Nanobubble generator without a diffuser

Abstract

The nanobubble generator includes a pipe and an energy source. The pipe includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The nanobubble generator also includes an energy source. The energy source includes (a) a power source, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the pipe; (b) a power source and a pair of the conductors configured to generate an electric arc between the two conductors and apply the electric arc to the pipe; or (c) a combination thereof. The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source. TIFF2025520192000002.tif59138

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Claims of Priority This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 349,520, filed on June 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates to the generation of nanobubbles in a liquid carrier.

Background Art

[0003] Background Nanobubbles are stable in a liquid carrier for a long time and can be transported without coalescing in the liquid carrier. In addition, nanobubbles have an inherent charge due to their high internal pressure. Due to these properties, nanobubbles are useful in various fields including water treatment, plant growth, aquaculture, and sterilization.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Summary In a first aspect, a nanobubble generator is described that includes (a) a pipe and (b) an energy source. The pipe includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The energy source includes a power supply, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the pipe. The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source.

[0005] In some embodiments, the conductor is configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the decompression zone. In some embodiments, the conductor is configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both. In some embodiments the conductor is positioned on the outer surface of the pipe, and in other embodiments the conductor is positioned on the inner surface of the pipe. The conductor may include a magnetic coil, a stator, a wire, or a combination thereof. In one specific embodiment, the energy source includes at least a pair of magnetic coils (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, or more than 10 magnetic coils) configured to generate an overlapping oscillating magnetic field at the decompression zone. In some embodiments, the magnetic coils are arranged such that the generated oscillating magnetic field converges in the pipe, such as converging over the decompression zone.

[0006] In a second aspect, a nanobubble generator is described that includes (a) a pipe and (b) an energy source. The pipe includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The energy source includes a power source and a pair of conductors configured to generate an electric arc between the two conductors and apply the electric arc to the pipe. In some embodiments, the energy source also includes a voltage amplifier. The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source.

[0007] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the conductor is configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the decompression zone. In some embodiments, the energy source is configured to apply an electric arc to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both. In some embodiments of the second aspect the conductor is the pipe or is positioned on the outer surface of the pipe, and in other embodiments the conductor is positioned on the inner surface of the pipe.

[0008] In a third aspect, a nanobubble generator is described that includes (a) a pipe and (b) an energy source. The pipe includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The internal cavity is configured to create a reduced-pressure zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The nanobubble generator further includes a first energy source and a second energy source. The first energy source includes a power source, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the pipe. The second energy source includes a power source and a pair of conductors configured to generate an electric arc between the two conductors and apply the electric arc to the pipe. In some embodiments, the energy source also includes a voltage amplifier. The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source.

[0009] In some aspects of the third aspect, the first energy source is configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the reduced-pressure zone, and the second energy source is configured to apply an electric arc to the reduced-pressure zone. In some aspects of the third aspect, the first energy source is configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to a portion of the pipe upstream of the reduced-pressure zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the reduced-pressure zone, or both, and the second energy source is configured to apply an electric arc to the portion of the pipe upstream of the reduced-pressure zone, the portion of the pipe downstream of the reduced-pressure zone, or both.

[0010] The nanobubble generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source, thereby simplifying the device by eliminating the need for a separate gas source. By applying an oscillating magnetic field as the liquid flows through the reduced-pressure zone, high concentrations of nanobubbles can be created even when the pressure of the incoming liquid stream is low.

[0011] The above-described apparatus and method can be used for a variety of applications. By way of example, there is water treatment, such as wastewater treatment for removing contaminants in a body of water. As another example, there is aquaculture and agriculture, where the compositions of the present invention can be used to enhance the delivery of nutrients or to remove biofilms from irrigation facilities and other surfaces. Still another example is cleaning and sterilization, such as minimizing or eliminating the use of chemicals such as chlorine in hot tubs or hot springs.

