Method and system for acoustically treating material

摘要

Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window, a heat exchanger, inlet/outlet flow arrangements, an inspection window, insert elements that define a treatment volume size or shape, etc. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided.

主权项

1. A system for acoustically treating a material, comprising:
a chamber defining an internal volume and having an inlet to receive an inflow of material into the internal volume and an outlet to discharge an outflow of material from the internal volume; a jacket surrounding at least a portion of the chamber arranged to circulate a thermal transfer medium around a wall of the chamber for controlling a temperature of the internal volume; an acoustic energy source spaced from the chamber and arranged to emit acoustic energy having a frequency of about 100 kHz to 100 MHz to create a focal zone of acoustic energy in the internal volume; and a coupling medium arranged to transmit acoustic energy from the acoustic energy source to the chamber.