초록 ▼

Methods and systems for establishing Taylor-Couette flow in a fluid are provide. Aspects of the disclosed methods and systems incorporate Taylor-Couette flow in combination with a source of radiation to provide more uniform radiation exposure to the fluid and its components. Common problems of non-u

Methods and systems for establishing Taylor-Couette flow in a fluid are provide. Aspects of the disclosed methods and systems incorporate Taylor-Couette flow in combination with a source of radiation to provide more uniform radiation exposure to the fluid and its components. Common problems of non-uniform radiation levels and concentration boundary layer effects in UV reactors are largely eliminated using the methods and devices provided herein.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A fluid reactor comprising: an outer cylinder; a rotor having a first annular channel between an outer wall and an inner cylinder, wherein the rotor is housed within the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder having: an inner annular wall defining a circular hollow for receiving

What is claimed is: 1. A fluid reactor comprising: an outer cylinder; a rotor having a first annular channel between an outer wall and an inner cylinder, wherein the rotor is housed within the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder having: an inner annular wall defining a circular hollow for receiving the inner cylinder of the rotor, and an outer annular wall defining a second annular channel between the outer annular wall and inner annular wall for receiving the outer wall of the rotor; an inlet in fluid communication with the second annular channel; and an outlet in fluid communication with the circular hollow. 2. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the outer cylinder further comprises an energy source. 3. The reactor of claim 2, wherein the energy source provides electromagnetic energy. 4. The reactor of claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic energy irradiates fluid in the reactor. 5. The reactor of claim 4, wherein the electromagnetic energy is provided in an anti-microbially effective amount. 6. The reactor of claim 2, wherein the energy source is a lamp for providing ultraviolet light. 7. The reactor of claim 1, wherein Taylor-Couette flow is established in fluid within the reactor when the rotor is rotated within the outer cylinder. 8. The reactor of claim 7, wherein the Taylor-Couette flow comprises a plurality of circumferential vortices within the first and second annular channels. 9. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the rotor is transparent. 10. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer annular walls of the outer cylinder comprise an energy source. 11. A method of disinfecting a fluid comprising: forming Taylor vortices in an edible fluid comprising an organism, wherein the edible fluid has a Taylor number of between about 40 to about 400; and irradiating the fluid with an anti-microbial amount of energy, wherein the ratio of penetration depth of the enemy to a velocity boundary layer of the edible fluid is less than about 1. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the anti-microbial amount of energy is about 400 J/m2. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the Taylor number is from about 75 to about 125. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the organism comprises bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, or a combination thereof. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the energy is electromagnetic energy. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the edible fluid comprises milk, fruit juice, or a beverage. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the ratio of penetration depth of the energy to the velocity boundary layer is from about 0.5 to about 1.