A sonoreactor

Abstract

A sonoreactor 1 for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, may comprise a reaction chamber 5, an ultrasound generator 35 and radial 51 and non-radial 57 fluid inlets spaced apart along the longit

Description

The present invention relates to a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, for example groundwater or landfill leachate, and methods of designing or manufacturing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid. Sonoreactors are used to treat pollutants within a fluid, such as groundwater or landfill leachate or other fluids contaminated with pollutants. Sonoreactors employ a process known as sonolysis which involves applying ultrasound waves to the fluid, typically within a reaction chamber, to cause cavitation within the fluid and thereby chemically degrade the pollutants within the fluid. Typically, sonoreactors are used to degrade PFAS (per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances) within a fluid. Incineration, photolysis, plasma and electrolysis may also be used to degrade PFAS however these are either less effective at degrading PFAS in presence of co-contaminants and high salinity as compared to sonolysis or incineration can lead to the release of toxic gases. Existing sonoreactors are difficult to manufacture at a size sufficient for industrial applications where large volumes of fluid are required to be treated. The present invention aims to alleviate, at least to a certain extent, the problems and / or address at least to a certain extend the difficulties associated with the prior art. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sonoreactor for the treatment (e.g. degradation) of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising: a reaction chamber for treating (e.g. degrading) pollutants within a fluid; an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves; a radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; a non-radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; wherein the fluid outlet is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. The ultrasound generator may also be referred to as an ultrasound emitter or ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound generator may be configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves so as to cause the degradation of pollutants within the fluid. The radial fluid inlet is so-called as it extends (or has a longitudinal axis which extends) in a direction which intersects or substantially intersects the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Thus, the radial fluid inlet extends in a direction which is radial, or substantially radial, to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber when viewed from an end (i.e. a proximal or distal end) of the sonoreactor. The non-radial fluid inlet is so-called as it extends (or has a longitudinal axis which extends) in a direction which does not intersect the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Thus, the non-radial fluid inlet extends in a direction which is non-radial to the longitudinal axis of the reaction when viewed from an end (i.e. a proximal or distal end) of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the reaction chamber may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. Optionally, the reaction chamber may be cuboid or substantially cuboid. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet may be a tangential fluid inlet. A tangential fluid inlet is one which is (i.e. has a longitudinal axis which is) tangential to the reaction chamber, for example to a circumferential internal surface thereof. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the angle between the radial fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is from 0 to 180 degrees, for example from 10 to 170 degrees, for example from 20 to 160 degrees, for example from 30 to 150 degrees, for example from 40 to 140 degrees, for example from 45 to 135 degrees, for example from 50 to 140 degrees, for example from 60 to 120 degrees, for example from 80 to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, or wherein the angle between the radial fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, or a range defined by any two of these values, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the angle between the non-radial fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is from 0 to 180 degrees, for example from 10 to 170 degrees, for example from 20 to 160 degrees, for example from 30 to 150 degrees, for example from 40 to 140 degrees, for example from 45 to 135 degrees, for example from 50 to 130 degrees, for example from 60 to 120 degrees, for example from 80 to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, or wherein the angle between the non-radial fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, or a range defined by any two of these values, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end ora proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the fluid outlet is a first fluid outlet and wherein the sonoreactor comprises a second fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber. Optionally, the second fluid outlet is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the second fluid outlet is angularly spaced apart from the first fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the angle between the second fluid outlet and the first fluid outlet is from 10 to 170 degrees, for example from 20 to 160 degrees, for example from 30 to 150 degrees, for example from 40 to 140 degrees, for example from 45 to 135 degrees, for example from 50 to 130 degrees, for example from 60 to 120 degrees, for example from 80 to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, or wherein the angle between the second fluid outlet and the first fluid outlet is 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, or a range defined by any two of these values, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the second fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the angle between the radial fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is from 0 to 180 degrees, for example from 10 to 170 degrees, for example from 20 to 160 degrees, for example from 30 to 150 degrees, for example from 40 to 140 degrees, for example from 45 to 135 degrees, for example from 50 to 130 degrees, for example from 60 to 120 degrees, for example from 80 to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, or wherein the angle between the radial fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, or a range defined by any two of these values, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the second fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the angle between the non-radial fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is from 0 to 180 degrees, for example from 10 to 170 degrees, for example from 20 to 160 degrees, for example from 30 to 150 degrees, for example from 40 to 140 degrees, for example from 45 to 135 degrees, for example from 50 to 130 degrees, for example from 60 to 120 degrees, for example from 80 to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, or wherein the angle between the non-radial fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet is 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, or a range defined by any two of these values, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the fluid is or comprises water, for example the fluid may be groundwater or landfill leachate. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet, the non-radial fluid inlet, the first fluid outlet and / or the second fluid outlet are configured to extend through an internal (e.g. circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the radial fluid inlet when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end ora proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet. For example, the non-radial fluid inlet is optionally spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet by a distance extending in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the distance is when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end ora proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the distance may be from 10% to 100% of the radius of the reaction chamber, for example 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% or the distance may be a range defined by any two of these values. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet comprises a radial-fluid-inlet entrance configured to extend through an internal (e.g. circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber and wherein the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance configured to extend through the internal (e.g. circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance along a circumference of the reaction chamber, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is angularly spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance by an angle from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees, optionally from about 10 to about 170 degrees, optionally from about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees, optionally from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, optionally from about 40 degrees to about 140 degrees, optionally from about 50 degrees to about 130 degrees, optionally from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, optionally by from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, optionally from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, optionally by an angle of about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 degrees, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the first fluid outlet is substantially diametrically opposed to the radial fluid inlet, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the first fluid outlet is substantially diametrically opposed to the radial-fluid-inlet entrance, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end ora proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet are arranged at or towards a proximal end or distal end of the reaction chamber. For example, the radial fluid inlet may be arranged at a proximal end ora distal end of the reaction chamber, and the non-radial fluid inlet may be arranged at a proximal end or a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, one of the radial fluid inlet and the non-radial fluid inlet is arranged at or towards a proximal end of the reaction chamber and the other one of the radial fluid inlet and the non-radial fluid inlet is arranged at or towards a distal end of the reaction chamber, wherein the distal end of the reaction chamber is spaced apart from the proximal end of the reaction chamber along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet is / are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet is / are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an oblique angle, for example by an angle of less than 90 degrees, for example by an angle of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees or by a range of angles defined by any two of these values. