Apparatus, systems and methods for mass transfer of gases into liquids

A carbonator for mass transfer of carbon dioxide into water, comprising:

• a. a tank that defines a chamber for receiving the carbon dioxide;
• and
• b. at least one surface provided within the chamber, each surface having an inner region, an outer region and an edge adjacent the outer region;
• c. wherein each surface is configured to receive the water at the inner region and rotate such that the water flows on the surface from the inner region to the outer region, and, upon reaching the edge of the surface, separates to form water particles that move outwardly through the carbon dioxide in the chamber;
• d. and wherein the water particles are sized so that the carbon dioxide is absorbed by the water particles to produce a carbonated water saturated with the carbon dioxide during a brief flight time of the water particles through the chamber.

A method for mass transfer of a gas into a liquid, comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a chamber having the gas therein;
• b. providing at least one surface within the chamber, each surface having an inner region, an outer region and an edge adjacent the outer region;
• c. providing a liquid to the inner region of each surface;
• and
• d. rotating the surface at an angular velocity selected such that the liquid will move from the inner region to the outer region, and, upon reaching the edge, separates from the at least one surface to form at least one liquid particle that moves outwardly through the gas;
• e. wherein the liquid particles are sized so that the gas is absorbed by the liquid particles to produce a mixed liquid saturated with the gas during a brief flight time of the liquid particles through the chamber.