Jonathan J M Owen

US Patent:

61067113, Aug 22, 2000

Filed:

Jun 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/096254

Inventors:

Dwain E. Morse - Santa Barbara CA
Joseph B. DeWitt - Santa Barbara CA
Brad Gnegy - Santa Ana CA
Eddie Dean Hendrickson - Chatsworth CA
Raffael Jovine - Santa Barbara CA
Allen Matlick - Santa Barbara CA
Thomas G. Matherly - Lompoc CA
Wade O. Morse - Yorba Linda CA
Jonathan J. Owen - Goleta CA

International Classification:

C02F 124

US Classification:

2102212

Abstract:

A fluid conditioning system and method is disclosed for coupling to a first solution source comprising a suspension solution and particles suspended in the suspension solution. The fluid conditioning system includes a containment vessel defining a treatment environment and including a wall defining a fluid passage and a having an inlet apparatus. The inlet apparatus is coupled to the solution source for receiving a solution stream and directing the solution stream through the passage helically along the cylindrical wall. The containment vessel includes a sparging apparatus disposed downstream of the inlet apparatus for introducing a gas into the solution stream, and an outlet for discharging the sparged solution stream. The system further includes a flotation tank disposed proximate the containment vessel outlet for receiving the discharged solution stream. The flotation tank is adapted to carry a predetermined volume of a second solution to effect flotation of the particles to the surface of the second solution.