[0012] Details of one or more aspects of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]

Figure 1

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[0014] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure describes an apparatus for generating nanobubbles in a liquid carrier. Nanobubbles have a diameter of less than 1 micrometer (μm). In some embodiments, the nanobubbles have a diameter of less than or equal to 500 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the nanobubbles have a diameter of less than or equal to 200 nanometers (nm).

[0016] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary device 100 for creating a decompression zone within a device for generating nanobubbles (e.g., a nanobubble generator), which will be described and illustrated in the subsequent sections and drawings (e.g., Figures 2A - 9). Figures 1C and 1D are schematic diagrams showing a perspective view and a perspective cross-sectional view, respectively, of the exemplary device 100. The device 100 includes a housing 101 defined by a first end 101a, a second end 101b, and an inner cavity 102 adapted to receive a liquid carrier from a liquid source. The housing 101 includes an outer surface 103 and an inner surface defining the inner cavity 102. The housing 101 has a liquid inlet 105 at the first end 101a and a liquid outlet 106 at the second end 101b. The housing 101 may be an elongated housing forming a pipe. The inner cavity 102 is shaped and sized to create a decompression zone 107 between the liquid inlet 105 and the liquid outlet 106. As illustrated in Figures 1B and 1D, the inner surface 104 of the inner cavity 102 has a constriction between the first end 101a and the decompression zone 107. The inner surface 104 of the inner cavity 102 also includes a constriction between the decompression zone 107 and the second end 101b.

[0017] The inner surface 104 of the inner cavity 102 in the housing 101 is shaped and sized to create a decompression zone 107 between the first end 101a and the second end 101b. The decompression zone 107 includes a gap 108 between a first housing section 109 and a second housing section 110. The gap 108 between the first housing section 109 and the second housing section 110 is of a predetermined size. The gap is formed by the housing 101. In some embodiments, the gap is optional and may be defined by a bar 112 connecting the first housing section 109 to the second housing section 110.

[0018] The bar 112 controls a predefined distance of the gap 108 between the first housing section 109 and the second housing section 110; that distance contributes to the reduction of the fluid pressure in the decompression zone 107. In some embodiments, the device 100 does not include the bar 112 between the first housing section 109 and the second housing section 110. In such cases, the first housing section 109 and the second housing section 110 may be positioned relative to each other by fixing the housing 101 to an outer pipe, enclosure, or mount. For example, a mount may be useful for connecting the first housing section 109 and the second housing section 110 together in the device 100. In some embodiments, the housing includes one or more apertures formed as windows extending from the inner surface 104 to the outer surface 103 through the housing 101, rather than the gap 108.

[0019] The constrictions or throttles of the inner cavity 102 between the first end portion 101a and the decompression zone 107 and between the second end portion 101b and the decompression zone 107 bring about a Venturi effect when the liquid flows from the liquid inlet 105 through the constriction in the inner cavity 102 to the decompression zone 107. In some embodiments, the constriction between the first end portion 101a and the decompression zone 107 in the first housing section 109 forms a nozzle through which the fluid passes and flows into the decompression zone 107. The fluid flow entering the second housing section 110 through the gap 108 at the decompression zone 107 provides a suction of the fluid in the gap 108 to generate a vacuum pressure configured to evaporate at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the gap 108. As will be described later, when one or more conductors near the decompression zone 107 generate an oscillating magnetic field on the decompression zone 107, provide an electric arc on the decompression zone 107, or both, nanobubbles are formed. In some examples, an oscillating magnetic field is generated or an electric arc is provided on the first housing section 109 upstream of the decompression zone 107, on the second housing section 110 downstream of the decompression zone 107, or both. For example, the oscillating magnetic field, the electric arc, or both interact with the gas already dissolved in the fluid to generate nanobubbles in the fluid.

