube. This tube terminates with an acid filter, which scrubs away any stray acid fumes allowing only clean CO2 gas to exit.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device, particularly useful for ultraviolet radiation treatment of fluids such as water. The device comprises a housing for receiving a flow of fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and at least one radiation source having a longitudinal axis disposed in the fluid treatment zone substantially transverse to a direction of the flow of fluid through the housing. The fluid inlet, the fluid outlet and the fluid treatment zone are arranged substantially collinearly with respect to one another. The fluid inlet has a first opening having: (i) a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the fluid treatment zone, and (ii) a largest diameter substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one radiation source assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for the ultrasonic destruction of microbiological contamination of fluids. The process involves subjecting contaminated fluids to ultrasonic vibration so as to cause cavitation within the fluids. The cavitation results in the destruction of microbial cells and mats of microbial colonies. To create cavitation in the fluids a number of piezoelectric ceramic rings surround a metal tube through which the fluids flows. Those piezoelectric rings are immersed in a transmission medium which is pressurized sufficiently to prevent cavitation occurring in it and causing damage to the piezoelectric rings electrodes. This process is applicable to many liquids such as fuels, lubricating fluids, potable and marine ballast waters, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, liquid food products and beverages.