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis which is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an oblique angle, for example by an angle of less than 90 degrees, for example by an angle of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees or by a range of angles defined by any two of these values Optionally, the radial fluid inlet is spaced from a proximal end ora distal end of the sonoreactor by a distance from about 3% to about 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber, optionally by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, optionally by about 15% to 27%, optionally by about 20% to 27%, or optionally by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber or by a range of distances defined by any two of these values. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced from a proximal end or a distal end of the sonoreactor by a distance from about 3% to about 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber, optionally by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, optionally by about 15% to 27%, optionally by about 20% to 27%, or optionally by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber or by a range of distances defined by any two of these values. Optionally, the first fluid outlet and / or the second fluid outlet is arranged towards or at a distal end ora proximal end of the reaction chamber, wherein the distal end of the reaction chamber is spaced apart from the proximal end of the reaction chamber along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, one of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet is arranged at or towards a proximal end of the reaction chamber and the other one of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet is arranged at or towards a distal end of the reaction chamber, wherein the distal end of the reaction chamber is spaced apart from the proximal end of the reaction chamber along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator may be configured to generate ultrasound waves having a frequency of 20kHz or greater, for example from 20kHz to 1000kHz, for example from 20kHz to 100kHz, or for example 100kHz or greater, for example from 100kHz to 1000kHz, for example between 300kHz and 900kHz (for example 400kHz, 780kHz or 850kHz). A frequency range of from 20kHz to 100kHz is particularly effective at desorbing pollutants from solid particles, for example where the fluid is a slurry feed. A frequency of 100kHz or greater is particularly effective at degrading or destroying pollutant molecules. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to transmit ultrasound waves longitudinally along the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a proximal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a proximal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a distal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially concentric with a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is affixed to the sonoreactor by an end-cap (e.g. a first end-cap) configured to fluidly seal an end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the end-cap (i.e. the first end cap) comprises a plate. Optionally, the plate is bolted to a housing of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the sonoreactor comprises a further end-cap (e.g. a second end-cap) affixed to an opposed end of the sonoreactor so as to fluidly seal the opposed end of the reaction chamber. Thus, the end-cap (or first end-cap) and the further end-cap (or second end-cap) may be affixed to opposed ends of the sonoreactor, for example one of the end-cap (e.g. first end-cap) and the further end cap (e.g. second end-cap) may be affixed to a distal end of the sonoreactor and the other of the end-cap (e.g. first end-cap) and the further end cap (e.g. second end-cap) may be affixed to a proximal end of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the further end-cap (i.e. the second end cap) comprises a plate. Optionally, the plate is bolted to a housing of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the sonoreactor comprises a heat transfer system configured to transfer heat to and / or from fluid in the reaction chamber. Optionally, the sonoreactor comprises a temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the fluid within the reaction chamber via the heat transfer system. Optionally, the heat transfer system comprises a thermal jacket configured to extend peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) around the sonoreactor, for example peripherally around a housing of the sonoreactor, for example peripherally around at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the housing of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the thermal jacket is configured to extend peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) around a housing of the sonoreactor. Optionally, the radial fluid inlet, the non-radial fluid inlet, the first fluid outlet and / or the second fluid outlet are configured to extend through the thermal jacket. Optionally, the sonoreactor is configured to be operated, or to be mounted, in a horizontal configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber is substantially horizontal. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising: a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid; an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves; a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; wherein the fluid outlet is spaced apart from the fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; the method comprising; determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and selecting, from the number of longitudinal positions, a longitudinal position of the fluid inlet based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a non-radial fluid inlet, e.g. a tangential fluid inlet. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced apart from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by a distance; the method comprising; determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and selecting, from the number of distances, a distance of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet extends in a direction and the distance, when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber, is a distance between the direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends and a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and parallel to the direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis and the distance, when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber, is a distance between the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis, and the distance is the shortest distance between the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the distance is the length of a line segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is a continuous ultrasound generator configured to generate a continuous series of ultrasound waves. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is a pulsed ultrasound generator configured to generate one or more consecutive series of ultrasound waves. Optionally, the time duration of and / or between each series of ultrasound waves may be equal or different. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a proximal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a proximal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a distal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially concentric with a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is affixed to the sonoreactor by an end-cap (e.g. a first end-cap) configured to fluidly seal an end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the end-cap (i.e. the first end cap) comprises a plate. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical reaction chamber. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cuboid or substantially cuboid reaction chamber. Optionally, the number of longitudinal positions of the fluid inlet are determined with respect to a proximal end or a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the step of selecting a longitudinal position comprises selecting the longitudinal position of the fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the method comprises constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model of the sonoreactor and wherein: the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the fluid inlet comprises the step of calculating, based on the CFD model, the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method is a method of manufacturing a sonoreactor and further comprises the step of manufacturing a sonoreactor in which the longitudinal position of the fluid inlet is based on the selected longitudinal position of the fluid inlet. