ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD GENERATOR SYSTEM

Abstract

An electromagnetic field generator system for a water container or pipe comprising: at least one electrical conductor and a control unit comprising a power supply; and a process conduit provided with an inner side, an outer side, an inlet for introducing a water stream on the inner side, an outlet for discharging the water stream from the inner side of process conduit and the electric conductor is wound around the process conduit to obtain a solenoid; wherein the control unit provides an alternating current to the electric conductor and controls the voltage and the frequency of the current, wherein the frequency of the alternating current alternates between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequency are in the range of 300 to 9000 Hz.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic field generator system for a water container or pipe comprising: at least one electrical conductor and a control unit comprising a power supply; and a process conduit provided with an inner side, an outer side, an inlet for introducing a water stream on the inner side, an outlet for discharging the water stream from the inner side of process conduit and the electric conductor is wound around the process conduit to obtain a solenoid; the control unit provides an alternating current to the electric conductor and controls the voltage and the frequency of the current, wherein the frequency of the alternating current alternates between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequency are in the range of 300 to 9000 Hz.

2. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the process conduit is connected to pipes forming a closed water loop adapted for recycling the water stream from the outlet of the process conduit to the inlet of the process conduit.

3. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the current alternates at least one time per second.

4. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid has a self inductance from 1 to 6 mH.

5. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means is chosen from a fittings, thread or screw thread.

6. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1 wherein, a plurality of solenoids are coupled in a parallel configuration.

7. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the electric conductor is covered by an outer element.

8. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 7, wherein the outer element is made from non-magnetic material.

9. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is made from copper.

10. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets the output voltage to a value between 34 to 46V.

11. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is integrated in a control box.

12. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 11, wherein the control box is made from any metal or alloy, preferably stainless steel.

13. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid is rubber mounted.

14. A method of preventing or reducing lime scale deposits in a process conduit comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to claim 1, b. applying an alternating current to the electrical conductor, and c. applying water through the process conduit via the inlet of the process conduit, wherein the frequency of the alternating current alternates between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequency are in the range of 300 to 9000 Hz.

15. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the current alternates 1 to 20 times per second

16. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the current alternates 10 to 12 times per second.

17. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid has a self inductance from 2 to 5 mH.

18. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid has a self inductance from 3 to 4 mH.

19. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets the output voltage to a value between 38 to 44V.

20. The electromagnetic field generator system according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets the output voltage to a 42V.

Description

FIGURES

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic embodiment of the electromagnetic field generator system.

[0039] FIG. 2a shows another embodiment of the electromagnetic field generator system from a side view.

[0040] FIG. 2b shows an embodiment of the electromagnetic field generator system from a front view.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a schematic embodiment of the electromagnetic field generator system comprising pipings connected to form a closed water loop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The term solenoid should be understood as an electric conductor wound into a helix. The interchangeable use of the word electric conductor or solenoid may not be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0043] The number of times that a frequency alternates per second should be understood as the number of times the frequency alternates from a first frequency to a second frequency and then alternates back to the first frequency during one second.

[0044] The term alternates should be understood in the broadest term possible. In one embodiment it could be understood that the frequency switches between a first frequency to a second frequency and then back to the first frequency, wherein the changes in frequencies are done in one step. In another embodiment the controller may ramp the frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency, and then ramp back to the first frequency. In a further embodiment the changes in frequency between the first and the second frequency may follow a sinus curve.

[0045] The terms pipe, pipings, container, or containers are meant be understood in the broadest sense possible, and therefore may also comprise but no be limited to water tanks, water appliances, and water dispensers. The interchangeable use of the words pipe, pipings, container or containers may not be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The terms treat, treating, treated water, or electromagnetic treated are used interchangeably to describe water having been subjected to an electromagnetic field provided from the electromagnetic field generator system according to the invention.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows an electromagnetic field generator system according to the invention, wherein the electromagnetic field generator system 1 comprises a process conduit 2, which have an inlet 4 into which water may flow when the system is mounted to a water pipe (depicted with dashed lines). The water may flow through the process conduit 2 on the inner side of the process conduit. The water is treated by an electromagnetic field obtained by providing an alternating current from the control unit 6 to the electrical conductor 8. The control unit 6 is connected by electrical wires 10 to the at least one electrical conductor 8 at each end of the electric conductor 8 in an electric circuit. The water passing the process conduit 2 and exiting at the outlet 5 is denoted treated water. The electrical conductor 8 is wound around the outer surface of the process conduit 2 creating a solenoid with a self inductance of 3.5 mH. The electromagnetic fields will easily pass the wall of the process conduit and further pass through the water flowing inside the pipe. The control unit 6 further comprises a frequency and voltage controller for controlling the alternating current. The frequency of the alternating current alternates between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequency are in the range of 300 to 9000 Hz. The frequency alternates eleven times per second, and the output voltage of the control unit 6 is 42 V. The current from the control unit 6 is lead by electrical wires 10 to each end of the electrical conductor 8.

