Turbulation apparatus

Abstract

A gas turbulation apparatus is provided for delivering various effects by the turbulation of a substance using a turbulation gas flow. The turbulation apparatus has a vacuum chamber having a vacuum opening and a gas inlet through which a turbulation gas may be drawn from an outside of the vacuum chamber into an inside of the vacuum chamber. The application of a vacuum at the vacuum opening is operable to draw turbulation gas into the inside of the vacuum chamber and through a substance provided therein to thereby turbulate the substance.

Description

TURBULATION APPARATUSFIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing turbulation by a gas, and more particularly but not solely to apparatuses for mixing, washing, aerating, filtering, and / or separating employing by gas turbulation.BACKGROUND

[0002] There are numerous industrial and consumer processes where liquids, solids, semisolids, or combinations of these are required to be moved relative to themselves or each other.

[0003] For example, during the manufacture of products such as for example food products either commercially or by consumers mixers may be used to combine different ingredients together. Such mixers may commonly employ moving elements such as paddles or beaters to force the movement and combination of the different ingredients. Such systems are used across a wide range of other industries, such as in chemical processing, in laboratories, and in wastewater treatment. These systems may be highly energy-intensive to provide the desired speed and degree of mixing. The moving parts may also create significant safety hazards for users.

[0004] Another example of an area where different substances are moved relative to each other is in washing, where an object - anything from a mining ore to dishes or clothes in a consumer application - are moved within or relative to a liquid to remove undesired contaminants from the object.

[0005] There are also numerous industrial and consumer processes where a gas is to be passed through a liquid, a granulated or particulate solid, or a semi-solid. For example, in wastewater treatment, aeration may be utilised to stimulate the activity of microbes and / or to enhance the rate of settling of particulate matter in the wastewater. In other examples, a gas may be desired to be dissolved into a liquid. These ends may be achieved by forcing a positively pressurised gas through the substance. This may be highly energy intensive.

[0006] There are also numerous industrial and consumer processes where items or substances of different weights and / or densities may be desired to be separated from each other. For example, contaminant chemicals such as oil may be desired to be removed from water, or different granulated solids such as seeds be separated by weight.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an improved turbulation apparatus which addresses or ameliorates one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0008] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a turbulation apparatus for turbulating a contents of a vacuum chamber by a turbulation gas toprovide one or more effects on the contents. The effects performed on the contents may for example include one or more of mixing, washing, aerating, filtering, and / or separating.

[0009] The contents for a turbulation apparatus to be turbulated may be or include one or more of a liquid, a solid, or a semi-solid material.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a turbulation apparatus usable one or more of mixing, washing, aerating, filtering, and / or separating having increased energy efficiency than conventional systems for such purposes.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a turbulation apparatus usable one or more of mixing, washing, aerating, filtering, and / or separating having increased speed of operation than conventional systems for such purposes.

[0012] In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a gas turbulation apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber having a vacuum opening and a gas inlet through which a turbulation gas may be drawn from an outside of the vacuum chamber into an inside of the vacuum chamber, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured upon the application of a vacuum at the vacuum opening to draw turbulation gas into the inside of the vacuum chamber and through a substance provided therein to thereby turbulate the substance.

[0013] The gas inlet is defined in a periphery of the vacuum chamber.

[0014] The gas inlet is defined about an entirety of the periphery of the vacuum chamber.

[0015] The vacuum chamber comprises an open end distal from the vacuum opening, and the gas inlet is defined about a or the periphery of the vacuum chamber at the open end.

[0016] The turbulation apparatus further comprises a base member facing the open end of the vacuum chamber, and the gas inlet is defined between the periphery of the open end of the vacuum chamber and the base member.

[0017] An effective size of the gas inlet is able to be increased or decreased by a respective increase or decrease in the proximity of the open end of the vacuum chamber and the base member.

[0018] The turbulation apparatus comprises a one-way valve biased to a closed condition in which the gas inlet is closed yet operable under the application of a vacuum applied to the inside of the vacuum chamber to open the gas inlet to allow turbulation gases to flow therethrough.

[0019]

[0020] The gas inlet comprises a plurality of openings through which a turbulation gas may be drawn from the outside of the vacuum chamber into the inside of the vacuum chamber.

[0021] The plurality of gas inlets are spaced apart about a periphery of the vacuum chamber.

[0022] The plurality of gas inlets are located at or towards a or the distal end of the vacuum chamber relative to the vacuum opening.

[0023] The vacuum chamber comprises an open end distal from the vacuum opening, and the plurality of gas inlets are defined at the open end of the vacuum chamber.

[0024] The open end of the vacuum chamber comprises a mesh or screen having a plurality of passageways therethrough, each passageway defining a one of the plurality of gas inlets.

[0025] The turbulation apparatus further comprises a base member facing the open end of the vacuum chamber, and the mesh or screen is located against the open end of the vacuum chamber and adjacent to the base member.

[0026] A first side of the mesh or screen is for contacting the open end of the vacuum chamber an opposite second side of the mesh or screen is for contacting the base member.

[0027] The plurality of gas inlets are sized and configured to provide a concentrated flow or concentrated flows of the turbulation gas into the inside of the vacuum chamber.

[0028] The plurality of gas inlets are sized and configured to provide a diffuse flow of the turbulation gas into the inside of the vacuum chamber.

[0029] One or more of the plurality of gas inlets have a cross-sectional size of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm.

[0030] Each of the plurality of gas inlets are of substantially the same cross-sectional size and configuration.

[0031] One or more of the plurality of gas inlets are of different cross-sectional sizes and / or configurations.

[0032] The turbulation apparatus comprises a at least one one-way valve associated with the openings of the gas inlet, each one-way valve being biased to a closed condition in which one or more of the openings is closed yet operable under the application of a vacuum applied to the inside of the vacuum chamber to open the gas inlet to allow turbulation gases to flow therethrough.

[0033] In use the turbulation gas rises from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets through the substance provided within the vacuum chamber and is drawn out of the vacuum opening.

[0034] In an in-use orientation of the vacuum chamber the vacuum opening is vertically spaced from the gas inlet.

[0035] The vacuum opening is vertically higher than the gas inlet.

[0036] A direction of movement of the turbulation gases in use between the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets and the vacuum opening is in a direction at least partially opposite a direction of action of Earth's gravity.

[0037] The vacuum opening is configured for a vacuum to be applied thereat.

[0038] The turbulation apparatus further comprises a vacuum source configured to apply a vacuum at the vacuum opening of the vacuum chamber.

[0039] The vacuum source is located at the vacuum opening.

