An apparatus for producing oxygenated water

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for producing hyper-oxygenated water, comprises: a reservoir 6 to supply water; an oxygen concentrator 3 to receive an air intake and to generate concentrated oxygen; and a nanobubble g

Description

This invention relates to an apparatus for producing oxygenated water. According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing oxygenated water, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir to supply water, an oxygen concentrator to receive an air intake and to generate concentrated oxygen, and a nanobubble generator coupled to the reservoir to receive water, the nanobubble generator being coupled to the oxygen concentrator to receive oxygen, the nanobubble generator being configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of from 25 parts per million (ppm) to 100 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 50 ppm to 100 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 60 ppm to 100 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 70 ppm to 100 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 80 ppm to 100 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 90 ppm to 100 ppm. It has been found that these dissolved oxygen concentrations are stable and readily achievable. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 25 ppm to 45 ppm. The dissolved oxygen concentration may be in the range of from 28 ppm to 35 ppm. It has been found that this dissolved oxygen concentration provides benefits in terms of biofilm control, chicken growth and disease resistance. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 80 million nanobubbles per millilitre (ml). The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 100 million nanobubbles per ml. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 1 billion nanobubbles per ml. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 3 billion nanobubbles per ml. The apparatus of the invention may be a semi open circuit system with water flowing into the reservoir and being replenished as the birds’ drink. The nanobubble density may vary over time and may vary over a crop cycle. The nanobubble density may be lowest around the time of starting operation of the apparatus. The nanobubble density may increase over time. The nanobubble density may peak at the start of the crop cycle and may then slowly decrease as water consumption increases as the birds grow. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter of less than 200 nm. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 30 nm to 150 nm. This diameter range leads to better bird growth and health. The oxygen may be directly transported into the cellular organelles, and in particular into the mitochondria. Avians have mitochondria in their red blood cells. Red blood cells in avians are approximately 12,000 nm with a semi minor diameter of 8,000 nm. The mitochondria have a range of sizes between 1,000 nm and 4,000 nm long and greater than 200 nm wide. This diameter range of nanobubbles are able to penetrate the blood cell walls and diffuse directly into the mitochondria where they have most effect. Larger nanobubbles may not achieve this. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 60 nm to 100 nm. The nanobubble generator may be configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 30 nm to 50 nm. The nanobubble generator may be configured to inject oxygen into water. The nanobubble generator may comprise: a first chamber for receiving oxygen, a second chamber for receiving water, and one or more openings from the first chamber to the second chamber through which oxygen may pass. The first chamber may be of a porous material, such as titanium or ceramic. The diameter of the opening may be in the range of from 30 nm to 0.2 micrometres (pm). The opening size may be chosen based on the requirement to inject the appropriate quantity of oxygen into a suitable water flow. A small opening size may result in smaller nanobubbles. A small opening size may be more difficult to push the oxygen through. The nanobubble generator may have a large surface area to counteract this challenge. The opening size may be reduced by means of a membrane. The membrane may be of a polymer material. The membrane may be flexible or rigid. The nanobubbles may be generated as a result of the bubbles coming through the small injector openings. The nanobubbles may be generated as a result of high speed of the water flow causing a shearing action to generate smaller nanobubbles. The size of the nanobubbles may be controlled based on the water flow rate and the gas flow rate. The first chamber may be rotatable relative to the second chamber. By rotating the first chamber relative to the second chamber, this enhances the generation of the nanobubbles of oxygen by shearing the nanobubbles. The rotating components of the nanobubble generator may reduce the water throughput by creating shear rotationally rather than by water flow alone. The water flow may be varied to carry the nanobubbles away from the shearing at the injector surface. This enables enhanced gas injection and less water usage with greater output. The nanobubble generator may comprise one or more vanes located at least partially in the second chamber, the one or more vanes being rotatable relative to the second chamber. By rotating the vanes relative to the second chamber, this enhances the generation of the nanobubbles of oxygen by shearing the nanobubbles. The nanobubble generator may comprise one or more injector elements through which oxygen may pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, the one or more injector elements being coupled to the one or more openings. The vanes increase the shear surface to assist creation of the nanobubbles and generate localised vortices to smash the nanobubbles up into smaller nanobubbles. The second chamber may comprise one or more pathways along which water may pass, and at least one of the pathways may have a helical configuration. The first chamber may be rotatable in a first rotational direction, the helical pathway may be configured to move water passing along the helical pathway in a second rotational direction, and the first rotational direction may be opposite to the second rotational direction. The apparatus may comprise an ozone generator coupled to the oxygen concentrator to receive concentrated oxygen and to generate ozone. The nanobubble generator may be coupled to the ozone generator to receive ozone and to generate nanobubbles of ozone in the water. The apparatus may comprise an ozone filter coupled to the ozone generator to filter the ozone. In this manner the ozone is filtered from the oxygen / ozone mixture. This enables higher purity ozone to be inject into the nanobubble generator. Ozone solubility in water is greater at higher concentrations. The nanobubbles may stabilise the ozone in the gas phase where it has a long half-life. This allows the ozone to be dissolved into solution. The apparatus may comprise an air filter coupled to the oxygen concentrator to filter the air intake. For example general fine particulates may be filtered to prevent clogging of other components of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a dehumidifier to dehumidify the air intake into the oxygen concentrator. The dehumidifier may be located upstream of the air filter. The oxygen concentrator may include zeolites to separate the oxygen from the other parts of the air intake. The zeolites may be moisture sensitive. The dehumidifier may remove moisture from the air. The apparatus may comprise a water filter coupled to the reservoir to filter water intake into the reservoir. For example general particulates may be filtered. In the case where the water quality is poor and / or contains undesirable minerals, such as iron or manganese, selective filtration such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange may be employed. The apparatus may comprise a pump to deliver water from the reservoir to the nanobubble generator. The water pressure may be sufficient to overcome the back pressure created by plumbing while still providing the necessary water