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AssigneeHer Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
InventorsRandall D. Haggett, Kenneth J. KarisAllen, Guerorgui A. Hranov
Estimating the term…
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.
An apparatus for the ultrasonic treatment of a microbiology contaminated liquid comprising, a module having a treatment container and an ultrasonic generating means for subjecting ultrasonic vibrations on liquid in the container whereby contaminated liquid in the container subjected to the ultrasonic vibrations result in cavitation in that liquid and the destruction of microorganisms contained therein, the ultrasonic generating means being located outside of the container and submerged in a transmission fluid which contacts an outside surface of the container and the apparatus having a pressurization means for the transmission fluid in order to pressurize the transmission fluid and prevent cavitation occurring at areas surrounding the ultrasonic generating means.
An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein an equal number of modules are provided on each side of a central support structure.
An apparatus for the ultrasonic treatment of a microbiology contaminated liquid comprising, a module having a treatment container and an ultrasonic vibration generator for subjecting liquid in the container to ultrasonic vibrations in a frequency range of 22 kHz to 40 kHz whereby contaminated liquid in the container subjected to the ultrasonic vibrations results in cavitation in the liquid and the destruction of microorganisms contained therein, the ultrasonic vibration generator being located outside of the treatment container and submerged in a transmission fluid which contacts the outside of the container, the fluid being pressurized to prevent cavitation occurring at areas surrounding the ultrasonic vibration generator and filling a chamber that surrounds areas around the treatment container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.