Conceptual design of a novel hydrodynamic cavitation reactor

Discrete-Impulse Energy Supply in Milk and Dairy Product Processing

The efficient use of supplied energy is the basis of the discrete-impulse energy supply (DIES) concept. In order to explore the possibility of using DIES to intensify the hydromechanical processes, the emulsification of milk fat (homogenization of milk, preparation of spreads) and, in particular, the processing of cream cheese masses, were studied. Whole non-homogenized milk, fat emulsions, and cream cheese mass were the object of investigation. To evaluate the efficiency of milk homogenization, the homogenization coefficient change was studied, which was determined by using the centrifugation method, as it is the most affordable and accurate one. To provide the proper dispersion of the milk emulsion, six treatment cycles must be carried out under the developed cavitation mode in a static-type apparatus, here resulting in a light grain-like consistency, and exhibiting the smell of pasteurized milk. The emulsions were evaluated according to the degree of destabilization, resistance and dispersion of the fat phase. On the basis of the obtained data with respect to the regularities of fat dispersion forming in the rotor-type apparatus, the proper parameters required to obtain technologically stable fat emulsion spreads, possessing a dispersion and stability similar to those of plain milk creams, were determined. It was determined that under the DIES, an active dynamic effect on the milk globules takes place. The rheological characteristics of cheese masses were evaluated on the basis of the effective change in viscosity. The effect of the mechanical treatment on the structure of the cheese masses was determined.

Second Life Application of Automotive Catalysts: Hydrodynamic Cavitation Recovery and Photo Water Splitting

A hydrodynamic cavitation method was used to maximize the effect of destructuration of a honeycomb monolithic support of a spent Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) catalyst—V2O5-WO3/TiO2-type—for extracting crystalline titanium and tungsten oxides from the cordierite surface. A high relative inlet pressure of 40 MPa was applied to a divergent nozzle for obtaining high shear stresses of the submerged cavitating jets and intensive micro- and nano-jets and shock waves acting on the particle surface of the milled catalyst. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated the compact morphology of the thin metal oxide layer at the surface of the cordierite support and the high content of Ti and W elements in the sample. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) performed along with TEM investigations on different nano-zones from the sample established the elemental composition of WO3-TiO2 agglomerates separated after hydrodynamic cavitation processing and identified as independent nanocrystalline structures through Bright Field Transmission Electron Microscopy (BF-TEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) measurements. The tetragonal anatase phase of TiO2 and cubic phase of WO3 were established by both interplanar d spacing measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. The photoelectrochemical results showed the possible second life application of automotive catalysts.

A critical review of the current technologies in wastewater treatment plants by using hydrodynamic cavitation process: principles and applications

In the last decade, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) was increasingly used in the field of wastewater treatment. Due to its oxidative capability, HC was applied to treat aqueous effluents polluted by organic, toxic and bio-refractory contaminants, whereas its mechanical and chemical effects have allowed to disintegrate cells of microorganisms in biological applications. Due to their geometries, HC can be detected in some reactors, in which a variation of hydraulic parameters in the fluid such as flow pressure and flow velocity is induced. HC process involves the formation, growth, implosion and subsequent collapse of cavities, occurring in a very short period of time and releasing large magnitudes of power. In this paper, the vast literature on HC is critically reviewed, focusing on the basic principles behind it, in terms of process definition and analysis of governing mechanisms of both HC generation and pollutants degradation. The influence of various parameters on HC effectiveness was assessed, considering fluid properties, construction features of HC devices and technological aspects of processes. The synergetic effect of HC combined with chemicals or other techniques was discussed. An overview of the main devices used for HC generation and different existing methods to evaluate the cavitation effectiveness was provided. Knowledge buildup and optimization for such complex systems from mathematical modeling was highlighted.

Intensification of diesel oxidative desulfurization via hydrodynamic cavitation

A Hydrodynamic Cavitation Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization (HCAOD) process was applied for treatment of diesel fuel feedstock using hydrogen peroxide and formic acid as the oxidant and catalyst, respectively. Investigation on the effect of main process variables including pressure drop (3-6 bar), time of treatment (10-30 min) and formic acid to oxidant molar ratio (n_A/n_O) (1-5), was performed through applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design. Single and interactive effects of the parameters were recognized. A remarkable 95% extent of desulfurization at optimum conditions with HC pressure drop of 4.2 bar, acid to oxidant ratio (n_A/n_O) of 3.2 at 29 min was achieved. The results were also compared to an oxidation system without the aid of hydrodynamic cavitation. Accordingly, HCAOD can be considered as a promising treatment scheme for intensification of diesel oxidative desulfurization.