flow. The apparatus may comprise an injector part to deliver a stabiliser into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The stabiliser injection may be automated. The injector part may be configured to deliver acetic acid and / or sulphuric acid into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The stabiliser may be acetic acid and / or sulphuric acid. The stabiliser injection may be controlled based on a signal from a pH sensor. The optimum pH of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water may be in the range of from 3 to 4. The pH may be varied depending on the water quality. The invention may involve acidulating to overcome ions present in the water supply. The acid may act as an OH scavenger. The volume of stabiliser injected may be based on the sensed pH. For example the stabiliser volume may be 1,500 ml concentrated sulphuric acid to 10,000 L water. The injector part may be configured to deliver sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The stabiliser may be sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), also known as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. The stabiliser volume may be 0.1 mM SDS with ambient temperature, and with a pressure of 0.25 to 1 bar. The apparatus may comprise a cooler to chill the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The chilling may improve the ozone concentration. The chilling may improve the nanobubble stability. The chilling may improve the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The apparatus may comprise a controller to selectively alter the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nanobubbles of oxygen in water. An animal such as a bird may have different requirements for oxygen at different growth stages. The apparatus of the invention may enable the dissolved oxygen level to be varied on different days through the crop cycle. For example it has been found that birds may do better with a high dissolved oxygen level for a first week. The dissolved oxygen level may then be reduced. The dissolved oxygen level may then be increased again for the final two weeks. The controller may be configured to selectively alter the diameter of the nanobubbles of oxygen. The dissolved oxygen level may be more easily achieved and maintained with smaller nanobubbles. The controller may be configured to selectively alter a flow rate of the water and / or a flow rate of the oxygen. The controller may be configured to selectively alter the purity of the ozone. By varying the ozone purity, the biocidal effect may be varied. The apparatus may comprise at least one sensor to determine a density of nanobubbles of oxygen in water. The sensor reading may be used as verification that nanobubbles have been created. The sensor reading may indicate the size of the nanobubbles because a known quantity of gas is injected which cannot escape the process. The solubility of the oxygen injected is known so the only place the oxygen may go is into the nanobubbles. In the case of low nanobubble density, then the nanobubbles must be larger than expected. This may be a result of temperature, and / or gas purity, and / or change in water chemistry. The apparatus may comprise at least one sensor to determine temperature, and / or gas purity, and / or change in water chemistry for comparative information. Based on the other sensor readings, the gas injection rate and / or the water flow may be altered to decrease the nanobubble size. The sensor may be configured to determine a luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The apparatus may comprise a delivery element to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The delivery element may comprise one or more nozzles to spray the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The nozzles may be arranged in a curve. The nozzle may be configured to spray the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water in a radially outward direction. The nozzle may be configured to spray the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water in an axial direction. The delivery element may comprise a distributor to at least partially distribute the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water. In this manner the apparatus may be used for cleaning the interior of a building, such as the floor, interior walls and ceiling of the building. The diameter of the nozzle may be in the range of from 3 millimetres (mm) to 5 mm. The diameter of the nozzle may be in the range of from 4.25 mm to 5 mm. This size nozzle provides a good balance of coverage while minimising mass transfer. The delivery element may be configured to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water with a droplet diameter greater than 550 pm. The droplet diameter is as large as possible while still achieving the required coverage. The delivery element may comprise an actuator to selectively collapse at least some of the nanobubbles of oxygen. In this manner the reactiivity of with the oxygen is enhanced. The actuator may comprise an ultrasound emitter. The nanobubbles may be collapsed by passing the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water through a fine pore filter or membrane. The pore size may be less than 5 pm. The small pore size achieves better collapsing. The nanobubble destruction may be a result of chaotic turbulence as the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water passes through the pores. The nanobubbles may be collapsed by a filter having a positive zeta potential. Nanobubbles have a negative zeta potential. A filter having a positive zeta potential may attract the nanobubbles to the filter material. The shear forces as they are stuck to the filter subsequently causes the nanobubbles to collapse. The nanobubbles may be collapsed by using pressure changes such as experienced in a piston pump or diaphragm pump. The delivery element may comprise a sensor to determine a concentration of ozone. The sensor reading may be fed to a controller. The sensor reading may be used to confirm that the appropriate concentration of ozone has been applied to surfaces to ensure adequate disinfection. The target for the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water, such as a wall or ceiling, may be between 4 m and 6 m from the exit point of the nozzle. The water pressure may be less than 2.5 bar to minimise mass transfer. At least part of the delivery element may be rotatable to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water by centrifugal action. The delivery element may comprise one or more pathways along which the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water may pass. The delivery element may be mounted to a vehicle. The apparatus may be used for producing hyper-oxygenated water. The apparatus may be used for producing a disinfectant liquid. In this manner the apparatus may be used for cleaning the interior of a building, such as the floor, interior walls and ceiling of the building. The apparatus may be used for removing biofilm in a drinker line. The invention also provides in another aspect a method for producing oxygenated water, the method comprising the steps of: receiving water, receiving an air intake, generating concentrated oxygen from the air intake, and generating nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of from 25 ppm to 100 ppm. The method may comprise the step of generating ozone. The method may comprise the step of generating nanobubbles of ozone in the water. The method may be used for removing biofilm in a drinker line. In this patent specification the term ‘nanobubble’ may be understood to have the same meaning as the term ‘ultra fine bubble’. Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a nanobubble generator of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a plan view of the nanobubble reservoir of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 6 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an ozone filter of the apparatus of Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of part of the ozone filter of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a nanobubble generator of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a nanobubble generator of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 11 is a side view of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 12 is a rear end view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a nanobubble generator of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, Fig. 16 is a schematic illustration of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, in use, Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a casing part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, Fig. 18 is an internal end view of a left side cap part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, Fig. 19 is an external end view of the left side cap part of Fig. 18, Fig. 20 is a side view of the left side cap part of Fig. 18, Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the left side cap part of Fig. 18, Fig. 22 is an internal end view of a right side cap part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 13, Fig. 23 is an external end view of the right side cap part of Fig. 22, Fig. 24 is a side view of the right side cap part of Fig. 22, Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the right side cap part of Fig. 22, Fig. 26 is an end view from the left side of the casing part of Fig. 17, Fig. 27 is an end view from the right side of the casing part of Fig. 17, Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of a vortex part of a nanobubble generator of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 29 is an end view of the vortex part of Fig. 28, Fig. 30 is a side view of an injector part of the nanobubble generator of Fig. 28, Fig. 31 is an end view from the left side of the injector part of Fig. 30, Fig. 32 is an end view from the right side of the injector part of Fig. 30, Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the injector part of Fig. 30, Fig. 34 is a side view of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 35 is a side view of an applicator part of the apparatus of Fig. 34, Fig. 36 is an end view of the applicator part of Fig. 35, Fig. 37 is a side view of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 38 is a side view of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 39 is an exploded side view of an applicator part of the apparatus of Fig. 38, Fig. 40 is an enlarged view of part of the applicator part of Fig. 39, Fig. 41 is an end view of a drive disk part of the applicator part of Fig. 39, Fig. 42 is an end view of an application disk part of the applicator part of Fig. 39, Fig. 43 is an end view of a sealing disk part of the applicator part of Fig. 39, Fig. 44 is an end view of a coupling disk part of the applicator part of Fig. 39, Fig. 45 is a side view of another apparatus according to the invention for producing oxygenated water, Fig. 46 is a side view of disk parts of the apparatus of Fig. 45, Fig. 47 is an end view of a solid disk part of the apparatus of Fig. 45, Fig. 48 is an end view of a solid disk part of the apparatus of Fig. 45, and Fig. 49 is an end view of a grooved disk part of the apparatus of Fig. 45. In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts. Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 4 thereof, there is illustrated an apparatus 1 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water. The apparatus 1 may be used to produce a disinfectant liquid to remove biofilm in a drinker line. The apparatus 1 comprises a controller 9, an air filter 2, an oxygen concentrator 3, a nanobubble generator 5, a water pump 7, a water reservoir 6, a water filter 8, a delivery element 4, a laser sensor, and an injector part (Fig. 1). The air filter 2 is coupled to the oxygen concentrator 3. The air filter 2 filters an air intake into the oxygen concentrator 3. The oxygen concentrator 3 receives the filtered air from the air filter 2 and generates a concentrated flow of oxygen. In this case the flow of oxygen is in the form of concentrated O2. The nanobubble generator 5 is coupled to the oxygen concentrator 3 to receive the concentrated flow of oxygen. In this case the nanobubble generator 5 receives the oxygen in the form of concentrated O2. The water filter 8 is coupled to the water reservoir 6. The water filter 8 filters water intake into the water reservoir 6. The nanobubble generator 5 is coupled to the water reservoir 6 to receive water. The water pump 7 delivers the water from the water reservoir 6 to the nanobubble generator 5. The water reservoir 6 supplies the water to the nanobubble generator 5. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the nanobubble generator 5 comprises an inner cylindrical chamber 11 for receiving the concentrated flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3, and an outer cylindrical chamber 10 for receiving the water from the water reservoir 6. A plurality of openings 12 are provided in the wall of the inner cylindrical chamber 11. The diameter of each opening 12 is in the range of from 30 nm to 0.2 pm. The openings 12 allow the concentrated flow of oxygen to pass from the inner cylindrical chamber 11 into the outer cylindrical chamber 10. The inner cylindrical chamber 11 is rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical chamber 10. In this manner the nanobubble generator 5 injects the oxygen into the water. The nanobubble generator 5 generates nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of from 25 ppm to 100 ppm. The nanobubble generator 5 generates the nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 30 nm to 150 nm. In this case the nanobubble generator 5 generates the nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 60 nm to 100 nm. The inner cylindrical chamber 11 rotates relative to the outer cylindrical chamber 10 to shear the nanobubbles of oxygen from the surface of the openings 12. The apparatus 1 thus reduces the volume of water required by rotating the nanoporous sintered inner cylinder 11 at high speed in the water flow which creates the nanobubble shearing with minimum water flow. In addition the volume of oxygen injected is increased. In one example the apparatus 1 achieved over 20% gas injection volume to water flow. A variable speed motor 13 allows for variation in the nanobubble size generated by increasing the speed of rotation. The nanobubbles of oxygen reduce in size due to the greater shear factor. Conversely by reducing the rotational speed the nanobubble size increases. This allows for precise tuning of the nanobubble size distribution spectrum to best suit the application while still maintaining constant gas flow and water flow. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 the nanobubble generator 5 may be provided in the form of a length of coiled pipe. This configuration allows for the distribution of the nanobubbles of oxygen into the water, prevents early coalescence, and increases the unit density of the nanobubbles of oxygen. In this manner the apparatus 1 increases the efficiency of nanobubble generation. It is therefore possible to have a more compact arrangement while still generating similar levels of nanobubbles of oxygen. The coiled pipe configuration allows for minimum space usage and allows for a longer pipe run within the confines of the system. The injector part delivers a stabiliser into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. In this case the injector part delivers sulphuric acid into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The delivery element 4 delivers the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water with a droplet diameter greater than 550 pm. The delivery element 4 includes an ultrasound emitter to selectively collapse at least some of the nanobubbles of oxygen. The laser sensor identifies the luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water to calculate the density of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. Based on the readings from the laser sensor, the controller 9 selectively alters the flow rate of the water from the water reservoir 6 and / or the flow rate of the oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3 to alter the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. The controller 9 also selectively alters the diameter