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a first fluid inlet and wherein the sonoreactor further comprises a second fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber, and a second fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber, wherein the second fluid outlet is spaced apart from the second fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the first fluid inlet is a radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the second fluid inlet is a non-radial fluid inlet, e.g. a tangential fluid inlet. Optionally, the number of longitudinal positions of the second fluid inlet are determined with respect to a proximal end ora distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method comprises determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the second inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and selecting from the number of longitudinal positions a longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the step of selecting a longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet comprises selecting the longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the method comprises constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model of the sonoreactor and wherein: the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the second fluid inlet comprises the step of calculating, based on the CFD model, the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the second fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method is a method of manufacturing a sonoreactor, the method comprising the step of manufacturing a sonoreactor in which the longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet is based on the selected longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet. Optionally, the method is a computer-implemented method. Optionally, the step or steps of selecting is / are performed by a computer. Optionally, the computer-implemented method comprises the step of outputting information indicative of each longitudinal position and the associated normal force, and receiving user input indicative of a selected one of the longitudinal positions. According to third aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising: a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid; an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves; and a non-radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; wherein the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced apart from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by a distance; the method comprising; determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and selecting, from the number of distances, a distance of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis, and the distance is the shortest distance between the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the distance is the length of a line segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet extends in a direction and the distance, when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber, is a distance between the direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends and a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and parallel to the direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends. Optionally, the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis and the distance, when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber, is a distance between the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet and a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the sonoreactor comprises a radial fluid inlet extending in a direction parallel to a direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends, and wherein the distance is a distance between the direction in which the radial fluid inlet extends and the direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet extends. Optionally, the sonoreactor comprises a radial fluid inlet having a longitudinal axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the non-radial fluid inlet, and wherein the distance is a distance between the longitudinal axis of the radial inlet and the longitudinal axis of the non-radial inlet. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a proximal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a proximal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a distal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially concentric with a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is affixed to the sonoreactor by an end-cap (e.g. a first end-cap) configured to fluidly seal an end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the end-cap (i.e. the first end cap) comprises a plate. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical reaction chamber. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cuboid or substantially cuboid reaction chamber. Optionally, the step of selecting a distance comprises selecting the distance of the non-radial fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the method comprises constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model of the sonoreactor and wherein: the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet comprises the step of calculating, based on the CFD model, the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method is a method of manufacturing a sonoreactor and further comprises the step of manufacturing a sonoreactor in which the distance of the nonradial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber is based on the selected distance of the non-radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the method is a computer-implemented method. Optionally, the step or steps of selecting is / are performed by a computer. Optionally, the computer-implemented method comprises the step of outputting information indicative of each distance and the associated normal force, and receiving user input indicative of a selected one of the distances. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising: a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid; an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves; a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; wherein the fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle; the method comprising; determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and selecting, from the number of angles, an angle of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Thus, the method comprises determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of rotational positions of the fluid inlet about the longitudinal axis with respect to the fluid outlet, and selecting, from the number of rotational positions, a rotational position of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis and the fluid outlet comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein the angle is an angle between the longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the fluid outlet, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a non-radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical reaction chamber. Optionally, the reaction chamber is a cuboid or substantially cuboid reaction chamber. Optionally, the step of selecting an angle comprises selecting the angle of the fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the method comprises constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model of the sonoreactor and wherein: the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the fluid inlet comprises the step of calculating, based on the CFD model, the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method is a method of manufacturing a sonoreactor and further comprises the step of manufacturing a sonoreactor in which the longitudinal position of the fluid inlet is based on the selected longitudinal position of the fluid inlet. Optionally, the fluid inlet is a first fluid inlet and the sonoreactor comprises a second fluid inlet. Optionally, the second fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the second fluid inlet comprises a longitudinal axis and the fluid outlet comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein the angle is an angle between the longitudinal axis of the second fluid inlet and the longitudinal axis of the fluid outlet, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the second fluid inlet is a radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the second fluid inlet is a non-radial fluid inlet. Optionally, the determining step comprises the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the first fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the second fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; and the selecting step comprises selecting, from the number of angles of the first fluid inlet from the fluid outlet, an angle of the first fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator, and selecting, from the number of angles of the second fluid inlet from the fluid outlet, an angle of the second fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the step of selecting comprises selecting the angle of the first fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the step of selecting comprises selecting the angle of the second fluid inlet determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. Optionally, the method comprises constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model of the sonoreactor and wherein: the step of determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the second fluid inlet comprises the step of calculating, based on the CFD model, the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the second fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the method is a method of manufacturing a sonoreactor, the method comprising the step of manufacturing a sonoreactor in which the longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet is based on the selected longitudinal position of the second fluid inlet. Optionally, the method is a computer-implemented method. Optionally, the step or steps of selecting is / are performed by a computer. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a proximal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a proximal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed (or coupled) to a distal end of the sonoreactor, for example to a distal end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially concentric with a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to an end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the ultrasound generator is affixed to the sonoreactor by an end-cap (e.g. a first end-cap) configured to fluidly seal an end of the reaction chamber. Optionally, the end-cap (i.e. the first end cap) comprises a plate. The present invention may be carried out in various ways and embodiments of a sonoreactor in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic exploded side view of a sonoreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic end view of parts of the sonoreactor of Figure 1 with the end plate removed for ease of illustration. Figure 3 is a schematic exploded top view of parts of the sonoreactor of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows parts of the sonoreactor of Figure 1 in an axial-flow configuration, showing the results of a CFD simulation to illustrate the axial flow of fluid within the reaction chamber in the axial-flow configuration; and Figure 5 shows parts of the sonoreactor of Figure 1 in a swirling-flow configuration, showing the results of a CFD simulation to illustrate the swirling flow of fluid within the reaction chamber in the swirling-flow configuration. With reference to Figure 1, a sonoreactor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The sonoreactor 1 comprises a housing 3 which in this embodiment is substantially cylindrical although this is not essential to the invention and any other suitable shape of housing 3 may instead be used, for example in some embodiments the housing 3 may be substantially cuboid. The sonoreactor 1 comprises a reaction chamber 5 which in this embodiment is substantially cylindrical but this is not essential and in other embodiments the reaction chamber 5 may be any other suitable shape, for example in some embodiments the reaction chamber 5 may be substantially cuboid. The reaction chamber 5 comprises an internal surface 7 which in this embodiment is substantially cylindrical or circumferential, although other embodiments are also envisaged in which the internal surface 7 may have any other suitable shape. The reaction chamber 5, and by extension the sonoreactor 1, comprises a proximal end 9 and an opposed distal end 11 which is spaced apart from the proximal end 9 along a longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber 5 extends entirely through the housing 3 such that the reaction chamber 5 comprises an aperture, or opening, at the distal end thereof and an aperture, or opening at the proximal end thereof. The sonoreactor 1 is shown in a horizontal orientation or configuration in which the sonoreactor 1 is intended to be used. In the horizontal configuration, the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 is substantially horizontal. As such, in some embodiment, the sonoreactor 1 may be configured to be mounted horizontally, for example the sonoreactor 1 may comprise a mount (not shown) for mounting the sonoreactor horizontally. A proximal end-cap 15 is affixed, or mounted, to the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5 so as to fluidly seal the reaction chamber 5 at its proximal end 9. Similarly, a distal end-cap 17 is affixed, or mounted, to the distal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5 so as to fluidly seal the reaction chamber 5 at its distal end 9. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end-cap 15 and the distal-end cap 17 each comprise a plate 19, 21 which is affixed, or mounted, to the proximal 9 and distal ends 11 respectively of the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment shown, the housing 3 of the sonoreactor 1 comprises equiangularly spaced threaded bolts 23 for bolting the proximal 19 and distal 21 plates to the housing 3, the bolts 23 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 from a proximal 27 and a distal 27 circumferentially extending flange provided on the proximal 9 and distal 11 ends of the housing 3 respectively. In this embodiment, eight bolts are provided at each of the proximal and distal ends, although any suitable number may instead be used. Each plate 19, 21 comprises a plurality of apertures 31 configured to receive a respective bolt 23, each plate 19, 21 being affixed to its respective end by a plurality of nuts 29. Of course, the proximal 15 and distal 17 endcaps may take any other suitable configuration and so the present invention is not limited to proximal 15 and distal 17 end-caps which comprise a plate 19, 21. Similarly, any other suitable means of affixing the proximal and distal plates 19, 21 to the housing 3 may instead be used, for example the proximal and distal plates 19, 21 may be adhered to the housing 3 by a suitable adhesive or by any suitable mechanical fastener or fastening means such as by screws or by one or more clamps. An ultrasound generator 35, such as an ultrasound transmitter or transducer, is configured to provide, e.g. transmit to, the reaction chamber 5 with ultrasound waves for treating (e.g. degrading) pollutants within the fluid within the reaction chamber 5 in use. The ultrasound generator 35 may be configured to produce any frequency of ultrasound waves, for example 20kHz or greater. In this embodiment, the ultrasound generator 35 is configured to transmit ultrasound waves longitudinally within the reaction chamber 5, although this is not essential to the invention. The longitudinal length of the reaction chamber 5 may in some embodiments be an integer multiple of the wavelength of the ultrasound waves emitted by the ultrasound generator 35 such that a standing wave is generated within the reaction chamber 5, although this is not essential to the invention. In some embodiments, the ultrasound generator 35 may be a continuous ultrasound generator configured to generate a continuous series of ultrasound waves or, in other embodiments the ultrasound generator 35 may be a pulsed ultrasound generator configured to generate a consecutive series of ultrasound waves in consecutive pulses. In embodiments comprising a pulsed ultrasound generator 35, the time duration of and / or between the consecutive series of ultrasound waves may be constant (i.e. the same) or may vary (i.e. may be different). Thus, the time duration of each pulse may be constant or may vary. Similarly, the time between consecutive pulses may be constant or may vary. While other locations of the ultrasound generator 35 are envisaged, in this embodiment the ultrasound generator 35 is affixed, or mounted to, the proximal end 9 of the sonoreactor 1. In the embodiment shown, the ultrasound generator 35 is affixed to the proximal end-cap 15 or plate 19 such that ultrasound waves are transmitted through the proximal end-cap 15 or plate 19 to the reaction chamber 5. In this embodiment, the ultrasound generator 35 is affixed to the proximal end 9 of the sonoreactor 1, for example to the proximal end-cap 15 or plate 19, so as to be substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. In other embodiments, the ultrasound generator 35 may instead by affixed to the proximal end 9 of the sonoreactor 1, for example to the proximal end-cap 15 or plate 19, so as to be substantially eccentric with respect to (or radially offset from) the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. An eccentric ultrasound generator 35 is particularly advantageous as it allows for sediment and other detritus from the fluid to collect at the bottom of the reaction chamber 5 without impairing the transmission of ultrasound waves through the fluid. In other embodiments, the ultrasound generator 35 may be affixed, or mounted to, the distal end 11 of the sonoreactor 1. In such embodiments, the ultrasound generator 35 may be affixed to the distal end-cap 17 or plate 21 such that ultrasound waves are transmitted through the distal end-cap 17 or plate 21 to the reaction chamber 5. The ultrasound generator 35 may be affixed to the distal end 11 of the sonoreactor 1, for example to the distal end-cap 17 or plate 21, so as to be substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. In other embodiments, the ultrasound generator 35 may instead by affixed to the distal end 9 of the sonoreactor 1, for example to the distal end-cap 17 or plate 21, so as to be substantially eccentric with respect to (or radially offset from) the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. An eccentric ultrasound generator 35 is particularly advantageous as it allows for sediment and other detritus from the fluid to collect at the bottom of the reaction chamber 5 without impairing the transmission of ultrasound waves through the fluid. In some embodiments, the sonoreactor 1 may comprise a heat transfer system 37 configured to transfer heat to and / or from fluid in the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the sonoreactor 1 may comprise a temperature control system configured to control the transfer of heat to and / or from fluid in the reaction chamber 5 via the heat transfer system 37. In the embodiment shown, the heat transfer system 37 comprises a thermal jacket 37 or cover 37 configured to extend circumferentially, or peripherally, around at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the housing 3 of the sonoreactor 1. In some embodiments, the thermal jacket 37 may be a thermally insulating