Claims
- 1. A method for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids such as waste water, comprising the steps of:
positioning at least one vibratable element within a liquid conduit; introducing a treatment additive into a contaminated liquid upstream of the vibratable element; and directing the liquid through the conduit, whereby the flow of the liquid in proximity to the at least one vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive.
- 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is pressurized.
- 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a cylinder.
- 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the vibratable element comprises a coiled helix disposed within the cylinder.
- 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the coiled helix comprises a metal spring.
- 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning step includes positioning the at least one vibratable element within the conduit such that the outer periphery of the at least one vibratable element is in close proximity to an inner wall of the conduit such that the liquid is forced to flow around the at least one vibratable element.
- 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the introducing step comprises introducing a liquid, gaseous, or solid chemical additive to the liquid stream.
- 8. A method for electrolyzing a contaminated liquid, comprising the steps of:
positioning at least one electrically conductive and vibratable element within a liquid conduit having at least a portion thereof which is electrically conductive; electrically charging the conduit and the at least one vibratable element; and directing the liquid through the conduit, whereby the flow of the liquid in proximity to the at least one element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid and also causes the at least one vibratable element to vibrate and prevent fouling of the at least one vibratable element.
- 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid is pressurized.
- 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the positioning step includes positioning the at least one vibratable element within the conduit such that the outer periphery of the at least one vibratable element is in close proximity to an inner wall of the conduit such that the liquid is forced to flow around the at least one vibratable element.
- 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the conduit comprises a cylinder.
- 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the vibratable element comprises a helix coil disposed within the cylinder.
- 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the coil comprises a metal spring.
- 14. A method for electrolyzing a contaminated liquid, comprising the steps of:
positioning a coiled spring comprised of an electrically conductive material within a cylindrical liquid conduit having at least a portion thereof which is electrically conductive such that the outer periphery of the spring is closely spaced to an inner surface of the conduit; electrically charging the conduit and the spring; pressurizing the liquid; and directing the liquid into an inlet of the conduit, whereby the flow of the liquid through the conduit and in proximity to the spring causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid and also causes the spring to vibrate and prevent fouling thereof.
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 10/180,216 filed Jun. 25, 2002 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/300,768, filed Jun. 25, 2001.