[0020] In some aspects, the apparatus 100 is connected to a liquid source that provides a liquid carrier (e.g., water). In some aspects, the liquid source is a water container or body of water connected to a pump via a suction line. In some aspects, the pump is a variable speed pump. In some aspects, the pump is connected to the apparatus 100 via a discharge line with a control valve. In some aspects, the discharge line is in fluid communication with the housing 101. For example, the liquid carrier flows from the pump through the control valve, through the discharge line, to the first end portion 101a. The opening percentage of the control valve may be adjusted to control the pressure and flow rate of the liquid carrier to the apparatus 100.

[0021] Figures 2A - D are schematic diagrams of an exemplary apparatus 200 for generating a composition comprising nanobubbles dispersed in a liquid carrier. Apparatus 200 includes one or more of the same features (e.g., housing 201, reduced - pressure zone 207) as those described above for apparatus 100 in Figures 1A - 1D, and includes a pressure - zone - reducing structure. Apparatus 200 includes an outer tube 220 surrounding housing 201 and an electromagnetic coil 214.

[0022] Apparatus 200 is further connected to an energy source that includes a power supply, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to housing 201, for example, to reduced - pressure zone 207, to a first housing section 209 upstream of reduced - pressure zone 207, or to a second housing section 210 downstream of the reduced - pressure zone. Apparatus 200 creates nanobubbles without an external gas source. As will be described in more detail later, the conductor may comprise one or more electrode pins, concentric electrodes, wires, and helical members such as electromagnetic coils. The shape of the electrodes may be in various forms, for example, the electrodes may include a conductive surface that is flat, helical, disk - shaped, spherical, trapezoidal, or a combination thereof. The conductor is configured to create an oscillating field within the reduced - pressure zone parallel and concentric to the flow of the fluid. The electrodes and the electromagnetic coil may be used in combination or separately to provide an oscillating magnetic field and / or an electric arc to the reduced - pressure zone.

[0023] In some embodiments, the liquid carrier containing the nanobubbles formed by apparatus 200 flows out of apparatus 200 (e.g., out of the second end 201b) and into a discharge line. In some embodiments, the liquid carrier containing the nanobubbles formed by apparatus 200 flows out of apparatus 200 (e.g., into a plurality of selectable discharge lines in a water container or body of water).

[0024] As described above, the apparatus 200 may include an outer tube 220 for holding the first housing section 209 at a distance from the second housing section 210 to form a gap 208 within the housing 201. The electromagnetic coil 214 is positioned on the outer tube 220 over the decompression zone 207. The electromagnetic coil 214 is coupled to a power and signal generator 216. The electromagnetic coil 214 provides a magnetic flux parallel to the fluid flow at the decompression zone 207. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic coil 214 provides an oscillating magnetic field at the decompression zone 207. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic coil 214 is positioned to provide a magnetic flux at the second housing section 210. Although the electromagnetic coil 214 is positioned on the outer tube 220, in some embodiments the electromagnetic coil 214 is positioned within the outer tube 220. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic coil 214 is positioned around the outer surface of the housing 201 or within the housing 201.

[0025] Figures 3A - D are diagrams of an exemplary apparatus 300 that includes additional electromagnetic coils 318, along with one or more of the same features as Figures 1A - D and 2A - D. Apparatus 300 includes a first electromagnetic coil 314 and a second electromagnetic coil 318 positioned on an outer tube 320. The first electromagnetic coil 314 is positioned on one side of a reduced pressure zone 307 leading to a fluid outlet 306, and the second electromagnetic coil 318 is positioned on the opposite side of the reduced pressure zone 307 leading to a fluid inlet 305. The first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 are connected to a power and signal generator 316. When power is supplied to the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318, the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 provide an oscillating magnetic field that overlaps on the housing 301, for example, on the reduced pressure zone 307, on a first housing section 309 upstream of the reduced pressure zone 307, or on a second housing section 310 downstream of the reduced pressure zone. For example, the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 are arranged such that the oscillating magnetic field converges on the housing, for example, on the reduced pressure zone 307. Each of the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 is positioned on the outer tube 320, but in some embodiments, each of the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 is positioned within the outer tube 320. In some embodiments, the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 are positioned around the outer surface of the housing 301 or within the housing 301. In some embodiments, a portion of one or both of the first electromagnetic coil 314 and the second electromagnetic coil 318 extends over a portion of the reduced pressure zone 307.