Effect of ultrasound on dynamics characteristic of the cavitation bubble in grinding fluids during honing process

The effect of ultrasound on generating and controlling the cavitation bubble of the grinding fluid during ultrasonic vibration honing was investigated. The grinding fluid on the surface of the honing stone was measured by utilizing the digital microscope VHX-600ESO. Based on analyzing the cavitation mechanism of the grinding fluid, the bubble dynamics model under conventional honing (CH) and ultrasonic vibration honing (UVH) was established respectively. Difference of dynamic behaviors of the bubble between the cases in UVH and CH was compared respectively, and the effects of acoustic amplitude and ultrasonic frequency on the bubble dynamics were simulated numerically using the Runge-Kutta fourth order method with variable step size adaptive control. Finally, the cavitation intensity of grinding fluids under ultrasound was measured quantitatively using acoustimeter. The results showed that the grinding fluid subjected to ultrasound can generate many bubbles and further forms numerous groups of araneose cavitation bubbles on the surface of the honing stone. The oscillation of the bubble under UVH is more intense than the case under CH, and the maximum velocity of the bubble wall under UVH is higher two magnitudes than the case under CH. For lower acoustic amplitude, the dynamic behaviors of the bubble under UVH are similar to that case under CH. As increasing acoustic amplitude, the cavitation intensity of the bubble is growing increased. Honing pressure has an inhabitation effect on cavitation effect of the grinding fluid. The perfect performance of cavitation of the grinding fluid can be obtained when the device of UVH is in the resonance. However, the cavitation intensity of the grinding fluid can be growing weakened with increasing ultrasonic frequency, when the device of UVH is in the off-resonance. The experimental results agree with the theoretical and numerical analysis, which provides a method for exploring applications of the cavitation effect in ultrasonic assisted machining.

Degradation of reactive blue 13 using hydrodynamic cavitation: Effect of geometrical parameters and different oxidizing additives

Decolorization of reactive blue 13 (RB13), a sulphonated azo dye, was investigated using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC). The aim of research article is to check the influence of geometrical parameters (total flow area, the ratio of throat perimeter to its cross-sectional area, throat shape and size, etc.) and configuration of the cavitating devices on decolorization of RB13 in aqueous solution. For this purpose, eight cavitating devices i.e. Circular and slit venturi, and six orifice plates having different flow area and perimeter were used in the present work. Initially, the effects of various operating parameters such as solution pH, initial dye concentration, operating inlet pressure and cavitation number on the decolorization of RB13 have been investigated, and the optimum operating conditions were found. Kinetic analysis revealed that the decolorization and mineralization of RB13 using HC followed first order reaction kinetics. Almost 47% decolorization of RB13 was achieved using only HC with slit venturi as a cavitating device at an optimum inlet pressure of 0.4MPa and pH of the solution as 2.0. It has been found that in case of orifice plates, higher decolorization rate of 4×10^-3min^-1 was achieved using orifice plate 2 (OP2) which is having higher flow area and perimeter (α=2.28). The effect of process intensifying agents (hydrogen peroxide and ferrous sulphate) and different gaseous additives (oxygen and ozone) on the extent of decolorization of RB13 were also examined. Almost 66% decolorization of RB13 was achieved using HC combined with 2Lmin^-1 of oxygen and in combination with ferrous sulphate (1:3). Nearly 91% decolorization was achieved using HC combined with H₂O₂ at an optimum molar ratio (dye:H₂O₂) of 1:20 while almost complete decolorization was observed in 15min using a combination of HC and ozone at 3gh^-1 ozone feed rate. Maximum 72% TOC was removed using HC coupled with 3gh^-1 ozone feed rate.