[0040] The vacuum source is located remotely of the vacuum opening.

[0041] The vacuum source is a vacuum pump.Turbulation gas

[0042] The turbulation gas is an environmental gas or gases surrounding the turbulation apparatus, such as atmospheric air.

[0043] The turbulation gas is provided from a gases source.

[0044] The gases source is a reticulated gases source.

[0045] The turbulation gas is or comprises oxygen gas.

[0046] The turbulation gas is an inert gas.

[0047] The turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, mix by the movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets to the vacuum opening a substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0048] The mixing is provided in use without the contact of any moving part against the substance.

[0049] The mixing operates to separate two or more different components of the substance.

[0050] The mixing operates to separate lighter and heaver components of the substance, such that at least one of the lighter components is carried out of the vacuum chamber with the turbulation gas.

[0051] The turbulation apparatus for use in de-husking, de-hulling, or shelling of a plant product.

[0052] The plant product is one or more of a bean, a seed, or a grain.

[0053] The turbulation apparatus for use in or as a hot tub, wherein the substance is water, and the turbulation gas is atmospheric air.

[0054]

[0055] The turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, mix by the movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets to the vacuum opening two or more substances which are provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0056] The mixing is provided in use without the contact of any moving part against the two or more substances.

[0057] The turbulation apparatus for use as a residential mixer, such as a food processor.

[0058] The turbulation apparatus for use as an industrial mixer.

[0059] The turbulation apparatus for use in stimulating a biological or chemical reaction by turbulation.

[0060] The turbulation apparatus for use as an aerobic digester, wherein the substance to be provided in the vacuum chamber is or comprises organic matter and the turbulation gas is or comprises oxygen.

[0061] The turbulation apparatus for use as an anaerobic digester, wherein the substance to be provided in the vacuum chamber is or comprises organic matter, and the turbulation gas does not comprise oxygen.

[0062] The turbulation gas is an inert gas such as nitrogen, helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon, or radon.

[0063] The turbulation apparatus for use in precipitating out particulate matter from a liquid, wherein the two or more substances provided in the vacuum chamber comprise a liquid having suspended particulate matter and a coagulant and / or flocculant, wherein the turbulation of the substances causes the coagulation of the particulate matter.

[0064] Coagulated particulate matter settles towards a bottom of the vacuum chamber in use.

[0065] Coagulated particulate matter is drawn out from a bottom of the vacuum chamber in use.

[0066] The two or more substances comprise at least one first object and a liquid, wherein the turbulation of the liquid operates to wash the at least one first object.

[0067] The two or more substances further comprise a chemical washing agent provided along with the liquid.

[0068] The two or more substances further comprise an abrasive substance, and wherein turbulation of the liquid and abrasive substance operates to abrasively clean the at least one first object.

[0069] The turbulation apparatus for use as a sand washing apparatus.

[0070] The turbulation apparatus for use in the washing of mining ores.

[0071] The turbulation apparatus for use as a dishwasher, wherein the at least one first object comprises at least one piece of tableware or a food utensil, and the liquid comprises water.

[0072] The turbulation apparatus for use as a laundry washing machine, wherein the at least one first object comprises at least one item of laundry, and the liquid comprises water.

[0073] The turbulation apparatus for use in washing fruits and / or vegetables, wherein the at least one first object comprises at least one piece of a fruit or vegetable, and the liquid comprises water.

[0074] The turbulation apparatus for use in combination with a heat source as a fryer, wherein the at least one first object comprises a food item to be fried, and the liquid comprises a cooking oil.

[0075] The turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, aerate a substance within the vacuum chamber by the movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets to the vacuum opening a substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0076] The turbulation gas is or comprises oxygen, and the turbulation apparatus is operable to oxygenate the substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0077] The turbulation apparatus for use as an aerobic reactor, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber comprises aerobic microbes.

[0078] The turbulation apparatus for use as a wastewater treatment aerator, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber comprises wastewater and microbes.

[0079] The turbulation apparatus for use as a wastewater treatment aerator, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber comprises wastewater and the turbulation of the wastewater results in its aeration and the settling of particulate matter.

[0080] The turbulation apparatus for use as a compost aerator, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber is at least in part compostable and the turbulation gas comprises oxygen.

[0081] The compostable substance comprises one or more of solid, semi-solid, and liquid components.

[0082] The turbulation apparatus for use in aeration of a food product.

[0083] The turbulation apparatus for use in aeration of liquid water.

[0084] The turbulation apparatus for use in combination with a heat source as a convection cooker.

[0085] The turbulation apparatus for use as a dryer, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber comprises a wet article.

[0086] The turbulation gas comprises atmospheric air.

[0087] The turbulation gas comprises heated and / or dehumidified atmospheric air.

[0088] The turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, separate by the movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets different densities and / or weights of constituents of a substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0089] The substance to be provided in the vacuum chamber comprises granules or seeds of different densities and / or weights, and the applied vacuum is configured to draw off granules or seeds of relatively lesser weights and / or densities while, other granules or seeds of relatively greater weights and / or densities, under the influence of gravity, remain in the vacuum chamber.

[0090] The substance to be provided in the vacuum chamber comprises a liquid having components with different boiling points, the turbulation apparatus further comprises a heating element associated with the vacuum chamber, such one or more components of the liquid may befractioned off and drawn out of the vacuum opening on the application of a vacuum and the selective operation of the heating element.

[0091] The turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, dissolve particulate matter from the turbulation gas into a liquid substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

[0092] The turbulation apparatus for use as an air purifier.

[0093] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of turbulating a substance with a gas, the method comprising the steps of: providing a substance inside or to be drawn inside a vacuum chamber having a turbulation gas inlet located at a vertically lower height than a vacuum outlet of the vacuum chamber, and applying a vacuum to the vacuum chamber at the vacuum outlet to draw the gas through the substance and thereby turbulate the substance.

[0094] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a mixing apparatus for mixing a contents of the apparatus, the mixing apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber having a vacuum opening and a plurality of gas inlets through which a gas may be drawn from an outside of the vacuum chamber into the vacuum chamber, through the contents, and out of the vacuum opening, wherein the mixing apparatus is configured such that, in use, the gas is drawn through the plurality of gas inlets and at least partially upwardly through the vacuum chamber to the vacuum opening.

[0095] The term "turbulation" as used in the specification and claims means the act of inducing a state of turbulence in something.

[0096] A degree of turbulation provided by a turbulation apparatus may be measured by the rate at which a substance is mixed in it.