[0026] Figure 4 shows another exemplary device 400. Device 400 includes some of the same features as the previously described devices (e.g., device 100, 200, 300) (e.g., outer tube 420, vacuum zone 407), but this section focuses on the differences present in device 400. For example, device 400 includes a first electrode 422 and a second electrode 424 positioned within a flow path through cavity 402 on either side of gap 408 that forms vacuum zone 407. The first electrode 422 is near gap 408 and positioned toward fluid inlet 405, and the second electrode 424 is near gap 408 and positioned toward fluid outlet 406. The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are coupled to a power supply and voltage amplifier 416. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes 422, 424 are coupled to the power supply without an amplifier. The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 generate an electric arc and apply that electric arc across gap 408 at vacuum zone 407, in the first housing section 409 upstream of vacuum zone 407, or in the second housing section 410 downstream of the vacuum zone. In some embodiments, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 generate a plasma. The electric arc may move in a first direction from the first electrode 422 to the second electrode 424, in a second direction from the second electrode 424 to the first electrode 422, or in alternating directions over time.

[0027] The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may each have a length and a thickness. In some embodiments, the length and / or thickness of the first electrode 422 is different from that of the second electrode 424. The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are separated from each other by a distance d' in the direction of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the distance separating the first electrode 422 from the second electrode 424 is the same as the length of the gap 408 between the first housing section 409 and the second housing section 410. In some embodiments, the distance separating the first electrode 422 from the second electrode 424 is less than the length of the gap 408 between the first housing section 409 and the second housing section 410. In some embodiments, the distance separating the first electrode 422 from the second electrode 424 is greater than the length of the gap 408 between the first housing section 409 and the second housing section 410. In some embodiments, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are positioned at the center of the housing 401 along a longitudinal axis that is equidistant from all inner surfaces 404 of the internal cavity 402. In some embodiments, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are offset from the center of the housing 401. In some embodiments, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are formed as electrode pins that point at each other within or across the reduced pressure zone 407. In some embodiments, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 are offset with respect to the reduced pressure zone 407 to generate an electric arc within the first housing section 409 or the second housing section 410 rather than within or across the reduced pressure zone 407. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode 422 from the second electrode 424 is positioned on the outer surface 404 of the housing 401. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode 422 from the second electrode 424 is positioned on the inner surface 404 of the housing 401. In some examples, the housing 401 itself is the first electrode 422 or the second electrode 424.

[0028] Figure 5 shows another exemplary device 500. Device 500 includes some of the same features as the previously described device (e.g., device 400) (e.g., the first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524), and this section focuses on the differences present in device 500. For example, the first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are positioned transverse to the direction of flow within device 500. The first electrode 522 is positioned transverse to the direction of flow and to the longitudinal axis of the housing 501 and extends into the gap 508 at the reduced pressure zone 507. The second electrode 524 is positioned opposite the first electrode 522, transverse to the direction of flow and to the longitudinal axis of the housing 501, and extends into the gap 508 at the reduced pressure zone 507. The first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are coupled to a power supply and a voltage amplifier 516. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes 522, 524 are coupled to the power supply without an amplifier.