jacket 37. In other embodiments, the thermal jacket 37 may be a cooling jacket 37 or a heating jacket 37. In other embodiments, the heat transfer system 37 may comprise any other suitable means for transferring heat to and / or from the fluid in the reaction chamber 5, for example the heat transfer system 37 may comprise a coil of tubing or pipe arranged around at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the housing 3, the coil or tubing or pipe having a channel extending therethrough to allow fluid to flow therethrough for extracting heat from and / or supplying heat to the fluid in the reaction chamber 5. The heat transfer system 37 of the present invention is not limited to fluid-cooling and, in other embodiments, the heat transfer system 37 may comprise any other suitable type of heat transfer system 37, for example in some embodiments the heat transfer system 37 may comprise a solid-state cooler for example a Peltier cooler thermally coupled to the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the thermal jacket 37 comprises first 41 and second 43 fluid inlets and first 45 and second 47 fluid outlets, however other embodiments are also envisaged in which the thermal jacket 37 comprises a single fluid inlet 41, 43 and / or a single fluid outlet 45, 47. The fluid inlet(s) 41, 43 and fluid outlets(s) 45, 47 are in fluid communication with an internal fluid channel 39 arranged within the thermal jacket 37 for heating or cooling the reaction chamber 5 as a result of fluid flowing from the inlet(s) 41, 43, through the internal fluid channel 39 to the outlet(s) 45, 47. The fluid may be or comprise water, air or any other suitable fluid. The first fluid inlet 41 and the first fluid outlet 45 may be used in the axial-flow configuration (optionally with the second fluid inlet 43 and / or the second fluid outlet 47 shut-off or closed) and the second fluid inlet 43 and the second fluid outlet 47 may be used in the swirling-flow configuration (optionally with the first fluid inlet 41 and / or the first fluid outlet 45 shut-off or closed). The temperature of the fluid in the reaction chamber 5 may be controlled by a controller which is configured to control the flow of fluid through the internal fluid channel 39 (for example by controlling a fluid pump fluidly coupled to the internal fluid chamber 39) or which is configured to control the temperature of the fluid flowing through the internal fluid channel 39 (for example by heating or cooling the fluid by methods as will be familiar to the skilled person). The sonoreactor 1 comprises a radial fluid inlet 51 fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 for providing fluid to be treated to the reaction chamber 5. The radial fluid inlet 51 extends (that is, it comprises a longitudinal axis 63 which extends) in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5, although in other embodiments the radial fluid inlet 51 (that is, the radial fluid inlet 51 comprises a longitudinal axis 63 which) may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 by an oblique angle. The radial fluid inlet 51 is configured to extend through the thermal jacket 37 (although other embodiments in which the radial fluid inlet 51 does not extend through the thermal jacket 37 are also envisaged, for example in embodiments in which the thermal jacket 37 only covers a portion of the length of the housing 3) and through an internal peripheral or circumferential surface 7 of the reaction chamber 5, thereby providing a radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 to the reaction chamber 5. The radial fluid inlet 51 extends radially, that is to say its longitudinal axis 63 substantially intersects the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. Thus, the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 is substantially circular. The radial fluid inlet 51 is arranged towards the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5, although in other embodiments the radial fluid inlet 51 may be arranged towards the distal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. A first fluid outlet 55 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 for extracting treated fluid from the reaction chamber 5. The first fluid outlet 55 is substantially diametrically opposed to the radial fluid inlet 51 when viewed in the side planar view shown in Fig. 2, and thereby also to the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53, although in other embodiments the first fluid outlet 55 may be angularly spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet 51 when viewed in the side planar view shown in Fig. 2. The first fluid outlet 55 is configured to extend through the thermal jacket 37 (although other embodiments in which the first fluid outlet 55 does not extend through the thermal jacket 37 are also envisaged, for example in embodiments in which the thermal jacket 37 only covers a portion of the length of the housing 3) and through an internal circumferential surface 7 of the reaction chamber 5. The first fluid outlet 55 extends radially, that is to say its longitudinal axis 67 substantially intersects the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5, and so the first fluid outlet 55 may be referred to as a first radial fluid outlet 55, however in other embodiments the first fluid outlet 55 may be a non-radial fluid outlet. In this embodiment (although not essential to all embodiments), the longitudinal axis 67 of the first fluid outlet 55 and the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 lie in the same plane and, in this embodiment (although not essential to all embodiments), are substantially colinear with each other when viewed in the side planar view shown in Fig. 2 as viewed from one end of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the radial fluid inlet 51 may be angled about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 with respect to the first fluid outlet 55 such that the radial fluid inlet 51 is angularly spaced apart from the first fluid outlet 55 when viewed in a side planar view so as to define an angle between the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 and the longitudinal axis 67 of the first fluid outlet 55 when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment shown, the angle between the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 and the longitudinal axis 67 of the first fluid outlet 55 is 180 degrees when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. The first fluid outlet 55 is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet 51 along the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 so as to be arranged towards the distal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5, although other embodiments in which the first fluid outlet 55 is arranged towards the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5 are also envisaged. In some embodiments, the first fluid outlet 55 is longitudinally spaced apart from the distal end cap 17 or proximal end cap 15 by at least 1 times (for example by at least 1.5 times) the wavelength of the ultrasound waves emitted by the ultrasound generator 35. The sonoreactor 1 further comprises a non-radial fluid inlet 57 fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 for providing fluid to be treated to the reaction chamber 5. In this embodiment, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 extends (that is, it comprises a longitudinal axis 65 which extends) in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5, although in other embodiments the non-radial fluid inlet 57 (that is, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 comprises a longitudinal axis which) may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 by an oblique angle. The longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 by a distance A (Fig. 2). The distance A is the shortest distance between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. Thus, the distance A is the length of a line segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. Thus, when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet 51 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber by distance A (Fig. 2). In this embodiment, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is configured to extend through the thermal jacket 37 (although other embodiments in which the non-radial fluid inlet 57 does not extend through the thermal jacket 37 are also envisaged, for example in embodiments in which the thermal jacket 37 only covers a portion of the length of the housing 3) and through an internal circumferential surface 7 of the reaction chamber 5, thereby providing a non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance 59 to the reaction chamber 5. The non-radial fluid inlet 57 extends (i.e. comprises a longitudinal axis 65 which extends) in a direction which does not substantially intersect the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 so as to cause the fluid entering the reaction chamber 5 to swirl. The non-radial fluid inlet 57 is arranged towards the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5, although in other embodiments the non-radial fluid inlet 57 may be arranged towards the distal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In this embodiment, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the radial fluid inlet 51 such that the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance 59 is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 along a circumference of the internal surface 7 of the reaction chamber 5 when viewed in a side planar view from either the proximal end or the distal end of the reaction chamber 5, with the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance 59 being axially spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 along the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 (although embodiments in which