[0097] Where reference is made herein to the use of a turbulation apparatus for a particular purpose, for example use as a food processor, it is to be appreciated that claims to that apparatus itself, for example a food processor, are intended to be encompassed by the disclosure.

[0098] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0099] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0100] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[0101] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0102] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0103] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0104] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0105] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0107] Figure 1 is a view of a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0108] Figure 1 -1 is a formalised illustration of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 1.

[0109] Figure 2 is a close-up view of the gas inlet of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 1.

[0110] Figure 2-1 is a formalised illustration of gas inlet of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 2.

[0111] Figure 3 is a partial view of a turbulation apparatus in an at-rest condition.

[0112] Figure 3-1 is a formalised illustration of Figure 3.

[0113] Figure 4 is a partial view of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 3, in a condition where a vacuum has been applied at the vacuum opening.

[0114] Figure 4-1 is a formalised view of Figure 4.

[0115] Figure 5 is a partial view of a turbulation apparatus in an at-rest condition.

[0116] Figures 6-10 show successive conditions of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 5 as a vacuum is applied.

[0117] Figure 11 is a view of a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0118] Figure 12 is a partial view of the vacuum chamber of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 12.

[0119] Figure 13 is a partial view of a turbulation apparatus showing the vacuum chamber of Figure 13 in association with a receptacle.

[0120] Figure 14 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0121] Figure 15 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0122] Figure 16 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0123] Figure 17 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0124] Figure 18 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.

[0125] Figure 19 is an illustrative sectional view through a configuration of a turbulation apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] The disclosure provides for various configurations of a turbulation apparatus, and applications and methods of operation of the same.

[0127] The turbulation apparatus of the disclosure may be utilised to generate turbulence within a vacuum chamber due to the movement of a gas. The gas, otherwise referred to as a turbulation gas, is drawn into the vacuum chamber. Between an inlet at which the turbulation gas is drawn into the vacuum chamber and an outlet of the vacuum chamber form which it is drawn, the turbulation gas may pass through or by a contents of the vacuum chamber.

[0128] The contents to be turbulated may be or include a substance, being a discrete substance or a plurality of different substances. For example, the contents may be or include one or more of a liquid, a solid, or a semi-solid substance.

[0129] The turbulation operable with the turbulation apparatus may be utilised across a broad range of applications to provide various desired effects.

[0130] For example, where a turbulation gas is drawn through a liquid, the liquid may be agitated and caused to be mixed. Depending on the nature of the liquid and of the turbulation gas, the gas may be dissolved into the liquid. The mixing may additionally or alternatively result in aeration of the liquid, where small amounts of the gas are suspended throughout the liquid. Examples of the commercial application of such processes include in aeration and settling of wastewater, or the oxygenation of various liquids such as drinking water or wine. The turbulation may additionally or alternatively be utilised to stimulate a biological activity, such as the activity of microbes, by the turbulence. Similarly, the turbulation may additionally or alternatively be utilised to stimulate a chemical reaction.

[0131] Where the turbulation apparatus is employed in wastewater treatment, the operation of the turbulation apparatus may provide one or more of oxygenation to stimulate microbial activity, aeration to facilitate the settling of particulate matter, and mixing.

[0132] Microbes for the treatment of wastewater may exist in a given grey wastewater source.

[0133] In other configurations, microbes may be added to wastewater to be treated in a turbulation apparatus.

[0134] While the turbulation apparatus may be used to provide effects on a single substance as described, in other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through two or more different substances in order to mix them.

[0135] In other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through a solid to agitate it. The agitation may be such as to result in the solid being broken up.

[0136] In other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through a granulated solid to agitate it. For example, in the de-husking of a grain, or where the granulated solid is to be ground or crushed.

[0137] In other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through another substance to turbulate it and cause a desired effect on another object or substance within the vacuum chamber. For example, a turbulation gas may be drawn through a liquid to generate turbulence in the liquid and cause an object in the vacuum chamber to be washed. This effect may be used in for example a dishwasher, a clothes washing machine, or any array of industrial washing applications such as sand washing systems.

[0138] In other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through a liquid to filter particulate matter from the turbulation gas.

[0139] In other examples, a turbulation gas may be drawn through the contents of the vacuum chamber in order to separate constituent parts of the contents by weight and / or density. For example, where a husked grain is placed in the vacuum chamber and the turbulence causes husks to be removed, the husks may be drawn away with the turbulation gas by the vacuum while the heavier grains remain in the vacuum chamber.

[0140] A turbulation apparatus according to the disclosure may be utilised to provide a high degree of turbulence within the vacuum chamber. This high degree of turbulence may provide improvements in the speed and / or efficiency of achieving the desired effect on the contents of the vacuum chamber, such as the effects described above. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be utilised to provide for increased speed of wastewater aeration and settling, increased speed of mixing of ingredients in commercial or domestic settings, or increased speed of aeration of a liquid.

[0141] The turbulation apparatus according to the disclosure may provide a high degree of turbulence within the vacuum chamber relative to the amount of energy consumed. For example,the turbulation apparatus may be utilised to provide a reduction in the energy consumption associated with wastewater aeration and settling, commercial or domestic mixing, or liquid aeration.

[0142] Reductions in the energy consumed in turbulation-based activities may provide significant cost improvements to a given industrial or consumer process.

[0143] Similarly, increases in the efficiency of the turbulation may provide significant potential process improvements and cost efficiencies. For example, if the settling rate of wastewater treatment tanks at a given wastewater treatment plant is increased, this may allow a corresponding increase in the total treatment capacity of the plant.

[0144] The turbulation apparatus of the disclosure differs from existing systems where a pressurised gas is provided at the bottom of a vessel and is allowed to bubble upwards through it. By drawing turbulation gases in to the vessel by a vacuum, the intensity of the bubbling may be significantly increased at compared to a comparable energy used to pump pressurised gas upwardly through the vessel.

[0145] While potential applications are provided above and throughout the specification of uses of a turbulation apparatus according, it will be appreciated that these are illustrative only, and that many other industrial and consumer applications of the possible effects of the turbulation apparatus are possible within the scope of the disclosure.

[0146] A gas turbulation apparatus 100 is shown in Figure 1 , and a formalized illustration of the same is shown in Figure 1 -1 . The gas turbulation apparatus 100 has a vacuum chamber 110. The vacuum chamber 110 has a vacuum opening 115.

[0147] The vacuum opening 115 is configured such that a vacuum may be applied at it. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 -1 , a vacuum source 116 that includes a vacuum pump 117 is provided at the vacuum opening 115. The vacuum chamber has a gas inlet 125 (not shown in Figure 1 or Figure 1 -1 ; refer to the detailed view of Figure 2 and Figure 2-1 ).

