System and method for dissolving gases in fluids and for delivery of dissolved gases
Marty D. Matlock, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Gregory S. Osborn, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is described for dissolving a gas in a fluid comprising: (a) a dissolution tank comprising (i) a pressure vessel for containing the fluid and providing a regulated gas head space above the fluid, (ii) at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of the fluid into the pressure vessel under conditions effective to dissolve the gas in the fluid, and (iii) an outlet that permits passage of the fluid out of the pressure vessel; (b) means for passing the fluid into the dissolution tank in communication with the at least one liquid spray nozzle; (c) a gas source in communication with the dissolution tank; and (d) a discharge device external the dissolution tank in communication with the outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice through which fluid from the dissolution tank can be released into the liquid external the discharge device. A method of dissolving a gas in a liquid comprising: (a) pressurizing an enclosed vessel with the gas; (b) spraying a fluid into the vessel containing the gas under conditions effective to dissolve the gas in the fluid; (c) passing the fluid containing dissolved gas from the vessel into a discharge device provided with at least one orifice, which device is immersed in a target liquid; and (d) discharging the fluid containing dissolved gas into the target liquid under conditions effective to control fluid mixing is also disclosed . Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone while the preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.