Degradation of a cationic dye (Rhodamine 6G) using hydrodynamic cavitation coupled with other oxidative agents: Reaction mechanism and pathway

In the present study, decolorization and mineralization of a cationic dye, Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), has been carried out using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC). Two cavitating devices such as slit and circular venturi were used to generate cavitation in HC reactor. The process parameters such as initial dye concentration, solution pH, operating inlet pressure, and cavitation number were investigated in detail to evaluate their effects on the decolorization efficiency of Rh6G. Decolorization of Rh6G was marginally higher in the case of slit venturi as compared to circular venturi. The kinetic study showed that decolorization and mineralization of the dye fitted first-order kinetics. The loadings of H₂O₂ and ozone have been optimized to intensify the decolorization and mineralization efficiency of Rh6G using HC. Nearly 54% decolorization of Rh6G was obtained using a combination of HC and H₂O₂ at a dye to H₂O₂ molar ratio of 1:30. The combination of HC with ozone resulted in 100% decolorization in almost 5-10min of processing time depending upon the initial dye concentration. To quantify the extent of mineralization, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis was also performed using various processes and almost 84% TOC removal was obtained using HC coupled with 3g/h of ozone. The degradation by-products formed during the complete degradation process were qualitatively identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and a detailed degradation pathway has been proposed.

Decontamination of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine waste water by hydrodynamic cavitation-induced advanced Fenton process

A pilot scale hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactor, using iron metal blades, as the heterogeneous catalyst, with no external source of H₂O₂ was developed for catalytic decontamination of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) waste water. In situ generation of Fenton reagents suggested an induced advanced Fenton process (IAFP) to explain the enhancing effect of the used catalyst in the HC process. The effects of the applied catalyst, pH of the initial solution (1.0-9.7), initial UDMH concentration (2-15 mg/l), inlet pressure (5.5-7.8bar), and downstream pressure (2-6 bar), have been investigated. The results showed that the highest cavitation yield can be obtained at pH 3 and initial UDMH concentration of 10mg/l. Also, an increase in the inlet pressure would lead to an increase in the extent of UDMH degradation. In addition, the optimum value of 3 bar was determined for the downstream pressure that resulted to 98.6% degradation of UDMH after 120 min of processing time. Neither n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) nor any other toxic byproduct (/end-product) was observed in the investigated samples. Formic acid and acetic acid, as well as nitromethane, were identified as oxidation by-products. The present work has conclusively established that hydrodynamic cavitation in combination with Fenton's chemistry can be effectively used for the degradation of UDMH.

Wastewater treatment using hybrid treatment schemes based on cavitation and Fenton chemistry: a review

Advanced oxidation processes such as cavitation and Fenton chemistry have shown considerable promise for wastewater treatment applications due to the ease of operation and simple reactor design. In this review, hybrid methods based on cavitation coupled with Fenton process for the treatment of wastewater have been discussed. The basics of individual processes (Acoustic cavitation, Hydrodynamic cavitation, Fenton chemistry) have been discussed initially highlighting the need for combined processes. The different types of reactors used for the combined processes have been discussed with some recommendations for large scale operation. The effects of important operating parameters such as solution temperature, initial pH, initial pollutant concentration and Fenton's reagent dosage have been discussed with guidelines for selection of optimum parameters. The optimization of power density is necessary for ultrasonic processes (US) and combined processes (US/Fenton) whereas the inlet pressure needs to be optimized in the case of Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) based processes. An overview of different pollutants degraded under optimized conditions using HC/Fenton and US/Fenton process with comparison with individual processes have been presented. It has been observed that the main mechanism for the synergy of the combined process depends on the generation of additional hydroxyl radicals and its proper utilization for the degradation of the pollutant, which is strongly dependent on the loading of hydrogen peroxide. Overall, efficient wastewater treatment with high degree of energy efficiency can be achieved using combined process operating under optimized conditions, as compared to the individual process.

