Method for stabilizing bubbles within a cavitation chamber

Abstract

A method for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. At least one impeller is located within the cavitation chamber. By rotating the impeller, bubbles within the cavitation chamber are stabilized at a location near, or along, the impeller's axis of rotation. Preferably the axis of rotation is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to cavitating the bubbles within the cavitation chamber. In the latter scenario, the impeller can be stopped, and if desired locked, at a specific rotational position, thus minimizing possible interference between the impeller and the source of the cavitation energy.

1 . A method of stabilizing bubbles within a cavitation chamber, the method comprising the steps of: 
 rotating at least one impeller located within the cavitation chamber, wherein cavitation fluid within the cavitation chamber rotates in response to said impeller rotating step; and    cavitating said bubbles within said cavitation fluid within the cavitation chamber.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of positioning an axis of rotation corresponding to said at least one impeller within a horizontal plane.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said rotating step is stopped prior to performing said cavitating step.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said rotating step is performed continuously during said cavitating step.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , said rotating step further comprising the steps of: 
 ceasing said rotating step; and    positioning said impeller into a first position prior to initiating cavitation within the cavitation chamber.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of determining said first position on the basis of minimizing interference between said impeller and a source of cavitation energy.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , said rotating step further comprising the steps of: 
 ceasing said rotating step; and    locking said impeller into a first position prior to initiating cavitation within the cavitation chamber.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of determining said first position on the basis of minimizing interference between said impeller and a source of cavitation energy.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , said rotating step further comprising the steps of: 
 ceasing said rotating step; and    positioning said impeller into a first position after initiating cavitation within the cavitation chamber.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of determining said first position on the basis of minimizing interference between said impeller and a source of cavitation energy.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said rotating step is performed for a period of time prior to performing said cavitating step, said period of time sufficient to axially position said bubbles along an axis of rotation corresponding to said impeller.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said rotating step is performed for a period of time prior to performing said cavitating step, said period of time sufficient to pull said bubbles away from an inner wall of the cavitation chamber.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said rotating step comprises the steps of: 
 driving a first impeller with a first motor;    driving a second impeller with a second motor; and    coaxially aligning a first axis of rotation corresponding to said first impeller with a second axis of rotation corresponding to said second impeller.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of synchronizing rotation of said first impeller with rotation of said second impeller.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of degassing said cavitation fluid prior to performing said cavitating step.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said degassing step degasses air from said cavitation fluid.  
   
   
       17 . A method of stabilizing bubbles within a cavitation chamber, the method comprising the steps of: 
 locating an impeller within the cavitation chamber;    positioning an axis of rotation corresponding to said impeller within a substantially horizontal plane;    rotating said impeller located within the cavitation chamber, wherein cavitation fluid within the cavitation chamber rotates in response to said impeller rotating step; and    cavitating said bubbles within said cavitation fluid within the cavitation chamber.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said rotating step is stopped prior to performing said cavitating step.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said rotating step is performed continuously during said cavitating step.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of degassing said cavitation fluid prior to performing said cavitating step.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said degassing step degasses air from said cavitation fluid.