[0029] The first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 may each have a length and a thickness. In some embodiments, the length and / or thickness of the first electrode 522 is different from that of the second electrode 524. The first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are separated from each other by a distance measured in a direction transverse to the direction of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are oriented 90 degrees from the direction of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the distance separating the first electrode 522 from the second electrode 524 is the same as the diameter of the housing 501 near the vacuum zone 507. In some embodiments, the distance separating the first electrode 522 from the second electrode 524 is less than the diameter of the housing 501 near the vacuum zone 507. In some embodiments, the first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are positioned at the midpoint of the gap 508 between the first housing section 509 and the second housing section 510. In some embodiments, the first electrode 522 and the second electrode 524 are offset from the midpoint of the gap 508 between the first housing section 509 and the second housing section 510.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary device 600. Device 600 includes some of the same features as the previously described devices (e.g., outer tube 620, vacuum zone 607), and this section focuses on the differences present in device 600. For example, device 600 includes a first electrode 622 and a second electrode 624, as well as a first electromagnetic coil 614 and a second electromagnetic coil 618. The first electrode 622 and the second electrode 624 are oriented in the direction of fluid flow through the cavity 602 from the fluid inlet 605 to the fluid outlet 606. The first electrode 622 and the second electrode 624 are coupled to a first power source and voltage amplifier 616. In some examples, the first and second electrodes 622, 624 are coupled to a power source without an amplifier.

[0031] The first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 are positioned around the outer tube 620 on either side of the gap 608 in the decompression zone 607 and are coupled to a second power supply and signal generator 626. The first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 are each positioned on the outer tube 620, although in some embodiments, the first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 are each positioned within the outer tube 620 around the outer surface 603 of the housing 601. In some embodiments, a portion of one or both of the first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 extends over a portion of the decompression zone 607. In some embodiments, during use of the device 600, the first electrode 622 and the second electrode 624 generate an electric arc in the decompression zone 607, and the first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 generate overlapping and combined oscillating magnetic fields in the housing 601, for example, in the decompression zone 607. In some examples, an electric arc is provided in one or both of the first or second housing sections 609, 610, or the oscillating magnetic fields overlap and combine in one or both of the first or second housing sections 609, 610. For example, the first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618 are arranged such that the oscillating magnetic fields converge on the housing, for example, on the decompression zone 607. In some embodiments, the device 600 includes a switch (not shown) that enables selection of the first electrode 622 and the second electrode 624, or the first electromagnetic coil 614 and the second electromagnetic coil 618, as a mechanism for generating nanobubbles. In some embodiments, the device 600 may include the first electrode 622 and the second electrode 624, as well as a single electromagnetic coil, and the electrode and the electromagnetic coil may be used separately or in combination to generate nanobubbles.

[0032] Figure 7 shows another exemplary apparatus 700. Apparatus 700 includes some of the same features as the previously described apparatus (e.g., apparatus 600) (e.g., first electrode 722 and second electrode 724, first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718), and this section focuses on the differences present in apparatus 700. For example, apparatus 700 includes first electrode 722 and second electrode 724, each positioned transverse to the direction of flow through cavity 702 and transverse to the longitudinal axis of housing 701. Each of first electrode 722 and second electrode 724 extends into gap 708 at reduced pressure zone 707.

[0033] Apparatus 700 also includes first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718. First electrode 722 and second electrode 724 are coupled to a first power source and voltage amplifier 716, and first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718 are coupled to a second power source and signal generator 726. In some embodiments, first and second electrodes 722, 724 are coupled to the first power source without an amplifier. First electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718 are each positioned on outer tube 720, but in some embodiments, first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718 are each positioned within outer tube 720 around outer surface 703 of housing 701. In some embodiments, a portion of one or both of first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718 extends over a portion of reduced pressure zone 707. As described above, first electrode 722 and second electrode 724 may be used in combination with first electromagnetic coil 714 and second electromagnetic coil 718, or apparatus 700 may include a switch for selecting between using the electrodes or coils separately. In some embodiments, apparatus 700 may include first electrode 722 and second electrode 724, and a single electromagnetic coil, and the electrode and electromagnetic coil may be used separately or in combination to generate nanobubbles.