Optimization of a heterogeneous catalytic hydrodynamic cavitation reactor performance in decolorization of Rhodamine B: application of scrap iron sheets

A low pressure pilot scale hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactor with 30 L volume, using fixed scrap iron sheets, as the heterogeneous catalyst, with no external source of H2O2 was devised to investigate the effects of operating parameters of the HC reactor performance. In situ generation of Fenton reagents suggested an induced advanced Fenton process (IAFP) to explain the enhancing effect of the used catalyst in the HC process. The reactor optimization was done based upon the extent of decolorization (ED) of aqueous solution of Rhodamine B (RhB). To have a perfect study on the pertinent parameters of the heterogeneous catalyzed HC reactor, the following cases as, the effects of scrap iron sheets, inlet pressure (2.4-5.8 bar), the distance between orifice plates and catalyst sheets (submerged and inline located orifice plates), back-pressure (2-6 bar), orifice plates type (4 various orifice plates), pH (2-10) and initial RhB concentration (2-14 mg L(-1)) have been investigated. The results showed that the highest cavitational yield can be obtained at pH 3 and initial dye concentration of 10 mg L(-1). Also, an increase in the inlet pressure would lead to an increase in the ED. In addition, it was found that using the deeper holes (thicker orifice plates) would lead to lower ED, and holes with larger diameter would lead to the higher ED in the same cross-sectional area, but in the same holes' diameters, higher cross-sectional area leads to the lower ED. The submerged operation mode showed a greater cavitational effects rather than the inline mode. Also, for the inline mode, the optimum value of 3 bar was obtained for the back-pressure condition in the system. Moreover, according to the analysis of changes in the UV-Vis spectra of RhB, both degradation of RhB chromophore structure and N-deethylation were occurred during the catalyzed HC process.

Physical features of ultrasound-enhanced heterogeneous permanganate oxidation

This paper addresses the matter of mechanistic features of ultrasound-assisted permanganate oxidation of organic compounds in aqueous phase. This reaction system is essentially a liquid-liquid heterogeneous one, which is limited by the mass transfer characteristics. Previous research has established that ultrasound irradiation of reaction mixture enhances the kinetics and yield of permanganate oxidation. The principal physical effect of ultrasonic cavitation is formation of fine emulsion between immiscible phases that eliminates the mass transfer resistance, while principal chemical effect is production of radicals through transient collapse of cavitation bubbles, which accelerate the reaction. In this paper, we have tried to discriminate between these physical and chemical effects by coupling experiments with different conditions (which alter the nature of cavitation phenomena in the medium) to simulations of cavitation bubble dynamics. It is revealed that in absence of radical conserving agent, the enhancement effect is merely physical. Diffusion of radicals towards interface between phases, where the oxidation reaction occurs is the limiting factor in contribution of chemical effect of ultrasonic cavitation towards enhancement of oxidation. Enhancement of total radical production in the aqueous phase (by degassing of the medium) increases the overall oxidation yield, but only marginally. On the other hand, addition of a radical conserver such as FeSO(4).7H(2)O results in marked enhancement in oxidation yield, as the conserver assists deeper penetration of radicals in the aqueous medium and diffusion towards interface.

Physical insights into the sonochemical degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants with cavitation bubble dynamics

This paper tries to discern the mechanistic features of sonochemical degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants using five model compounds, viz. phenol (Ph), chlorobenzene (CB), nitrobenzene (NB), p-nitrophenol (PNP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The sonochemical degradation of the pollutant can occur in three distinct pathways: hydroxylation by ()OH radicals produced from cavitation bubbles (either in the bubble-bulk interfacial region or in the bulk liquid medium), thermal decomposition in cavitation bubble and thermal decomposition at the bubble-liquid interfacial region. With the methodology of coupling experiments under different conditions (which alter the nature of the cavitation phenomena in the bulk liquid medium) with the simulations of radial motion of cavitation bubbles, we have tried to discern the relative contribution of each of the above pathway to overall degradation of the pollutant. Moreover, we have also tried to correlate the predominant degradation mechanism to the physico-chemical properties of the pollutant. The contribution of secondary factors such as probability of radical-pollutant interaction and extent of radical scavenging (or conservation) in the medium has also been identified. Simultaneous analysis of the trends in degradation with different experimental techniques and simulation results reveals interesting mechanistic features of sonochemical degradation of the model pollutants. The physical properties that determine the predominant degradation pathway are vapor pressure, solubility and hydrophobicity. Degradation of Ph occurs mainly by hydroxylation in bulk medium; degradation of CB occurs via thermal decomposition inside the bubble, degradation of PNP occurs via pyrolytic decomposition at bubble interface, while hydroxylation at bubble interface contributes to degradation of NB and 2,4-DCP.