of the nanobubbles of oxygen. The laser sensor determines the size distribution spectrum and density of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water solution in real time, because different size of nanobubbles exhibit different refractive wavelengths. It will be appreciated that other types of optical sensors may be used to identify the luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water to calculate the density of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. For example a single diode light source with a configured frequency may be used to identify the luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water to calculate the density of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. The controller 9 may be employed to match the optimum dissolved oxygen concentration to the activity in a building to be cleaned, such as to the daily growth stage of a chick from placement to harvest. The dissolved oxygen concentration profile may be varied for specific strains of birds. In use, the air filter 2 filters the air intake. The oxygen concentrator 3 receives the filtered air from the air filter 2 and generates the concentrated flow of oxygen. The nanobubble generator 5 receives the concentrated flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3. The water filter 8 filters the water intake into the water reservoir 6. The pump 7 delivers the water from the water reservoir 6 to the nanobubble generator 5. The inner cylindrical chamber 11 of the nanobubble generator 5 receives the concentrated flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3, and the outer cylindrical chamber 10 receives the water from the water reservoir 6. The inner cylindrical chamber 11 rotates relative to the outer cylindrical chamber 10. The oxygen passes from the inner cylindrical chamber 11 into the outer cylindrical chamber 10 through the openings 12. In this manner the nanobubble generator 5 injects the oxygen into the water to generate the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. The injector part delivers the sulphuric acid into the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The delivery element 4 delivers the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water with the ultrasound emitter selectively collapsing at least some of the nanobubbles of oxygen. By collapsing the nanobubbles of oxygen, the available reactive oxygen is increased. The ultrasound emitter may operate at a frequency of 20 MHz. The laser sensor identifies the luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water to calculate the density of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. Based on the readings from the laser sensor, the controller 9 selectively alters the flow rate of the water and / or the flow rate of the oxygen to alter the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nanobubbles of oxygen in the water. The controller 9 also selectively alters the diameter of the nanobubbles of oxygen. In Figs. 5 to 7 there is illustrated another apparatus 20 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Figs. 5 to 7 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the apparatus 20 comprises an ozone generator 21 and an ozone filter 22. The ozone generator 21 is coupled to the oxygen concentrator 3. The ozone generator 21 receives the concentrated flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3, and generates ozone. In this case the ozone generator 21 receives the oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3 in the form of concentrated O2. The ozone filter 22 is coupled to the ozone generator 21 to filter the ozone. The nanobubble generator 5 is coupled to the ozone generator 21 to receive the filtered ozone, and to generate nanobubbles of ozone in the water. In this case the nanobubble generator 5 receives oxygen from the ozone generator 21 in the form of filtered ozone. The ozone filter 22 may be provided in the form of a membrane filter. The membrane filter 22 may have a PTFE membrane. The ozone filter 22 filters out the ozone from the =5-10% ozone and supplies oxygen at a concentration of >90% purity from the oxygen concentrator 3. In this manner the apparatus 20 injects a purer ozone into the nanobubble generator 5 for the creation of nanobubbles and to aid dissolved concentration. The ozone filter 22 allows for unconverted oxygen to be recycled back into the ozone cell. The ozone filter 22 may reduce the size requirement of the oxygen concentrator 3. This may result in a saving of energy and a saving of capital equipment costs. The delivery element 4 includes an ozone sensor to determine a concentration of ozone. Based on the readings from the ozone sensor, the controller 9 selectively alters the purity of the ozone. By altering the ozone purity the apparatus 20 reduces the time to reach a desired concentration and allows for the creation of smaller ozone cells. The ozone sensor directly measures the concentration of the ozone at various points around the area of use, such as in a building or in a shed. The ozone sensor may be an optical dissolved oxygen probe, and / or a galvanic membrane probe, and / or an opto-electronic ozone detector. The opto-electronic sensor is suitable for wide area deployment, is not affected by contaminants, may dry out without damage, requires a small sample size, and is sufficiently robust if left in situ without harm or degradation. The nanobubbles increase the half-life of the ozone in the water and increase the usability of the ozone. In one example the apparatus 20 extended the half-life of ozone to over 24 hours. The nanobubbles lead to a better distribution of ozone throughout the water. The nanobubbles stay in the water solution and act in the form of an ozone battery. The high internal pressure of the nanobubbles renders the nanobubbles less prone to collapse during pressure change. The apparatus 20 generates the ozone nanobubbles from relatively pure oxygen being passed through the ozone generator 21. The resultant gas is fed into the nanobubble generator 5. The nanobubble generator 5 uses a vortex to create the nanobubbles which are then recirculated into the water reservoir 6 until the required ozone concentration is reached. The ozone and water mixture is then discharged into the mobile spraying delivery element 4. The nanobubble generator 5 injects the ozone under pressure, for example with a positive pressure of approximately 20 psi. This results in better nanobubble uniformity and better mass transfer into the water solution. The nanobubble generator 5 may be of any suitable material, such as a porous titanium injector material or a ceramic material. The apparatus 20 may cool the water, for example to approximately 10°C, prior to in-flow into the nanobubble generator 5. By pre-cooling the water, this may minimise any unwanted effects of environmental variables, and ensures consistent results with a greater concentration of dissolved ozone while still preserving its efficacy. Fig. 8 illustrates another apparatus 30 according to the invention for producing hyperoxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 20 of Figs. 5 to 7, and similar elements in Fig. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the nanobubble generator 5 is coupled to the oxygen concentrator 3 to receive the concentrated flow of oxygen. The nanobubble generator 5 receives oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3 in the form of concentrated O2. The nanobubble generator 5 is also coupled to the ozone generator 21 to receive the filtered ozone. The nanobubble generator 5 receives oxygen from the ozone generator 21 in the form of filtered ozone. The nanobubble generator 5 generates nanobubbles of oxygen in the form of O2 in the water, and also generates nanobubbles of ozone in the water. The apparatus 30 has two possible operating mechanisms. The first operating mechanism uses oxygen nanobubbles in water. The first operating mechanism kills biofilms, promotes bird growth and health, and may be used as a primary washing agent for the washing of sheds prior to disinfection. The first operating mechanism treats the birds’ drinking water, and may be used for washing when there are no birds present. The second operating mechanism uses an oxygen and ozone mixture. For example with approximately 10% ozone by weight in water. The second operating mechanism produces a concentrated ozone solution containing ozone / oxygen nanobubbles, and may be used as a disinfection system as a replacement for conventional disinfection. The second operating mechanism may be used when the sheds are empty during crop turnaround. Referring to Fig. 9 there is illustrated a nanobubble generator 40 of another apparatus according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the nanobubble generator 40 includes a plurality of vanes or discs 41 located in the outer cylindrical chamber 10. The vanes / discs 41 are rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical chamber 10. The inner cylindrical chamber 11 is not rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical chamber 10 in this case. The rotating vanes 41 increase the shear surface area. In Fig. 10 there is illustrated a nanobubble generator 50 of another apparatus according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Fig. 10 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the nanobubble generator 50 includes an outer chamber 52 for receiving the concentrated flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 3, and an inner cylindrical chamber 53 for receiving the water from the water reservoir 6. A plurality of injector vanes 51 are also provided. Each injector vane 51 is coupled to a corresponding opening 12. The openings 12 and the aligned injector vanes 51 allow the oxygen to pass from the outer chamber 52 into the inner cylindrical chamber 53. The nanobubble generator 50 includes the plurality of vanes / discs 41 located in the inner cylindrical chamber 53. The vanes / discs 41 are rotatable relative to the inner cylindrical chamber 53. The rotatable vanes / discs 41 may include surface grooves or lands to increase water flow, surface area, and nanobubble shear. The water and oxygen contact surfaces may be textured to increase turbulence and nanobubble shear. The diameter of the openings 12 may be varied depending on the viscosity of the injected oxygen. The clearance between the rotatable and fixed parts of the nanobubble generator 50 may be varied throughout the nanobubble generator 50. For example the clearance may decrease towards the outlet. An example clearance range is from approximately 80 pm to approximately 25 mm. Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate another apparatus 60 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Figs. 11 and 12 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the delivery element 4 includes a plurality of nozzles 61 to spray the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The nozzles 61 are arranged in a curve to spray the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water in a radially outward direction (Fig. 12). The diameter of each nozzle 61 is in the range of from 3 mm to 6 mm. The nozzles 61 may be solid stream nozzles and / or solid cone nozzles for closer targets, such as when used with an animal feeder or an animal drinker. The solid cone nozzles produce a specific size droplet. Due to coalescence the droplet size after exiting the spray nozzle 61 may increase up to 2 mm in diameter. The apparatus 60 includes proximity sensors and mechanical actuators to control the direction and / or the orientation of the nozzles 61. In this manner the apparatus 60 may control the streams to ensure that the streams interact with each other close to the target surface and the streams fragment. In this way ozone mass transfer to the surrounding air and destruction of the ozone is minimised. The apparatus 60 controls the distance at which the solid jet fragments and creates droplets by configuring the length of a settling chamber prior to the nozzle ejection point. In this manner the apparatus 60 allows for a large reduction in mass transfer while still achieving an acceptable spray coverage of the surfaces of a building being cleaned. The solid jets collide at a controlled point to cause stream fragmentation and droplet formation at a controlled distance. In one example the apparatus 60 sprayed the solution at a pressure of between 3 and 4 bar with approximately 56% of the ozone concentration reaching the target at a distance of between 9 m and 18 m. The centripetal force pushes the ozone solution against the target surface. The apparatus 60 therefore does not require an additional pressure source. The apparatus 60 ensures that a high concentration of ozone impinges on the target surface. The apparatus 60 includes a mobile spraying unit (Fig. 11). Referring to Figs. 13 to 27 there is illustrated a nanobubble generator 70 of another apparatus according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Figs. 13 to 27 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the nanobubble generator 70 includes a rotary coupling 71, a first end cap 72, a cylindrical casing 73, a 3-D printed vortex insert 74, a rotatable injector 75, a second end cap 76, and a drive motor 13. The injector 75 is rotatable in the opposite rotational direction to the direction of rotation of the water stream as the water passes along the helical path in the 3-D printed vortex insert 74. This arrangement enhances the shearing effect to generate more nanobubbles and finer nanobubbles, while using less energy and lower water flows. In Figs. 28 to 33 there is illustrated a nanobubble generator 80 of another apparatus according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 1 of Figs. 1 to 4, and similar elements in Figs. 28 to 33 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the nanobubble generator 80 includes the 3-D printed vortex insert 74, and the rotatable nanopore injector 75. Figs. 34 to 36 illustrate another apparatus 90 according to the invention for producing hyperoxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 60 of Figs. 11 and 12, and similar elements in Figs. 34 to 36 are assigned the same reference numerals. Referring to Fig. 37 there is illustrated another apparatus 100 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 60 of Figs. 11 and 12, and similar elements in Fig. 37 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the delivery element 4 includes the plurality of nozzles 61 to spray the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water. The nozzles 61 are arranged in a curve to spray the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water in an axial direction (Fig. 37). The delivery element 4 includes a fan 102 to distribute the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water. In Figs. 38 to 44 there is illustrated another apparatus 110 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 90 of Figs. 34 to 36, and similar elements in Figs. 38 to 44 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the delivery element 4 is provided in the form of a centrifugal applicator 111. The centrifugal applicator 111 includes a plurality of disks 112,113, 114, 115 fixed together, such as by bolting or bonding together, to form a single rotatable component. A disk 112 acts as a drive disk. A centre disk 113 includes a central reservoir with radial grooves or tubes to allow water to flow along the grooves / tubes. A disk 114 acts to seal the grooves / tubes. The disk 114 allows the fitting of a rotating coupling disk 115 to facilitate water entering the central reservoir of the centre disk 113. A drive motor 116 rotates the disks 112,113,114,115 rapidly. The centrifugal force generated forces the water along the grooves / tubes and flings the water from holes in the outer edge of the centre disk 113. The spinning of the disks 112,113, 114, 115 imparts energy to the water. This enables a reduction in the required pumping pressure while still achieving the spray patterns and distance to target. Figs. 45 to 49 illustrate another apparatus 120 according to the invention for producing hyper-oxygenated water, which is similar to the apparatus 110 of Figs. 38 to 44, and similar elements in Figs. 45 to 49 are assigned the same reference numerals. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for use in a variety of possible applications. For example the apparatus may be used to clean an agricultural building, such as a broiler chicken house or industrial buildings. The apparatus generates the nanobubbles by recirculating the water in the main feeding reservoir 6 and injecting the oxygen. The oxygen nanobubbled water may then be used in the drinker lines for the chickens. By using the apparatus of the invention, no additional drinker line disinfectant is required. The apparatus of the invention ensures better feed conversion ratio in the birds and better health of the birds. The apparatus of the invention achieves a decrease in bird mortality. The elevated levels of oxygen, particularly in the water, have a biocidal effect. The elevated levels of oxygen increase the growth rate of mammals and avians. The apparatus of the invention achieves a decrease in cholesterol, an increase in vitamin E levels, boosted immune systems, and better food conversion ratio (FRC) resulting in decreased feed usage. The apparatus of the invention achieves higher weight gain with potential to reduce crop cycle length. The apparatus of the invention achieves higher percentage of breast meat. The apparatus of the invention allows the control of biofilm. The apparatus of the invention may use the hyper-oxygenated water for the purposes of cleaning / disinfection of poultry sheds. The apparatus of the invention achieves increased thermal tolerance of the birds leading to energy savings with less fan usage and heating required. In one example of the invention, the apparatus achieved an average 2.758 log reduction (99.67%) in bacteria compared to conventional washing 0.938 log reduction (79.79%). The oxygen saturation point in water is =10 ppm. The apparatus of the invention achieves higher dissolved oxygen levels in the broiler drinker lines. This allows for continual disinfection and control of biofilm, and achieves an increase in bird health and FCR. The high dissolved oxygen levels with the nanobubbles allow for control of biofilm without having to resort to dosing with chemicals, and provide a betterment in bird health and crop efficiency. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used to decontaminate vehicles, equipment, and personnel. The apparatus of the invention may be used as a chemical and biological decontamination system. The solution of oxygenated water may be applied by hand lance spraying, or by virtue of a kiosk, or by spray boom, or any other suitable manner. The apparatus of the invention may be used to disinfect and decontaminate surfaces and air. The apparatus of the invention may be used to purify and decontaminate drinking water. The solution of oxygenated water may be sprayed. The solution of oxygenated water is effective against biological agents. The solution of oxygenated water is effective at denaturing organophosphates. The solution of oxygenated water may be used to sterilise wounds. The apparatus of the invention may be scaled and may be portable. By utilising water recycling and re-ozonation, the apparatus of the invention may be suitable for water poor environments such as a desert. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used for environmental remediation, because the nanobubbled ozone breaks down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and removes PFAS and PFOA from water. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used for treatment of material inspection effluent, chemical effluent, dyes, surfactants, wash water, and other process effluent. The apparatus of the invention may be run in a closed loop with the effluent in the nanobubble reservoir acting as a process tank. Fluorescent elements and optical brighteners may be denatured. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used for fuel treatment. The oxygen nanobubbles introduced into a hydrocarbon fuel increases the fuel efficiency and results in a cleaner burn with less emissions. The nanobubble fluid is easier to pump. The nanobubbled heavy fuel has less tendency for gum forming. The nanobubbled fluid may fuel aerosolise better. In another example nanobubble cooling water is more efficient at cooling than an alternative non-nanobubbled fluid. The mixture of the nanobubbles and the water has better thermal transfer due to nanobubble boundary layer effects. The mixture of the nanobubbles and the water has a higher specific heat capacity due to gas phase absorption in the nanobubbles. The mixture of nanobubbles and water is easier to pump with less frictional losses. The mixture of the nanobubbles and the water is quieter to pump. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used to scrub ammonia from vented air from a poultry shed or other source. Untreated water may be circulated and misted into the fan exhaust, collected, and ozonated. The reaction products are O?, H?O, N2O, N?, and solid NH4NO3. The solid NH4NO3 may be removed by filtration. The gaseous N2O may be fed through a metallic oxide catalyst to form Nsand O2. The filtered NH4NO3 ammonium nitrate may be used as fertiliser. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used to produce an alternative to chemical agents and sulphites in brewed beverages. The apparatus of the invention may be used to generate oxygen and / or ozone nanobubbles in a brewed beverage. Hyperoxygenation and / or ozonation using the apparatus of the invention may mature wine more quickly, thus producing wine in a shorter space of time. The apparatus of the invention may be used to kill fermentation and kill bacteria / yeasts in a beverage without resorting to the use of sulphites. The beverage does not therefore require preservatives, nor does it carry the associated allergen / health risks associated with sulphites. The apparatus of the invention may be used to disinfect wooden vessels used for brewed beverages without leaving a residue of chemicals. The apparatus of the invention may be used to disinfect brewing vessels and equipment. The apparatus of the invention may be used to mature whisky by providing extra oxygen in the form of native and free radicals. In another example the apparatus of the invention may be used for medical applications for nanobubbled drug delivery and / or nanobubbled drug activation. Nanobubbles exhibit sonoluminescence when they collapse. The apparatus of the invention may cause collapse in a controlled manner in a targeted location using ultrasound. A drug may be configured to only become active in the presence of light. The apparatus of the invention allows for this drug delivery technique to be used in deep tissue. The nanobubble size may be tuned to the desired optimum frequency for collapse. Throughout the description and claims of this patent specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to” and they are not intended to and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this patent specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular where the indefinite article is used, the patent specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this patent specification including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this patent specification including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The reader’s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this patent specification in connection with this patent application and which are open to public inspection with this patent specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing oxygenated water, the apparatus comprising:a reservoir to supply water,an oxygen concentrator to receive an air intake and to generate concentrated oxygen, anda nanobubble generator coupled to the reservoir to receive water,the nanobubble generator being coupled to the oxygen concentrator to receive oxygen,the nanobubble generator being configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of from 25 parts per million (ppm) to 100 ppm.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration is in the range of from 25 ppm to 45 ppm.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration is in the range of from 28 ppm to 35 ppm.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 80 million nanobubbles per millilitre (ml).