the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance 59 and the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 are axially aligned along the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 are also envisaged). Thus, the non-radial-fluid-inlet 59 entrance is angularly spaced apart, when viewed in a side planar view from either the proximal end or the distal end of the reaction chamber 5, from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53. In the embodiment shown, the non-radial-fluid inlet entrance 59 is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance 53 when viewed in a side planar view from either the proximal end or the distal end of the reaction chamber 5 by approximately 70 degrees but in other embodiments, the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance may be spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance when viewed in a side planar view from either the proximal end or the distal end of the reaction chamber 5 by any suitable angle, for example by an angle from about 10 to about 170 degrees, for example by an angle from about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees, for example by an angle from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, for example by an angle from about 40 degrees to about 140 degrees, for example by an angle from about 50 to about 130 degrees, for example by an angle from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, for example by an angle from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, for example about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, optionally by an angle of about 10, 20, 30, 40 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170 degrees. The non-radial fluid inlet 57 may be angled about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 with respect to the first fluid outlet 55 such that the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is angularly spaced apart from the first fluid outlet 55 when viewed in a side planar view so as to define an angle between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 67 of the first fluid outlet 55 when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 63 of the first fluid inlet 55, such that the angle between them is 0 degrees when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. A second fluid outlet 61 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 for extracting treated fluid from the reaction chamber 5. The second fluid outlet 61 is configured to extend through the thermal jacket 37 (although other embodiments in which the second fluid outlet 61 does not extend through the thermal jacket 37 are also envisaged, for example in embodiments in which the thermal jacket 37 only covers a portion of the length of the housing 3) and through an internal circumferential surface of the reaction chamber 5. The second fluid outlet 61 extends radially such that a longitudinal axis 69 of the second fluid outlet 61 substantially intersects the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 and therefore the second fluid outlet 61 may be referred to as a second radial fluid outlet 61, however in other embodiments the second fluid outlet 61 may be a non-radial fluid outlet. The second fluid outlet 61 is spaced apart from the non-radial fluid inlet 57 along the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 so as to be arranged towards the distal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In other embodiments, the second fluid outlet 61 may be arranged towards the proximal end 9 of the reaction chamber 5. The second fluid outlet 61 is longitudinally spaced apart from the distal end cap 17, or in other embodiments the proximal end cap 15, by at least 1 times (for example by at least 1.5 times) the wavelength of the ultrasound waves emitted by the ultrasound generator 35. The second fluid outlet 61 is angularly spaced apart from the first fluid outlet 55 about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber 5. In this embodiment, the angle between the second fluid outlet 61 and the first fluid outlet 55 is about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the radial fluid inlet 51 may be angled about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 with respect to the second fluid outlet 61 such that the radial fluid inlet 51 is angularly spaced apart from the second fluid outlet 61 when viewed in a side planar view so as to define an angle between the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 and the longitudinal axis 69 of the second fluid outlet 61 when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment shown, the angle between the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 and the longitudinal axis 69 of the second fluid outlet 61 is about 90 degrees when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 may be angled about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 with respect to the second fluid outlet 61 such that the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is angularly spaced apart from the second fluid outlet 61 when viewed in a side planar view so as to define an angle between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 69 of the second fluid outlet 61 when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. In the embodiment shown, the angle between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 69 of the second fluid outlet 61 is about 90 degrees when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end 11 or proximal end 11 of the reaction chamber 5. The sonoreactor 1 of the present invention may be operated in an axial-flow configuration (as shown in Fig. 4) or in a swirling-flow configuration (as shown in Fig. 5), or in a combined axial-flow and swirling-flow configuration. In the axial-flow configuration, the sonoreactor 1 is arranged / mounted horizontally (such that the longitudinal axis 13 is substantially horizontal) such that the radial fluid inlet 51 is arranged on an underside of the sonoreactor 1 and such that the first fluid outlet 55 is arranged on an upper side of the sonoreactor 1, although other embodiments are envisaged in which the radial fluid inlet 51 and / or the first fluid outlet 55 is / are arranged at a different rotational position about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 in the axial-flow configuration. In embodiments in which the radial fluid inlet 51 is arranged on an underside of the sonoreactor 1, the radial fluid inlet 51 may act as a fluid drain for draining fluid from the reaction chamber 5 and in embodiments in which the first fluid outlet 55 is arranged on an upper side of the sonoreactor 1 the first fluid outlet 55 may act as an air vent for venting air from the reaction chamber 5. In the axial-flow configuration, the radial fluid inlet 51 is used for supplying the reaction chamber 5 with fluid to be treated such that the fluid flows within the reaction chamber substantially axially from the radial fluid inlet 51 to the first fluid outlet 55. In the axial-flow configuration, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 may be fluidly decoupled from the reaction chamber 5 for example by plugging or shut-offing (such as by a valve) the non-radial fluid inlet 57. The second fluid outlet 61 may optionally also be fluidly decoupled from the reaction chamber 5 for example by plugging or shutting-off (such as by a valve) the second fluid outlet 61, although the sonoreactor 1 may instead optionally be operated in the axial-flow configuration with the second fluid outlet 61 open such that it remains fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 and such that fluid exits the reaction chamber 5 via both the first fluid outlet 55 and also the second fluid outlet 61. In the swirling-flow configuration, as is best visualised by rotating Figure 2 anticlockwise by 90 degrees, the sonoreactor 1 is arranged / mounted horizontally (such that the longitudinal axis 13 is substantially horizontal) such that the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is arranged on an underside of the sonoreactor 1 and such that the second fluid outlet 61 is arranged on an upper side of the sonoreactor 1, although other embodiments are envisaged in which the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and / or the second fluid outlet 61 is / are arranged at a different rotational position about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 in the swirling-flow configuration. In embodiments in which the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is arranged on an underside of the sonoreactor 1, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 may act as a fluid drain for draining fluid from the reaction chamber 5 and in embodiments in which the second fluid outlet 61 is arranged on an upper side of the sonoreactor 1 the second fluid outlet 61 may act as an air vent for venting air from the reaction chamber 5. In the swirling-flow configuration, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 is used for supplying the reaction chamber 5 with fluid to be treated such that the fluid is caused to swirl circumferentially along the reaction chamber 5 from the non-radial fluid inlet 57 to the second fluid outlet 61. Thus, the non-radial fluid inlet 57 imparts rotational momentum to the fluid. Such a configuration may therefore allow for improved mixing of the fluid within the reaction chamber 5 or may be more suitable for certain fluids than the axial-flow configuration. In the swirling-flow configuration, the radial fluid inlet 51 may optionally be fluidly decoupled from the reaction chamber 5 for example by plugging or shut-offing (such as by a valve) the radial fluid inlet 57. The first fluid outlet 55 may optionally also be fluidly decoupled from the reaction chamber 5 for example by plugging or shutting-off (such as by a valve) the first fluid outlet 55, although the sonoreactor 1 may instead optionally be operated in the swirling-flow configuration