[0048] FIG. 2a shows another embodiment of the invention where the electric conductor 8 and process conduit 2 are covered by an outer element 9. The outer element 9 may be made from stainless steel. The electrical wires 10 provided to the electrical conductor 8 are connected through apertures in the outer element 9. Additionally, the electromagnetic field generator system 1 is provided with spacers 7 between the outer element 9 and the process conduit 2, and coupling means 3 are coupled to inlet and outlet of the process conduit 2 for providing coupling between a water pipe that is intended to connect with the electromagnetic field generator system 1. The coupling means 3 are in this embodiment fastened to the outer element 9 by fastening means 11. The fastening means may be any suitable fastening means used in the art selected from but not limited nails, screws and/or bolts.

[0049] FIG. 2b shows a front view of process conduit 2, where it is visible that the spacers 7 provide a distance between the process conduit 2 and the outer element 9. In one embodiment the hollow cavity created by the distance between process conduit 2 and the outer element 9 may be provided with a seal so that the connection between water pipe to connect with the process conduit 2 may be water tight. The seal may be any suitable seal used in the art selected from but not limited to a packing or a toric joint such as an O-ring.

[0050] It is within the general understanding of the invention that more than one aperture may be provided to connect the electrical wires to the electrical conductor.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a similar embodiment of the invention as described in FIG. 1, however, in this embodiment pipings are connected at both ends of the process conduit 4,5 to form a closed water loop 12 adapted for recycling the water stream from the outlet 5 of the process conduit to the inlet 4 of the process conduit.

[0052] In general, discharged treated water may then be transferred to a faucet, shower head (not shown) or similar uses where the water can be enjoyed by a user. It could also be easily contemplated that treated water may flow in closed water loop provided by pipings and/or containers where lime scale is prevented to deposit on the sides of the water container, pipings or installation such as condensers and/or other heat exchangers that may be present. In general, the closed water loop system may be provided with an inlet section and a discharge section for providing fresh untreated water or removing treated water from the electromagnetic field generator system.

[0053] It is within the general understanding that the invention may also comprise a transformer in the electromagnetic field generator system that transforms an alternating current to be compatible with the control unit. A transformer of this kind has a working range from 100V to 260V and from approx. 45 to 65 Hz. i.e. it operates across the globe.

[0054] The electromagnetic field generator system provides a versatile water treatment with an electromagnetic field. This means that the voltage and frequency may be controlled to suit the particular water container or pipings depending on the calcium concentration in the water and the flux of the water flowing through the electromagnetic field generator system.

[0055] In another embodiment electromagnetic field generator system may comprise a plurality of solenoids. In a particular embodiment the plurality of solenoids are coupled in a parallel configuration. It is within the general understanding of the invention that each solenoid is wound around one process conduit, wherein the plurality of solenoids may be coupled to one or more control units. In this way, the electromagnetic field generator system may be used in a water container or pipings with a large water flow, wherein the large water flow is divided into a plurality of process conduits provided with a solenoid that receives an alternating current from a control unit to generate an electromagnetic field to treat the water flowing through the plurality of process conduits.

[0056] The following describe an exemplary use of an embodiment of the electromagnetic generator system, which may be installed in a pipe assembly for providing drinking water or retrofitted to an existing pipe assembly. Generally, a pipe assembly may comprise a container provided with a container inlet and a container outlet. In operation water is led into the pipe assembly from inlet section having a non-return valve arranged in the container. The water is led from the container outlet to a piping assembly comprising an electromagnetic field generator according to the invention and a discharge section. The pipe assembly provides liquid communication between the container, the electromagnetic field generator and the discharge section. Generally, the liquid communication is obtained by a plurality of interconnected water pipes.

[0057] Between the container and discharge section, the electromagnetic field generator is installed for treating water with an electromagnetic field. When the water has been treated, the water is led to the discharge section comprising at least one valve for discharging water from the system. In operation only a portion of the water is discharged at the discharge section, whereas the rest of the water is returned to the container through the pipe assembly, which is in liquid communication with both container inlet and container outlet. By having electromagnetic field generator system connected to pipes forming a closed water loop installed in a pipe assembly any pipes, container and installations installed upstream of the electromagnetic field generator is not subjected to formation of lime scale deposits.

