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Abstract

Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid. The liquid circulates in the upper chamber from the outward radial position toward the center of the grid plate, while eroding the tablets, and returns to the mixing chamber. A portion of the liquid exits into the collection reservoir. Liquid communication also exits from a hole in the bottom of the lower mixing chamber, which is open to the collection reservoir. Varying the intensity of the vortex varies the rate of chemical dissolution, yet the flow rate of liquid through the apparatus is constant.

First Claim