with the first fluid outlet 55 open such that it remains fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 and such that fluid exits the reaction chamber 5 via both the first fluid outlet 55 and also the second fluid outlet 61. In the combined axial-flow and swirling-flow configuration, both the radial 51 and the non-radial 57 fluid inlets are used for supplying the reaction chamber 5 with fluid to be treated such that the flow regime is a mix between that of the axial-flow configuration and the swirling-flow configuration. Thus, in this configuration, both the radial fluid inlet 51 and the non-radial fluid inlet 57 are fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5. In this configuration both of the first 55 and second 61 fluid outlets may be fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 such that fluid exits the reaction chamber 5 via both the first 55 and second 61 fluid outlets, or alternatively only one of the first 55 or second 61 fluid outlets may be fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5 such that the other one of the first 55 and second 61 fluid outlets is fluidly decoupled from the reaction chamber 5. Optionally, in the combined axial-flow and swirling-flow configuration, only the second fluid outlet 61 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 5. In the combined axial-flow and swirling-flow configuration, the sonoreactor 1 may be in the orientation of the axial-flow configuration or the swirling-flow configuration. The radial and / or non-radial fluid inlets may be arranged about 3% to about 40% of the longitudinal length of the reaction chamber from the proximal end or distal end of the reaction chamber, for example by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, for example by about 15% to 27%, by about 20% to 27%, or by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber. Preferably the distance to the proximal end or distal end of the reaction chamber 5 is optimised, while taking account of the normal force produced on the ultrasound generator 35, in order to minimise the "dead-flow" space within the reaction chamber 5. Similarly, the first 55 and second 61 fluid outlets may be arranged about 3% to about 40% of the longitudinal length of the reaction chamber from the proximal end or distal end of the reaction chamber, for example by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, for example by about 15% to 27%, by about 20% to 27%, or by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber. Preferably the distance of the first 55 and second 61 fluid outlets to the distal end or proximal end of the reaction chamber 5 is optimised, while taking account of the normal force produced on the ultrasound generator 35, in order to minimise the "dead-flow" space within the reaction chamber 5. The axial location of the radial fluid inlet 51 and / or the non-radial fluid inlet 57 along the reaction chamber 5 may be selected by first determining the expected or calculated normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35 during operation of the sonoreactor 1 for a number of longitudinal positions of the radial 51 and / or non-radial 57 fluid inlets along a longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5, for example the fluid inlets 51, 57 being measured from a distal 11 or proximal 9 end of the reaction chamber 5. The normal force applied to the ultrasound generator at these various longitudinal positions may be determined experimentally or it may be determined or calculated by a computer-implemented method, for example by constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model / simulation of the sonoreactor in operation. The normal force for each longitudinal position may then be outputted by the computer-implemented method and a user or a computer may then select, based on the determined normal force for each longitudinal position, a longitudinal position of the radial 51 and / or non-radial 57 fluid inlets. The selected longitudinal position of the radial 51 and / or non-radial 57 fluid inlets may be the longitudinal position determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator. The method may then comprise manufacturing a sonoreactor 51 in which the longitudinal position of the radial and / or non-radial inlet is based on the selected longitudinal position(s). In some embodiments, the distance A of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 from a longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 may be selected by first determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35 during operation of the sonoreactor 1 for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 from a longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the distance A may be a distance, when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end or the proximal end of the reaction chamber 5, between a direction in which the non-radial fluid inlet 57 extends (i.e. between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet) and a line B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 and parallel to the direction along which the non-radial fluid inlet 57 extends (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57). In some embodiments, the distance may be the shortest distance between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the distance is the length of a line segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. The normal force applied to the ultrasound generator at these various distances may be determined experimentally or it may be determined or calculated by a computer-implemented method, for example by constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model / simulation of the sonoreactor in operation. The normal force for each distance A may then be outputted by the computer-implemented method and a user or a computer may then select, based on the determined normal force for each distance A, a distance A of the non-radial 57 fluid inlet from the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 (e.g. a distance A between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and a line B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber and parallel to the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57) when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end or the proximal end of the reaction chamber 5. The selected distance A of the non-radial 57 fluid inlet may be the distance A determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35. The method may then comprise manufacturing a sonoreactor 51 in which the distance A of the non-radial inlet 57 from the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 is based on the selected distance, i.e. in which the distance A between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and a line B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 and parallel to the longitudinal axis 65 of the nonradial fluid inlet 57 is based on the selected distance. In some embodiments, the angle between either or both of the radial fluid inlet 63 and / or the non-radial fluid inlet 65 and one of the first 55 or second fluid outlets 61 about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 may be selected by first determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35 during operation of the sonoreactor 1 for a number of angles of one or both of the radial 63 and non-radial 65 fluid inlets from one or both of the fluid outlets 55, 61 about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments the angle may be an angle when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber 5. In some embodiments, the angle may be an angle between the longitudinal axis 63 of the radial fluid inlet 51 and the longitudinal axis 67 of the first 55 or second 61 fluid outlets, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber. In some embodiments, the angle may be an angle between the longitudinal axis 65 of the non-radial fluid inlet 57 and the longitudinal axis 67 of the first 55 or second 61 fluid outlets, for example when viewed in a side planar view from either a distal end or a proximal end of the reaction chamber, the proximal end and the distal end being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber. The normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35 at these various angles may be determined experimentally or it may be determined or calculated by a computer-implemented method, for example by constructing a CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) model / simulation of the sonoreactor in operation. The normal force for each angle may then be outputted by the computer-implemented method and a user or a computer may then select, based on the determined normal force for each angle, an angle of the radial 51 or non-radial 57 fluid inlet about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 when viewed in a side planar view from either the distal end or the proximal end of the reaction chamber 5. The selected angle may be the angle determined to provide the minimum expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator 35. The method may then comprise manufacturing a sonoreactor 51 in which the angle of the radial inlet 51 or non-radial inlet 57 about the longitudinal axis 13 of the reaction chamber 5 with respect to a fluid outlet 55, 61 is based on the selected angle. It is envisaged that the person skilled in the art may make various changes to the embodiments specifically described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising:a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid;an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves;a radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber;a non-radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; anda fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber;wherein the fluid outlet is spaced apart from the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber.