[0034] Figure 8 shows another exemplary apparatus 800. Apparatus 800 includes some of the same features as the previously described apparatuses (e.g., outer tube 820, reduced pressure zone 807), and this section focuses on the differences present in apparatus 800. For example, apparatus 800 includes an outer concentric electrode 828 having a tubular shape and an inner concentric electrode 830 positioned within housing 801. Inner concentric electrode 830 extends across gap 808 within reduced pressure zone 807 and is positioned at the center of housing 801. Outer concentric electrode 828 extends around inner concentric electrode 830 and is positioned within housing 801 and across gap 808 within reduced pressure zone 807. In some embodiments, at least one of inner concentric electrode 830 and outer concentric electrode 828 is positioned in contact with outer surface 804 of housing 801. In some embodiments, at least one of inner concentric electrode 830 and outer concentric electrode 828 is positioned in contact with inner surface 804 of housing 801.

[0035] Inner concentric electrode 830 and outer concentric electrode 828 are coupled to a power supply and voltage amplifier 816. In some examples, inner and outer concentric electrodes 830, 828 are coupled to a power supply without an amplifier. In use, inner concentric electrode 830 and outer concentric electrode 828 generate an electric arc within reduced pressure zone 807 or within one or both of first and second housing sections 809, 810.

[0036] Figure 9 shows another exemplary apparatus 900. Apparatus 900 includes some of the same features as the previously described apparatuses (e.g., outer tube 920, reduced pressure zone 907, inner concentric electrode 930, and outer concentric electrode 928), and this section focuses on the differences present in apparatus 900. For example, apparatus 900 includes a first electromagnetic coil 914 and a second electromagnetic coil 918 in combination with inner concentric electrode 930 and outer concentric electrode 928.

[0037] The inner concentric electrode 930 extends across the gap 908 within the decompression zone 907 and is positioned at the center of the housing 901. The outer concentric electrode 928 extends around the inner concentric electrode 930 and is positioned within the housing 907 and across the gap 908 within the decompression zone 907. The inner concentric electrode 930 and the outer concentric electrode 928 are connected to the power supply and voltage amplifier 916. In some embodiments, the inner and outer concentric electrodes 930, 928 are connected to the power supply without an amplifier. In use, the inner concentric electrode 930 and the outer concentric electrode 928 generate an electric arc within the decompression zone 907 or within one or both of the first and second housing sections 909, 910.

[0038] The first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918 are connected to a second power supply and signal generator 926. In use, within the housing 901, for example, within the reduced pressure zone 907, or within one or both of the first and second housing sections 909, 910, an overlapping and combined oscillating magnetic field is provided by each of the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918. For example, the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918 are arranged such that the oscillating magnetic fields converge on the housing, for example, on the reduced pressure zone 907. Each of the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918 is positioned on the outer tube 920, although in some embodiments, each of the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918 is positioned within the outer tube 920 around the outer surface 903 of the housing 901. In some embodiments, a portion of one or both of the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918 extends over a portion of the reduced pressure zone 907. The inner concentric electrode 930 and the outer concentric electrode 928 may be used in combination with the first electromagnetic coil 914 and the second electromagnetic coil 918, or the device 900 may include a switch for selecting between the electrodes and the coils. In some embodiments, the device 600 may include the inner concentric electrode 930 and the outer concentric electrode 928, as well as a single electromagnetic coil, and the electrodes and the electromagnetic coil may be used separately or in combination to generate nanobubbles.

[0039] As described above with reference to FIGS. 2A - D and 3 - 9, the conductor may comprise one or more electrode pins, concentric electrodes, and electromagnetic coils. The electrodes and electromagnetic coils may be used in combination or separately to provide current and / or a magnetic field in the reduced pressure zone. In some embodiments, a stator may be used as the conductor, as an alternative to or in combination with one or more electromagnetic coils. In some embodiments, one or more pin electrodes positioned transversely to the direction of flow within the housing or across the housing may be replaced by one or more wires within the flow path.