Example 1

[0058] In a mink farm producing over 50,000 minks per year divided into 4 subfarms in 4 different locations, a electromagnetic field generator system was connected to the water pipings in one of the subfarms comprising approximately 10,000 mink puppies. The electromagnetic field generator system generated an electromagnetic field by providing an alternating current, which alternated between 300 and 9000 Hz 11 times per second, to a solenoid with a self inductance of 3.5 mH. In this experiment, the electromagnetic field generator system was installed upstream to the pipings leading into the different mink cages to provide the minks with fresh water. After one 1 year it was observed that the pipe system was free of lime scale and that none of the minks had had any infections. For comparison, approximately 20% of the 40,000 minks in the three neighbouring farms had suffered from diseases like diarrhoea, which is common in mink farms especially in the puppies which are more prone to diseases. The following year the electromagnetic field system was installed in yet another one of the subfarms and a similar result was obtained.

[0059] Thus, the prevention of lime scale deposits clearly improved the health conditions of the mink by preventing infections coming from the water pipings and markedly reduced the use of antibiotics in mink farms. Furthermore, when the water is contaminated, it tastes bad, and it can quickly become a problem as too little water intake can lead to fights, cannibalism, bladder stones mm. Thus, a general improved state of health was observed.

Example 2

[0060] To evaluate the effect treating water with an electromagnetic field of the present invention an illustrative experiment was performed. Two pots were filled with water. The first pot of water was filled with 3 L of untreated tab water and the second pot was filled with 3 L water treated by the electromagnetic field generating system according to the invention. The two pots were positioned on separate heating plates causing the water to boil. The pots were removed from the heating plates after all the water was evaporated.

[0061] A subsequently inspection of the two pots showed that in the pot, which contained the untreated water, a lime scale deposit had formed on the bottom surface and walls of the first, which could not be easily removed. Surprisingly it was found that in the second pot, which contained the electromagnetic field treated water, a thin film of lime scale, which could easily be removed was observed in bottom of the pot after all the water had evaporated. From the experiment it was concluded that the physical properties of lime scale had been effected by the electromagnetic field.

Example 3

[0062] In a typical counter flow cooling tower, lime scale deposits and algae formation on a fill material i.e. the heat transfer surface and spray nozzles in the cooling tower had been observed. The presence of lime scale deposits and algae reduces the overall cooling capacity of the cooling tower and increases the maintenance cost. Furthermore, a high concentration of bacteria and microfilms was observed in the cooling water reducing the heat transfer efficiency between the heat transfer surface, air and the cooling water.

[0063] To solve the abovementioned problems, the cooling water was in a first test subjected to a traditional chemical water treatment method. During 6 months of testing, the abovementioned problem was not solved.

[0064] In a second test an electromagnetic field generator system was installed for treating the cooling water before coming into contact with a spray nozzle system of the cooling tower. During the next 6 months no problem with lime scale deposits or algae formation was observed. The second test showed that by treating the cooling water with an electromagnetic field generator system according to the invention a thin film of lime scale was observed on the fill material made from metal. The thin film of lime scale has shown to be an excellent anti-corrosion agent and improves the overall wetting i.e water film formation on the fill material thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0065] Table 1 shows a water analysis of the cooling water, which have been subjected to either a chemical water treatment or the electromagnetic field generator according to the invention. From table 1 it is clear that the bacterial count in cooling water, treated with the present electromagnetic system, is remarkably reduced. Thus, the heat efficiency transfer in the cooling tower is further improved by lowering the concentration of bacteria and microfilms.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Water analysis of cooling water, which have been subjected to chemical water treatment or a treatment by the system according to the invention. November 2014 November 2015 February 2016 Chemical March 2015 System according System according water Chemical to to Parameters [unit] treatment water treatment the invention the invention Calcium content CaCO.sub.3 925 970 775 638 mg/ml Chloride content Cl.sup. 205 210 250 190 mg/ml Phosphate content PO.sub.4.sup.2 14.9 15.5 0.09 0.12 mg/ml Iron content Fe 0.15 0.26 0.005 0.014 mg/ml Temperature C. 14.2 14 14.4 13.8 Conductivity us/cm 2072 2260 1750 1320 pH 8.9 8.9 8.8 8.8 Bacteria/yeast/mould CFU/ml 10.000 >10.000 1890 300 CFU-count 22 g per ml. 1500 260 CFU-count 37 g per ml. 350 9 Yeast/mould CFU/ml 40 31 Total 1890 300