2. The sonoreactor or Claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber is substantially cylindrical.

3. The sonoreactor of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the radial fluid inlet, the non-radial fluid inlet, and / or the fluid outlet are configured to extend through an internal (e.g. circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber.

4. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the radial fluid inlet comprises a radial-fluid-inlet entrance configured to extend through an internal (e.g.circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber and wherein the non-radial fluid inlet comprises a non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance configured to extend through the internal (e.g. circumferential) surface of the reaction chamber.

5. The sonoreactor of Claim 4, wherein the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance along a circumference of the reaction chamber.

6. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is angularly spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance.

7. The sonoreactor of Claim 6, wherein the non-radial-fluid-inlet entrance is spaced apart from the radial-fluid-inlet entrance by an angle from about 0 to about 180 degrees, optionally from about 10 degrees to about 170 degrees, optionally from about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees, optionally from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, for example from about 40 degrees to about 140 degrees, optionallyfrom about 50 degrees to about 130 degrees, optionally from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, optionally from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, optionally from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, optionally by an angle of about 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, or 120 degrees.

8. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid outlet is substantially diametrically opposed to the radial fluid inlet.

9. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the radial fluid inlet and / or the non-radial fluid inlet are arranged at or towards a proximal end or a distal end of the reaction chamber.

10. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the radial fluid inlet is spaced from a proximal end or a distal end of the sonoreactor by a distance from about 3% to about 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber, optionally by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, optionally by about 15% to 27%, optionally by about 20% to 27%, or optionally by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber.

11. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced from a proximal end or a distal end of the sonoreactor by a distance from about 3% to about 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber, optionally by a distance from about 10% to about 35%, optionally by about 15% to 27%, optionally by about 20% to 27%, or optionally by a distance of about 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% of a longitudinal length of the reaction chamber.

12. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged towards or at a distal end of the reaction chamber, wherein the distal end of the reaction chamber is spaced apart from a proximal end of the reaction chamber along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber.

13. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid outlet is a first fluid outlet and wherein the sonoreactor comprises a second fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber.

14. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to generate ultrasound waves having a frequency of 20kHz or greater.

15. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to a proximal or distal end of the sonoreactor.

16. The sonoreactor of Claim 15, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to the proximal or distal end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially concentric with a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber.

17. The sonoreactor of Claim 15, wherein the ultrasound generator is configured to be affixed to the proximal or distal end of the sonoreactor so as to be substantially radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber.

18. The sonoreactor of any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the ultrasound generator is affixed to the proximal or distal end of the sonoreactor by an end-cap configured to fluidly seal an end of the reaction chamber.

19. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the sonoreactor comprises a further end-cap affixed to an opposed end of the sonoreactor so as to fluidly seal the opposed end of the reaction chamber.

20. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the sonoreactor comprises a heat transfer system configured to transfer heat to and / or from fluid in the reaction chamber.

21. The sonoreactor of Claim 20, wherein the heat transfer system comprises a thermal jacket configured to extend peripherally around a housing of the sonoreactor.

22. The sonoreactor of any preceding claim, wherein the sonoreactor is configured to be operated, or to be mounted, in a horizontal configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber is substantially horizontal.

23. A method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising:a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid;an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves;a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; anda fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber;wherein the fluid outlet is spaced apart from the fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber;the method comprising;determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of longitudinal positions of the fluid inlet along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; andselecting, from the number of longitudinal positions, a longitudinal position of the fluid inlet based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator.

24. A method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising:a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid;an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves; anda non-radial fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber;wherein the non-radial fluid inlet is spaced apart from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by a distance;the method comprising;determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of distances of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; andselecting, from the number of distances, a distance of the non-radial fluid inlet from a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator.

25. A method of designing a sonoreactor for the treatment of pollutants within a fluid, the sonoreactor comprising:a reaction chamber for treating pollutants within a fluid;an ultrasound generator configured to provide the reaction chamber with ultrasound waves;a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber; anda fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber;wherein the fluid inlet is angularly spaced apart from the fluid outlet about a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber by an angle;the method comprising;determining the expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator during operation of the sonoreactor for a number of angles of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet about the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber; andselecting, from the number of angles, an angle of the fluid inlet from the fluid5 outlet about the longitudinal axis of the rection chamber based on the determined expected normal force applied to the ultrasound generator.s39Application No: GB2416149.9Examiner:Dr Shane HenryClaims searched: 1-22Date of search: 27 February 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-22 US 2016 / 0346758 Al (KRESS et al.) See Abstract, Figures 1, IC and 6 X 1-22 CN 111977774 A (QINGDAO JINGTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH CO LTD) See Abstract, Figures 5, 10-11, Page 7 para [0038] X 1-22 CN 112717860 A (UNIV SHANDONG) See Abstract, Figure 1, Page 6 para [0044] X 1-22 US 2012 / 0152723 Al (YONEYA) See Abstract, Figures 1, 2 and 4, Page 4 para [0037] X 1-7, 9-16, 18, 20-22 US 2008 / 0159063 Al (JANSSEN et al.) See Abstract, Figures 2 and 3b, Page 6 para [0060] X 1-7, 9-14, 20-22 US 2014 / 0058161 Al (BEDARD et al.) See Abstract, Figures 1 and 3, Page 5 para [0046 and 0050]Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :s40International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B01J 0019 / 10 01 / 01 / 2006 B01F 0025 / 10 01 / 01 / 2022 B01F 0031 / 80 01 / 01 / 2022 B01J 0019 / 24 01 / 01 / 2006 C02F 0001 / 36 01 / 01 / 2023s41Application No: GB2416149.9 Examiner: Dr Shane HenryClaims searched:    23-25                      Date of search: 7 May 2025Patents Act 1977Further Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance A A A A A - WO 2007 / 089013 Al (MATSUMOTO OSAMU) See Figures 15-17 US 2016 / 0346758 Al (KRESS et al.) See Figures 1, IC &6 CN 111977774 A (QINGDAO JINGTIAN ENVIRONMENTAE PROTECTION TECH CO LTD) See Figures 5, 10-11 CN 112717860 A (UNIV SHANDONG) See Figure 1 US 2012 / 0152723 Al (YONEYA) See Figure 1, 2 &4Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC_____________B01J; C02F_________________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportSEARCH-PATENT, SEARCH-NPLInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B01J 0019 / 10 01 / 01 / 200642Subclass Subgroup Valid From B01F 0025 / 10 01 / 01 / 2022 B01F 0031 / 80 01 / 01 / 2022 B01J 0019 / 24 01 / 01 / 2006 C02F 0001 / 36 01 / 01 / 2023

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