Enhanced Centrifugal Contactor

INVENTION SUMMARY: Patent No. 7150836 describes a method for separating of two immiscible liquids by combing the application of microwave energy and centrifugal force. Improved separation is achieved at the liquid-liquid interface within a centrifugal contactor by using the differential deposition of microwave energy in aqueous vs organic constituents to disrupt the surface tension. Thus disengagement of dispersions and emulsions at the interface is enhanced while under the influence of large G forces acting on the difference in density of the two liquids. The microwave energy is internally generated within the rotor of a centrifugal contactor and efficiently applied to the liquid-liquid interface region for sufficient time in a high G force environment. Thus, difficult oil-water separations can be more rapidly and efficiently achieved than by existing methods. Contact Mr. Gary W. Smith. A potential technology development and licensing opportunity exists with BEA, the prime operating contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). BEA is soliciting a written indication of interest from industry partners interested in funding a collaborative technology development project and or entering into a license agreement for the purpose of developing and commercializing this technology described below. License terms will include an up-front licensing fee and a running royalty based on a percentage of sales. This is not an opportunity to provide goods or services to BEA or DOE. This solicitation will close to response 30 days after publication. Interested parties should send a description of their company and their plans to commercialize this technology to the following address: Gary W. Smith Sr. Commercialization Manager Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 E-mail is gary.smith@inl.gov