[0148] The gas inlet 125 provides for gaseous communication between an outside 110a and then inside 110b of the vacuum chamber.

[0149] At least when the apparatus 100 is oriented for use, there may be at least some vertical separation between the vacuum opening 115 and the gas inlet 125. The vacuum opening 115 may be located at a vertically higher height than the gas inlet 125.

[0150] For example, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 -1 , vacuum opening 115 is provided at an upper portion of the vacuum chamber 110, while the gas inlet 125 is provided at a lower portion of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0151] In some examples, the vacuum opening 115 and gas inlet 125 may be provided at or towards vertically opposite extents of the vacuum chamber 110 when oriented for use.

[0152] The gas inlet 125 be, when the vacuum chamber 110 is configured for use, the only opening for gases to be drawn into the vacuum chamber a vacuum applied at the vacuum opening 115.

[0153] The turbulation gas may be any desired gas or mix of gases as suited to the desired application and effect to be performed.

[0154] In some configurations, the turbulation gas may be atmospheric air. In other configurations, the turbulation gas may be or include non-atmospheric air. For example, the turbulation gas may be or may include an inert gas.

[0155] In some configurations the turbulation gas drawn into the gas inlet may be drawn from a given source, and the turbulation gas extracted from the vacuum opening may be returned to another location.

[0156] In other configurations the turbulation gas extracted from the vacuum opening may be returned for recirculation through the gas inlets. In such a configuration the turbulation apparatus may operate on a closed or at least partially closed recirculating supply or turbulation gas. Such a configuration may be desirable for example where the turbulation gas or the contents of the vacuum chamber which are turbulated are toxic or otherwise should be contained.

[0157] One or more different turbulation gases may be used during the operation a turbulation apparatus. For example, a turbulation gas including oxygen may initially be used to stimulate microbial activity, then the turbulation gas may switched to be or include nitrogen.

[0158] The opening or openings that define the gas inlet of a vacuum chamber may include screens or other adaptations, such as one-way flow valves as elsewhere described herein, to prevent their becoming blocked by the contents of the vacuum chamber in use.

[0159] As particularly shown in Figure 1 -1 , the vacuum chamber 110 may include one or more internal supports.

[0160] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 -1 , the vacuum chamber 110 is provided at least partially within a receptacle 200.

[0161] Figure 2 shows a close-up view of the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110, illustrating the gas inlet 125. Figure 2-1 shows a formalised illustration of Figure 2. In some configurations the gas inlet 125 may be provided as a single inlet. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 2-1 , the gas inlet 125 is formed by a plurality of discrete openings 126. The plurality of discrete openings 126 may be useful in drawing a corresponding plurality of small discrete streams of turbulation gas into the vacuum chamber 110.

[0162] The size, shape and location of a gas inlet may be selected as desired to provide the intended effect within the turbulation apparatus. Similarly, where a turbulation apparatus has a plurality of gas inlets, the number, location, shape, and sizing of the inlets may be configured as desired to provide the intended turbulation.

[0163] The degree of turbulence within the turbulation apparatus in use may generally be related to the size of the gas inlet or inlets. For example, a smaller inlet or particularly a plurality of distributed smaller inlets may result in more diffuse and relatively less energetic flow of the turbulation gases through the contents of the vacuum chamber. This may be desirable for example where the turbulation apparatus is to provide relatively gentler washing, or is to provide aeration.

[0164] In other examples, a relatively larger or inlet or plurality of relatively larger inlets may result in relatively less diffuse and relatively more energetic flow of the turbulation gases through the contents of the vacuum chamber. This may be desirable for example where the turbulation apparatus is to provide relatively more aggressive washing, or is to agitate the contents of the vacuum chamber in order to provide some effect, such as mixing or smashing of constituent parts of the contents against each other.

[0165] At their smallest, the one or more openings of a gas inlet may be sized so as to allow the chosen turbulation gas to flow through the openings.

[0166] From this limit, the size of the openings of a gas inlet may scale as desired for the particular application of the turbulation apparatus and the effect to be provided.

[0167] The opening or openings of the gas inlet may have a round cross-sectional shape, for example as illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 2-1 .

[0168] In other configurations, the opening or openings of the gas inlet may have one or more different shapes and / or sizes. For example, one or more of the openings may be in the form of a hole, or a slot.

[0169] While illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 2-1 as having a fixed size, the opening or openings of a gas inlet may be of variable size, and the size of one or more of the openings may be varied during the operation of the turbulation apparatus.

[0170] For example, the openings may initially be adjusted to a relatively small size to provide aeration, then later adjusted to a relatively larger size to provide increased turbulence for a later stage of the desired operation.

[0171] The opening or openings defining the gas inlet of a turbulation apparatus may be actively opened and closed to turbulation gas flow during the operation of the turbulation apparatus. This operation may be utilised for example to alter the turbulation gas flow within the vacuum chamber, changing the nature of the turbulation.

[0172] In the configuration of Figures 1 , 1-1 , 2, and 2-2, the openings 126 comprising the gas inlet 125 are provided about the entire periphery of the vacuum chamber 110. The openings 126 are located towards the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0173] In other configurations, the gas inlet 125 may be provided at only one region of the vacuum chamber. For example, a single gas inlet 125 may be provided only in one portion of the wall of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0174] While illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 1 -1 as being provided at the vacuum opening 115, it will be appreciated that the vacuum source 116 may be located distally of the vacuum opening so long as the vacuum source 116 is in pneumatic connection with the vacuum opening 115.

[0175] The term vacuum in relation to the vacuum opening will be understood to refer to a pressure which is less than a pressure at the outside of the gas inlet 125, at the outside 110a of the vacuum chamber. For example, where the outside of the gas inlet 125 at the outside 110a of the vacuum chamber is exposed to atmospheric pressure, a vacuum applied at the vacuum opening 115 may be of any pressure less than atmospheric pressure.

[0176] Figures 3 and 4 (and the respective formalised illustrations Figure 3-1 and Figure 4- 1 ) show partial views of a turbulation apparatus 100 in respectively a state where a vacuum is not applied through the vacuum opening 115 and a state in which a vacuum is applied through the vacuum opening.

[0177] Figure 3 and Figure 3-1 show part of a vacuum chamber 110 of a gas turbulation apparatus 100. The vacuum chamber 110 is located within a receptacle 200. A liquid substance 130 has been provided in the receptacle 200. The gas inlet 125 of the vacuum chamber 110 is configured to allow the liquid to flow into the vacuum chamber 110 from the receptacle 200. The liquid substance 130 may for example be water to be aerated.

