Abstract A radioactive apparatus is provided for the sterilization and treatment of liquids and especially for the sterilization and treatment of liquid waste such as sewage and industrial waste by the use of gamma radiation sources. A spiraling input chamber spirals around a center chamber having an elongated core member with a helical pipe forming a helix or coil around said hollow member in the center chamber. Liquid waste being received by the apparatus passes through the spiraling chamber into the center chamber, into and through the elongated hollow member and then through the helical pipe to an output. Gamma radiation sources are located around the helical pipe in such a manner as to provide an efficient use of the radiation sources.
The apparatus according to claim 1 in which a second said passageway is connected to said center core passageway at one end portion thereof and to said output means and forming a helix around said center core.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 in which a third passageway is connected to said center core passageway and to said input means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 in which said radiation sources form two circular parallel rows around said center core, one said row being located on the outside of the helix formed from said second helical passageway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 in which said center core passageway has baffles means located therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 5, in which said third passageway has baffles therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 6 in which the baffles in said center core passageway have plate baffles with openings passing therethrough alternating with solid plate baffles, said baffles being fixedly attached to said center core and to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 7 in which said radiation sources are elongated cylindrically shaped.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 8 in which said gamma radiation sources are cobalt 60.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 9, in which said third passageway is a spiralling helical pipe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 10, in which said radiation sources are contained in radiation-holding means adapted to be hung on said second helical passageway.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus according to claim 10, in which said radiation sources are contained in holding means attached to said center member and to the wall of said center chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 7, in which said gamma radiation sources are cesium 137.