Fluid flow sonic energy reactor

Abstract

Abstract A sonic energy reactor for handling a stream of fluid consists of a horn having a length of an integral number of 1/2 wavelengths, said horn having a sonic input and a sonic output for longitudinal vibration. About a nodal region of the horn is an external, integral mounting flange. Associated with the horn is a fitting having at least three pipe stubs extending from a fitting body with the stub interiors communicating with a chamber within the fitting body for fluid flow between stubs. At least one of the stubs is sufficiently large to permit the horn portion between the horn output end and the mounting flange to be inserted into said one stub interior, the relative dimensions being such that the free end of such horn constituting the sonic energy output end reaches a desired location in the chamber in the fitting body interior. The free end of said one pipe stub is shaped to cooperate with the horn mounting flange and additional parts for providing a detachable coupling between the horn and fitting. This detachable coupling includes among other things a gasket of sonic energy insulating means such as rubber for inhibiting the escape of sonic energy from the horn to the fitting and to contain the fluid. Sonic energy discharged at the output end of the horn is effective to act upon material flowing past the horn portion for sonic energy irradiation. The remaining stubs of the fitting are adapted to function as fluid flow inlets and outlets and if sufficient stubs are available, may accommodate additional horns for irradiation. All stubs are detachably coupled to fluid feed pipes or one or more ultra-sonic horns. Such a construction permits ready assembly and/or disassembly of all components constituting the reactor and horn assembly permitting cleaning, sterilization and visual examination for observing the amount of physical wear of said horn output end. By controlling the relative dimensions of a fitting pipe stub and horn, the relative disposition of the output end of a horn within a fitting chamber may be controlled for the purpose of subjecting fluid particles to compression, tension and/or shear, the latter depending upon the relative shapes of the surfaces of horn and fitting interiors. By selecting appropriate materials, usually metals such as stainless steel, titanium and utilizing standardized and accepted fittings available in the market, a sonic energy reaction device may be available for use in food treatment processes, cosmetics, drugs, corrosive chemicals and various other fields where standard or special fittings are available.

Inventors

• 👤 M Supitilov

Bibliographic Details