[0178] Figure 4 and Figure 4-1 show another view of the turbulation apparatus of Figure 3 and Figure 3-1 when a vacuum has been applied at the vacuum opening of the vacuum chamber 110. Under the influence of the vacuum, the liquid 130 has been drawn from the receptacle 200 into the vacuum chamber 110 until the outer side of the opening or openings of the gas inlet 125 is / are exposed to air. At this point air begins to be drawn into the vacuum chamber 110 and is drawn through the liquid 130 as it moves towards the vacuum opening. This movement causes turbulence in the liquid 130. As previously described, such turbulence may be utilised to provide one or more effects. As illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 3-1 , the turbulence provided by the turbulation apparatus may be utilised to aerate the liquid 130 with atmospheric air.

[0179] While illustrated in the configuration of Figures 3 (and 3-1 ) and 4 (and 3-1 ) and drawing atmospheric air into the vacuum chamber 110 by the application of a vacuum at the vacuum opening, in other configurations non-atmospheric gas may additionally or alternatively be drawn through the substance in the vacuum chamber 110. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to turbulate using an inert gas.

[0180] The gas drawn into the vacuum chamber 110 may be recirculated at least in part from air drawn out of the vacuum chamber.

[0181] In other configurations, for example as shown in Figures 3 and 4 (and 3-1 and 4-1), atmospheric air may be drawn into the vacuum chamber by the vacuum and the air drawn out of the vacuum chamber may be returned to the atmosphere.

[0182] It will be appreciated that where matter is drawn off with the turbulation gases, the matter may be filtered or separated from the gas flow before venting. For example, where the turbulation apparatus is used to remove elements having a certain weight or density, those elements may be filtered out of the turbulation gas flow.

[0183] Having established by the example of Figures 3 and 4 (and 3-1 and 4-1 ) the basic principle of operation of the turbulation apparatus, further detail of the operation of a turbulation apparatus from an at-rest condition as a vacuum is applied are illustrated in Figures 5-11 .

[0184] The turbulation apparatus 100 of Figure 5 has a vacuum chamber 110 that is located within a receptacle 200. A liquid substance 130 is provided within the receptacle 200 and has flown into the vacuum chamber through the openings 126 of the gas inlet 125. As illustrated in Figure 2, the openings 126 are located towards the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110. The openings 126 that make up the gas inlet 125 are located about the periphery of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0185] As seen in Figure 5 the vacuum chamber 110 has a plurality of members 150 which extend into the interior of the vacuum chamber 110. Members 150 extending into the interior of the vacuum chamber 110 may be provided to aid in agitation of the contents of the vacuum chamber 110 by the turbulation gas. As the contents are turbulated by the turbulation gas, it may be caused to impact the members 150, increasing the mixing effect without involving the use of any moving parts.

[0186] The turbulation apparatus 100 of Figure 5 is exposed to the atmosphere, so the turbulation gas will be atmospheric air.

[0187] As seen in Figure 5 the turbulation apparatus 100 is in an at-rest condition, where a vacuum is not applied at the vacuum opening 115 (not shown).

[0188] As shown in Figure 5, the volume of liquid 130 placed in the receptacle 200 and allowed to flow into the vacuum chamber 110 is less than the volume of the vacuum chamber 110. This may ensure that during operation of the turbulation apparatus the substance 130 is not drawn out of the vacuum opening.

[0189] While the liquid 130 may be placed into the receptacle 200 and allowed to flow into the vacuum chamber, in other configurations the liquid may additionally or alternatively be placed into the inside of the vacuum chamber, such as by a substance inlet.

[0190] As shown in Figure 6, a vacuum has been applied at the vacuum opening, beginning from the state of Figure 5. The vacuum in the inside 110b of the vacuum chamber 110 relative tothe outside 110a of the vacuum chamber causes the liquid 130 to be drawn into the vacuum chamber 110 from the receptacle 200 by the openings 126 that make up the gas inlet 125.

[0191] As the liquid 130 is drawn into the vacuum chamber 110, the liquid level in the receptacle 200 drops. This is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

[0192] When the level of the liquid 130 in the receptacle drops low enough to expose openings 126 of the gas inlet 125, air begins to be drawn into the vacuum chamber 110. This is illustrated in Figure 8, showing air bubbles 170 ascending through the liquid 130 towards the vacuum opening.

[0193] Once the liquid 130 has been drawn into the vacuum chamber 110 such that all the openings 126 are exposed, full turbulation of the liquid 130 may begin. This is illustrated in Figure 10. As turbulation gas is drawn through the openings 126 of the gas inlet 125, the liquid 130 may be chaotically mixed by the movement of the air drawn from the external atmosphere into the openings 126 of the gas inlet 125 and through the liquid 130 to the vacuum opening 115.

[0194] The intensity and randomness of the turbulation, and the resulting speed of the effect provided on the contents of the turbulation apparatus, whether mixing, aeration, separation, filtration, or something else, may be controlled by varying the strength of the vacuum applied at the vacuum opening.

[0195] As illustrated in the examples of Figures 3-4 and Figures 5-10, the vacuum may have a vacuum pressure at least corresponding to the head of the liquid 130 within the receptacle above the openings 126. This may constitute a minimum vacuum pressure for beginning to generate turbulation.

[0196] In other configurations, such as where the openings 126 of the gas inlet 125 are exposed to the atmosphere in the absence of the application of a vacuum, the minimum vacuum to begin turbulation may be any vacuum level below the surrounding atmospheric pressure and which is sufficient to overcome any losses in the system.

[0197] The operation of the baffle members 150 are illustrated in Figure 10, as the liquid 130 impacts against it due to the turbulation.

[0198] As illustrated in Figures 5-10, the vacuum opening is vertically spaced away from the gas inlet 125. While turbulation may be caused by the movement of turbulation gases between a gas inlet and vacuum outlet in a direction perpendicular to gravity, the turbulation effect may be increased where gravity at least partially opposes the movement of the substance within the vacuum chamber due to the turbulation gases.

[0199] For example, as shown in Figures 5-10 the vacuum opening is provided at an upper portion of the vacuum chamber while the gas inlet 125 is provided at a vertically lower location, at the bottom of the vacuum chamber. As the turbulation gas moves upwardly towards the vacuum opening, locally adjacent parts of the liquid 130 may be lifted with it, against gravity. As soon as theair escapes from the liquid 130, the liquid will be drawn back down under the influence of gravity. Accordingly, the turbulation provided to a contents of the vacuum chamber by locating the gas inlet 125 and vacuum opening 115 such that the movement of gas from the inlet to the outlet at least partially opposes gravity.