[0040] A method for generating a composition comprising nanobubbles dispersed in a liquid carrier using any of the devices described above includes introducing the liquid carrier from a liquid source into the inner cavity of the housing through the liquid inlet of the housing; and applying an oscillating magnetic field or an electric arc across the reduced pressure zone of the housing using one or more conductors as the liquid flows from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet of the housing. Applying an oscillating magnetic field or an electric arc across the reduced pressure zone while the liquid flows through the housing generates nanobubbles without an external gas source. Generating nanobubbles without an external gas source simplifies the device by eliminating the need for a separate gas source. Applying an oscillating magnetic field and / or an electric arc as the liquid flows through the reduced pressure zone can create a high concentration of nanobubbles even when the pressure of the incoming liquid stream is low.

[0041] Some aspects of the present invention have been described above. However, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, other aspects are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. (a)A pipe comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet, wherein the internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and (b)An energy source comprising a power supply, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the pipe A nanobubble generator comprising The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source Said nanobubble generator

2. The nanobubble generator according to claim 1, wherein the conductor is configured to apply the oscillating magnetic field to the decompression zone

3. The nanobubble generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductor is configured to apply the oscillating magnetic field to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both

4. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor is positioned on the outer surface of the pipe

5. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor is positioned on the inner surface of the pipe

6. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor comprises a magnetic coil

7. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor comprises a stator

8. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor comprises a wire

9. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source comprises a pair of magnetic coils configured to generate an overlapping oscillating magnetic field in the pipe

10. The nanobubble generator according to claim 9, wherein the energy source comprises four magnetic coils

11. The nanobubble generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source comprises a pair of magnetic coils configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and the magnetic field converges in the pipe

12. (a)A pipe comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet, wherein the internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and (b)An energy source comprising a power supply and a pair of conductors configured to generate an electric arc between the two conductors and apply the electric arc to the pipe A nanobubble generator comprising: The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source The nanobubble generator.

13. The nanobubble generator according to claim 12, wherein the energy source is configured to apply the electric arc to the decompression zone.

14. The nanobubble generator according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the energy source is configured to apply the electric arc to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both.

15. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one of the conductors is positioned on the outer surface of the pipe.

16. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the conductors is the pipe.

17. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein at least one of the conductors is positioned on the inner surface of the pipe.

18. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein at least one of the conductors comprises a wire.

19. (a)A pipe comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal cavity through which a liquid can flow, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet, wherein the internal cavity is configured to create a decompression zone between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; (b)A first energy source comprising a power supply, a signal generator, and at least one conductor configured to apply an oscillating magnetic field to the pipe; and (c)A second energy source comprising a power supply and a pair of conductors configured to generate an electric arc between the two conductors and apply the electric arc to the pipe A nanobubble generator comprising: The generator creates nanobubbles without an external gas source. The nanobubble generator.

20. The first energy source is configured to apply the oscillating magnetic field to the decompression zone, and The second energy source is configured to apply the electric arc to the decompression zone. The nanobubble generator according to claim 19.

21. The first energy source is configured to apply the oscillating magnetic field to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both, and The second energy source is configured to apply the electric arc to a portion of the pipe upstream of the decompression zone, a portion of the pipe downstream of the decompression zone, or both. The nanobubble generator according to claim 19 or 20.

22. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the conductor, the pair of conductors, or both are positioned on the outer surface of the pipe.

23. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein one of the conductor or the pair of conductors is the pipe.

24. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the conductor, the pair of conductors, or both are positioned on the inner surface of the pipe.

25. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the conductor comprises a magnetic coil.

26. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the conductor comprises a stator.

27. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the conductor, the pair of conductors, or both comprise wires.

28. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the first energy source comprises a pair of magnetic coils configured to generate an overlapping oscillating magnetic field in the pipe.

29. The nanobubble generator according to any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the first energy source comprises a pair of magnetic coils configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field that converges in the pipe.

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