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 100 million nanobubbles per ml.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 1 billion nanobubbles per ml.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the nanobubble generator is configuredto generate nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a density of greater than 3 billion nanobubbles per ml.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter of less than 200 nanometres (nm).

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 30 nm to 150 nm.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 60 nm to 100 nm.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to generate nanobubbles of oxygen with a diameter in the range of from 30 nm to 50 nm.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the nanobubble generator is configured to inject oxygen into water.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the nanobubble generator comprises:a first chamber for receiving oxygen,a second chamber for receiving water, andone or more openings from the first chamber to the second chamber through which oxygen may pass.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the diameter of the opening is in the range of from 30 nm to 0.2 micrometres (pm).

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the first chamber is rotatable relative to the second chamber.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the nanobubble generator comprises one or more vanes located at least partially in the second chamber, the one or more vanes being rotatable relative to the second chamber.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16 wherein the nanobubble generator comprises one or more injector elements through which oxygen may pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, the one or more injector elements being coupled to the one or more openings.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17 wherein the second chamber comprises one or more pathways along which water may pass, and at least one of the pathways has a helical configuration.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first chamber is rotatable in a first rotational direction, the helical pathway is configured to move water passing along the helical pathway in a second rotational direction, and the first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the apparatus comprises an ozone generator coupled to the oxygen concentrator to receive concentrated oxygen and to generate ozone.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the nanobubble generator is coupled to the ozone generator to receive ozone and to generate nanobubbles of ozone in the water.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the apparatus comprises an ozone filter coupled to the ozone generator to filter the ozone.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 wherein the apparatus comprises an air filter coupled to the oxygen concentrator to filter the air intake.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23 wherein the apparatus comprises a dehumidifier to dehumidify the air intake into the oxygen concentrator.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein the oxygen concentrator includes zeolites to separate the oxygen from the other parts of the air intake.

26. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25 wherein the apparatus comprises a water filter coupled to the reservoir to filter water intake into the reservoir.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26 wherein the apparatus comprises a pump to deliver water from the reservoir to the nanobubble generator.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 27 wherein the apparatus comprises an injector part to deliver a stabiliser into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein the injector part is configured to deliver acetic acid and / or sulphuric acid into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein the injector part is configured to deliver sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) into the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

31. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 30 wherein the apparatus comprises a cooler to chill the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

32. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 31 wherein the apparatus comprises a controller to selectively alter the dissolved oxygen concentration of the nanobubbles of oxygen in water.

33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein the controller is configured to selectively alter the diameter of the nanobubbles of oxygen.

34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32 or 33 wherein the controller is configured to selectively alter a flow rate of the water and / or a flow rate of the oxygen.

35. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 34 wherein the controller is configured to selectively alter the purity of the ozone.

36. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 35 wherein the apparatus comprises at least one sensor to determine a density of nanobubbles of oxygen in water.

37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36 wherein the sensor is configured to determine a luminous flux of the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

38. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 37 wherein the apparatus comprises a delivery element to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 38 wherein the delivery element comprises one or more nozzles to spray the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

40. An apparatus as claimed in claim 39 wherein the nozzles are arranged in a curve.

41. An apparatus as claimed in claim 40 wherein the nozzle is configured to spray themixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water in a radially outward direction.

42. An apparatus as claimed in claim 40 wherein the nozzle is configured to spray the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water in an axial direction.

43. An apparatus as claimed in claim 42 wherein the delivery element comprises a distributor to at least partially distribute the mixture of the nanobubbles of oxygen and water.

44. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 39 to 43 wherein the diameter of the nozzle is in the range of from 3 millimetres (mm) to 5 mm.

45. An apparatus as claimed in claim 44 wherein the diameter of the nozzle is in the range of from 4.25 mm to 5 mm.

46. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 38 to 45 wherein the delivery element is configured to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water with a droplet diameter greater than 550 pm.

47. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 38 to 46 wherein the delivery element comprises an actuator to selectively collapse at least some of the nanobubbles of oxygen.

48. An apparatus as claimed in claim 47 wherein the actuator comprises an ultrasound emitter.

49. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 38 to 48 wherein the delivery element comprises a sensor to determine a concentration of ozone.

50. An apparatus as claimed in any of claim 38 to 49 wherein at least part of the delivery element is rotatable to deliver the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water by centrifugal action.

51. An apparatus as claimed in claim 50 wherein the delivery element comprises one or more pathways along which the mixture of nanobubbles of oxygen and water may pass.

52. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 38 to 51 wherein the delivery element is mounted to a vehicle.

53. An apparatus for producing hyper-oxygenated water as claimed in any of claims 1 to 52.

54. An apparatus for producing a disinfectant liquid as claimed in any of claims 1 to 53.

55. An apparatus for removing biofilm in a drinker line as claimed in any of claims 1 to54.

56. A method for producing oxygenated water, the method comprising the steps of:receiving water,receiving an air intake,generating concentrated oxygen from the air intake, andgenerating nanobubbles of oxygen in the water with a dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of from 25 ppm to 100 ppm.

57. A method as claimed in claim 56 wherein the method comprises the step of generating ozone.

58. A method as claimed in claim 57 wherein the method comprises the step of generating nanobubbles of ozone in the water.

59. A method for removing biofilm in a drinker line as claimed in any of claims 56 to 58.

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