[0200] It may in at least some arrangements be desirable to locate the gas inlet 125 or at least a portion thereof at or towards the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110 to maximise the amount of the contents of the vacuum chamber which is exposed to turbulation.

[0201] While illustrated in Figures 5-10 for example as being located at or towards a lowest extent of the vacuum chamber 110, the gas inlet 125 may in other configurations be located away from the lowest extent of the vacuum chamber 110. For example, where turbulation is to be used to settle or precipitate matter out of the substance contained in the vacuum chamber, the gas inlet 125 may be located away from the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110 to allow for a zone of reduced turbulation for settling or precipitation.

[0202] While illustrated in various configurations as having a substantially square crosssection, it will be appreciated that the vacuum chamber may be provided in any other desired cross-section. This cross-sectional shape may be constant over its height, or may vary.

[0203] Figure 11 shows another configuration of a turbulation apparatus 100. The turbulation apparatus 100 has a vacuum chamber 110 in the form of a cylinder. At an upper end of the vacuum chamber 110 is a vacuum opening 115. A portion of a pneumatic conduit 171 is shown which leads to a vacuum source 116 (not shown). The lower face of the cylinder forming the vacuum chamber 110 is placed in the receptacle 200. The gas inlet 125 is provided towards the bottom of the vacuum chamber 110 adjacent the receptacle 200.

[0204] Figure 12 shows detail of the vacuum chamber 110 including the gas inlet 125. The gas inlet 125 is provided by a plurality of openings 126. The openings are provided spaced about the periphery of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0205] The vacuum chamber 110 of Figure 11 and 12 has a circular cross-section.

[0206] Figure 13 shows a close-up view of the lower end of the vacuum chamber 110 and the receptacle 200. While as shown in Figure 13 a cuff 155 connects the lower portion of the chamber 110 having the gas inlet 125 to a remainder of the vacuum chamber 110, it will be appreciated that the portions may be formed integrally with each other.

[0207] While various configurations have been illustrated and described in relation to Figures 1 -13, many further variations of the structure of the turbulation apparatus may be provided.

[0208] Figure 14 is a sectional view through a turbulation apparatus 100. The turbulation apparatus has a vacuum chamber 110. A vacuum outlet is located at the upper end of the vacuum chamber 110, and a gas outlet is located towards the lower end of the vacuum chamber 110. Thevacuum chamber 110 is an open-ended section, with its lower end covered by the member 190, and the upper end forming the vacuum opening 115.

[0209] The member 190 may additionally function as a receptacle 200, as described previously.

[0210] While illustrated as being located at one side of the vacuum chamber 110, the gas inlet 125 may comprise more than one separate opening, as illustrated in relation to for example Figure 5.

[0211] In other arrangements, the gas inlet 125 may be provided as a single opening about the periphery of the vacuum chamber 110.

[0212] Figure 15 is a sectional view through another turbulation apparatus 100. The turbulation apparatus 100 has a vacuum chamber 110. The vacuum chamber 110 has a vacuum opening at its upper end. At its lower end, the vacuum chamber 110 is open. The member 190 is provided adjacent the open lower end, and the gas inlet 125 is defined between the open end of the vacuum chamber 110 and the member 190. The effective size of the gas inlet 125 may be varied by changing the separation between the vacuum chamber 110 and the member 190.

[0213] Figure 16 is a sectional view through another turbulation apparatus 100, where the gas inlet 125 is defined by the gaps in a mesh 127 that is interposed between the open lower end of the vacuum chamber 110 and the member 190.

[0214] By controlling the size of the mesh 127, the effective size of the openings that form the gas inlet 125 may be controlled.

[0215] The arrangement of Figure 16 may provide for gas inlets across the entire lower face of the vacuum chamber, rather than at or about the periphery of the vacuum chamber. This arrangement may cause the gas drawn into the vacuum chamber to be relatively more distributed within the contents, increasing the degree of turbulation.

[0216] While illustrated in Figure 16 as including a mesh 127 interposed between the vacuum chamber 110 and the opposing member 190, in other forms a vacuum chamber 110 may be formed having integral openings provided across its lower face to define a gas inlet 125 in place of the mesh 127.

[0217] While elsewhere described as being defined by one or more discrete openings in the vacuum chamber, such as in a side wall or base of the vacuum chamber, in other configurations the gas inlet may be in whole or in part provided by a porous material. For example, in the case of an open-bottomed vacuum chamber, a porous material may be provided across the open bottom. T urbulation gas may be drawn into the vacuum chamber through the porous material.

[0218] In such configurations it may be desirable prevent movement of the contents of the vacuum chamber into the porous material, such as may for example clog or contaminate the porous material.

[0219] Figure 17 shows a turbulation apparatus configured as in Figure 16, but with the addition of baffles 150. The baffles 150 extend at different locations into the internal volume of the vacuum chamber. The baffles 150 may provide impaction surfaces for the contents of the vacuum chamber as they are turbulated by the turbulation gas.

[0220] While in some arrangements the vacuum opening 115 may be located vertically above the gas inlet 125, in other arrangements they may be laterally offset from each other. Figure 18 shows a sectional view through a turbulation apparatus 100 where the vacuum opening 115 is higher than the gas inlet 125, while also being laterally offset from it. Baffles 150 are also shown extending from the lower side of the vacuum chamber.

[0221] While in some configurations the lower end of the vacuum chamber 110 may be covered by a member 190 which may also function as a receptacle 200 into or from which the substance to be located in the vacuum chamber in use may flow, in other forms the vacuum chamber may be configured to prevent the flow of the substance out of the gas inlet 125.

[0222] One-way flow control at the gas inlet 125 may be implemented in other configurations of the gas turbulation apparatus. For example, where the gas inlet is formed in the lower face of the vacuum chamber 110, one or more one-way flow valves may be utilised to prevent the contents of the vacuum chamber entering the gas inlet yet allow turbulation gases to flow into the vacuum chamber under the application of a vacuum.

[0223] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view through a turbulation apparatus 100 where the gas inlet 125 is equipped with one-way valves 160. The one-way valves 160 may be biased towards a closed condition but may be configured to open when a vacuum applied at the vacuum opening 115 acts across them. This may prevent a substance located within the vacuum chamber 110, particularly a liquid substance, from leaving the vacuum chamber 110 through the gas inlet 125. However, turbulation gas is still able to be drawn into the vacuum chamber through the gas inlet 125 under the application of a vacuum at the vacuum opening 115.

[0224] The size of the gas inlet or of discrete openings that make up the gas inlet may be selected to provide the desired turbulation characteristics within the vacuum chamber.

[0225] In some examples one or more of the openings of the gas inlet may have a cross- sectional area of about 0.001 mm2to about 100mm2.

[0226] In various configurations the vacuum chamber may be in the form of a column.

[0227] The number of openings that make up the gas inlet, and their location on the vacuum chamber, may also be controlled to provide the desired turbulation characteristics of the particular application.

[0228] In at least some configurations it may be desirable to locate at least some of the openings at or towards a bottom of the vacuum chamber, relative a top at or towards which the vacuum opening is located.

[0229] As previously described, the turbulation created within the vacuum chamber may be used to effect mixing of the contents of the vacuum chamber. In some applications, the mixing may itself be the desired effect. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be employed as a mixer. Examples of mixers include domestic mixers for food ingredients, such as a food processor, or industrial mixers such as for example for mixing food ingredients in the manufacture of food items, mixing chemicals in manufacturing processes.

[0230] More than just mixing, the impacting of the contents on itself and / or on the interior of the vacuum chamber may be used to cut, crush, or otherwise break down the contents of the vacuum chamber. The mixing of the contents may for example be used to remove the husks, hulls, or shells from various plant products such as nuts, grains, or legumes.

[0231] In some examples, baffles 150 may be provided which include blades oriented to be impacted by the moving contents. The blades may particularly be oriented upwardly or downwardly, for example.

[0232] The turbulation apparatus may be desirable as a mixer because it may mix the without any moving parts inside the vacuum chamber. This may reduce jamming or breakages and increase safety for operators who could otherwise get caught in the moving internal components effecting the mixing. The turbulation apparatus may be particularly suited as a mixer for caustic or corrosive substances, which would otherwise eat the mixing components. As the vacuum chamber is not used to stir the contents, a broader range of more suitable chemical-resistant materials may be able to be used for it, without the need for other stronger but less chemical-resistant materials.

[0233] In another example application, the turbulation apparatus may be employed in an enclosed hot tub. The enclosure forms the vacuum chamber, which contains water for a user to bathe in. Turbulation gas may be drawn through a gas inlet or gas inlets submerged in the water to generate turbulence and bubbles in the water. A set of interlocking doors may be utilised between the hot tub chamber and the atmosphere, to prevent loss of vacuum when a user enters or leaves.

[0234] In other applications the turbulation may be desired to stimulate a process or reaction, such as a biological or chemical reaction, in the contents of the vacuum chamber. For example, an aerobic digester may be made utilising the turbulation apparatus. Organic matter may be provided in the vacuum chamber, and the turbulation gas may include oxygen.

[0235] In another example, an anaerobic digester may be made using the turbulation apparatus. Organic matter may similarly be provided in the vacuum chamber, but the turbulation gas may not include oxygen. In an application the turbulation gas may be or include an inert gas, such as one or more of nitrogen, helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon, or radon.

[0236] The mixing resulting from turbulation may in other applications be used to cause precipitation, flocculation, or otherwise settling of particulate matter out of a liquid.

[0237] Settling agents, such as for example coagulants or flocculants, may be used to aid in settling particulate matter.

[0238] Any known coagulant or flocculant may be utilised, for example inorganic coagulants such as aluminium or iron-based coagulants, organic coagulants such as poly diallyldimethylammonium chloride, polyamines, or polyacrylamides, natural coagulants such as chitosan, moringa oleifera seed extract, or alum, or flocculants such as polymeric flocculants for example polyacrylamides (cationic, anionic, and non-ionic), polyethylene oxide, polyamines, or polyethyleneimine.

[0239] Where a coagulant or flocculant is utilised to precipitate solid matter out of a liquid, the mixing resulting from the turbulation may cause increased performance of the agglomeration and precipitation. As the suspended matter agglomerates it will become heavier and may drop to or towards the bottom of the vacuum chamber.

[0240] In some configurations, the contents placed in the vacuum chamber may agglomerate without the addition of a coagulant or flocculant. For example, where milk is turbulated in the turbulation apparatus the proteins and fats in the milk may agglomerate, causing the milk to separate into butterand buttermilk.

[0241] In other configurations, aeration resulting from the mixing may be utilised in addition or in alternative to precipitate solid matter out of a liquid. Fine streams of turbulation gas and the highly energetic turbulation possible with the apparatus may allow a liquid to become highly aerated. This aeration may be used to cause particulate matter to settle out of the aerated liquid, due to the decreased density of the liquid.

[0242] There are many potential industrial uses of settling of particulate matter. Some include wastewater treatment, in particular for the aeration and settling stages, and the treating of industrial or farming waste liquid waste.

[0243] Where the use of the turbulation apparatus involves settling matter out of a liquid mixture, the apparatus may be configured to allow material to settle to a non-turbulated or relatively less-turbulated region at the bottom of the vacuum chamber. Settled material may be drawn off from the bottom of the vacuum chamber.

[0244] The turbulation provided by the turbulation apparatus may be used in a wide range of washing applications. The object or objects to be washed may be placed in the vacuum chamber, then a washing liquid, for example water, potentially with washing additives, may also be provided in the vacuum chamber. The turbulation of the gas drawn through the water may act to wash the object or objects. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be employed as a washing machine for washing clothes in either a domestic or commercial setting, for washing dishes, or any range of other specialised industrial forms of washing. For example, where an object is to be sand washed, the turbulation may be used to move sand, either with or without a liquid medium, so that it impactsagainst and object to be sand washed. In another example, the turbulation apparatus may be employed in washing of industrial products such as mining ores. In another example, the turbulation apparatus may be employed in washing of fruit and / or vegetable products.

[0245] The turbulation provided by the turbulation apparatus may be used to dry or cook an object. For example, where a wet object is placed into the turbulation apparatus, the turbulation may be used to dry the object by convection.

[0246] In a range of applications it may be desirable to add heat to the substance in the vacuum chamber. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be utilised as an air fryer for cooking by providing a heat source to heat the turbulation gas that is drawn into the vacuum chamber.

[0247] Where heating is to be provided for, the heat may allow a particular functionality, such as boiling off particular components as they are turbulently mixed. In other arrangements, heat may be used to speed or increase the efficiency of another process. For example, as above, the heating may increase the efficiency of the drying or cooking operation. In a further example, the turbulation apparatus may be utilised as a fryer by providing oil in the vacuum chamber along with an item to be cooked, along with a heat source operable to heat the oil, and / or to heat the gas drawn into the vacuum chamber.

[0248] In addition to the described settling applications, the aeration effect provided by the turbulation apparatus may be utilised in a range of further applications. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be used to aerate non-liquid organic waste, to encourage decomposition.

[0249] In another example, the turbulation apparatus may be used to aerate a food product during manufacture. For example, it may be used in whipping ingredients, such as egg or mixtures containing egg. It may be used in aerating food products such as pavlova, aerated chocolate, or the aeration of a liquid such as drinking water or wine.

[0250] Other aeration applications may include marine applications, such as in aquaculture for aeration of fish farms, and in devices for aeration oceans or rivers to control pollution and stimulate microbial activity.

[0251] The turbulation that the turbulation apparatus provides may be utilised to allow separation of different elements or compounds within a substance. For example, as described above, a heated substance which is turbulated, or particularly turbulated in the presence of a heat source, may be used to efficiently boil off components having a particular boiling point. The gaseous component may then be extracted with the turbulation gas from the vacuum chamber. If it is desirable to keep the boiled component it may be condensed or otherwise separated from the extracted turbulation gases.

[0252] As previously described, the mixing that results from turbulation may be used to mechanically separate the husks, hulls, or shells from plant products such as for example nuts,grains, seeds, and other legumes. In addition to performing this mechanical operation, the turbulation apparatus may be utilised to draw off the removed husks, hulls, shells, or the like where they are lighter or less dense than the remaining part of the plant product. The removed parts may be drawn away with the turbulation gases by provision of a sufficient strength of vacuum pressure at the vacuum outlet, along with gas inlets capable of providing the necessary through-flow to carry away the removed parts.

[0253] The turbulation apparatus may be utilised to clean a gas by drawing it through a liquid or another substance capable of dissolving particulate matter or other pollutants in it. For example, the turbulation apparatus may be employed as an air purifier by drawing air requiring purification through a vacuum chamber containing water or another agent capable of having pollutants dissolved or absorbed into it.

[0254] Settling agents as previously described may be utilised in the liquid through which the polluted turbulation gas is to be drawn, to aid in drawing out particulate matter from the gas.

[0255] The turbulation apparatus may be utilised for small-scale air purification such as for consumer use.

[0256] The turbulation apparatus may be utilised for large-scale air purification, such as for industrial or general atmospheric use.

[0257] The turbulation apparatus may include one or more sensors. For example, one or more sensors may be provided within the vacuum chamber. Such sensors may include one or more of a sensor to measure the level of the contents within the vacuum chamber, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the vacuum chamber, a dissolved oxygen sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, such an optical sensor for measuring the levels of a particular wavelength or plurality of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation within the vacuum chamber.

[0258] It will be appreciated that the person skilled in the art may adapt a turbulation apparatus according to the principles described herein in order to suit a particular desired application of the apparatus. In particular, the person skilled in the art may adapt one or more of the vacuum pressure, the placement, size, and number of any gas inlet openings, the vertical and any horizontal separation between the gas inlet and vacuum outlet, size, and shape of the vacuum chamber, and the one or two-directional flow configuration of the gas inlet.

[0259] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0260] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the preferred embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, and also the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being comprised in the present disclosure.

[0261] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A turbulation apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber having a vacuum opening and a gas inlet through which a turbulation gas may be drawn from an outside of the vacuum chamber into an inside of the vacuum chamber, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured upon an application of a vacuum at the vacuum opening to draw turbulation gas into the inside of the vacuum chamber and through a substance provided therein to thereby turbulate the substance.

2. The turbulation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the turbulation apparatus further comprises a base member facing an open end of the vacuum chamber, and the gas inlet is defined between a periphery of the open end of the vacuum chamber and the base member.

3. The turbulation apparatus of claim 2, wherein an effective size of the gas inlet is able to be increased or decreased by a respective increase or decrease in the proximity of the open end of the vacuum chamber and the base member.

4. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the turbulation apparatus comprises a one-way valve biased to a closed condition in which the gas inlet is closed yet operable under the application of a vacuum applied to the inside of the vacuum chamber to open the gas inlet to allow turbulation gases to flow therethrough.

5. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the gas inlet comprises a plurality of openings through which a turbulation gas may be drawn from the outside of the vacuum chamber into the inside of the vacuum chamber.

6. The turbulation apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gas inlets are located at or towards a or distal end of the vacuum chamber relative to the vacuum opening.

7. The turbulation apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the turbulation apparatus comprises at least one one-way valve associated with the openings of the gas inlet, each eat least one one-way valve being biased to a closed condition in which one or more of the openings is closed yet operable under the application of a vacuum applied to the inside of the vacuum chamber to open the gas inlet to allow turbulation gases to flow therethrough.

8. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein in use a direction of movement of the turbulation gas in use between the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets and the vacuum opening is at least partially opposite a direction of action of Earth's gravity.

9. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, mix by a movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets to the vacuum opening a substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

10. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, mix by a movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet orplurality of gas inlets to the vacuum opening two or more substances which are provided in the vacuum chamber.

11. The turbulation apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the mixing is provided in use without the contact of any moving part against the substance or two or more substances.

12. The turbulation apparatus of claim 10, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured for use in precipitating out particulate matter from a liquid, wherein the two or more substances provided in the vacuum chamber comprise a liquid having suspended particulate matter and a coagulant and / or flocculant, wherein the turbulation of the substances causes the coagulation of the particulate matter.

13. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, aerate a substance within the vacuum chamber by the movement of the turbulation gas from the gas inlet or plurality of gas inlets to the vacuum.

14. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured for use as a wastewater treatment aerator, wherein the substance provided in the vacuum chamber comprises wastewater and the turbulation of the wastewater results in its aeration and settling of particulate matter.

15. The turbulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 -14, wherein the turbulation apparatus is configured to, in use, dissolve particulate matter from the turbulation gas into a liquid substance provided in the vacuum chamber.

16. A method of turbulating a substance with a gas, the method comprising the steps of: providing a substance inside or to be drawn inside a vacuum chamber having a turbulation gas inlet located at a vertically lower height than a vacuum outlet of the vacuum chamber, and applying a vacuum to the vacuum chamber at the vacuum outlet to draw the gas through the substance and thereby turbulate the substance.

17. A mixing apparatus for mixing a contents provided within the apparatus, the mixing apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber having a vacuum opening and a plurality of gas inlets through which a gas may be drawn from an outside of the vacuum chamber into the vacuum chamber, through the contents, and out of the vacuum opening, wherein the mixing apparatus is configured such that, in use, the gas is drawn through the plurality of gas inlets and at least partially upwardly through the vacuum chamber to the vacuum opening.

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