CA2411375A1 - Method and apparatus for treating water - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for treating water Download PDFInfo
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- CA2411375A1 CA2411375A1 CA 2411375 CA2411375A CA2411375A1 CA 2411375 A1 CA2411375 A1 CA 2411375A1 CA 2411375 CA2411375 CA 2411375 CA 2411375 A CA2411375 A CA 2411375A CA 2411375 A1 CA2411375 A1 CA 2411375A1
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- water
- crystals
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- supply pipe
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/005—Systems or processes based on supernatural or anthroposophic principles, cosmic or terrestrial radiation, geomancy or rhabdomancy
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
- C02F1/281—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using inorganic sorbents
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
- C02F1/78—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with ozone
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
- C02F2301/02—Fluid flow conditions
- C02F2301/024—Turbulent
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
- C02F2301/02—Fluid flow conditions
- C02F2301/026—Spiral, helicoidal, radial
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
A method for the treatment and processing of water. The method comprises the steps of injecting water from a source through a supply pipe and into a treatment tank, and forcing the injected water from the supply pipe through a sample vessel positioned within the treatment tank. The sample vessel contains a volume of processed quartz crystals such that the injected water contacts the quartz crystals prior to entering the tank. Subjecting the water to the quartz crystals reduces the molecular cluster size and the surface tension of the water. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for carrying out the method.
Description
TITLE: Method and Apparatus for Treating Water FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to both a method and an apparatus for treating water, and in one embodiment in particular an apparatus and method for treating water with quartz crystals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the quality of a large percentage of the world's drinking water commonly being called into question, much effort has been directed to methods of processing water to make it safe for consumption by humans and animals, and for use in agricultural and aquacultural applications. Similarly, a considerable amount of effort has been expended in researching methods of altering the physical and/or chemical properties of water in order to transform it into a state that may be more readily utilized by plant and animal tissue. In these regards it has been found that the normal molecular structure of liquid water consists of an arrangement of H20 molecules loosely bonded together in large clusters of from about 10 to 13 molecules. It has been shown that reducing the number of H20 molecules clustered together increases the ability of the water to be absorbed and used by plant and animal tissue. Reducing the molecular cluster size of water has a tendency of enhancing the metabolism of plant and animal cells through increased oxygenation, and also helps to reduce or eliminate free .radicals within living tissue. It has thus been shown that reducing the size of water molecule clusters has a beneficial effect to both plants and animals alike. In addition, it has also been shown that reducing the surface tension of water is similarly beneficial to plants and animals.
In an effort to reduce the size of water molecule clusters others have proposed the use of water processing methods that include chemical or alkalizing treatment, water softening treatments, subjection of the water to high gauss magnetic fields, and a variety of other processes. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of many such prior processes is variable and in many instances the methods that are utilized require the addition of chemicals or involve complex and costly processing. As a result many such prior methods are prohibitively expensive and not economically viable. Efforts to easily and inexpensively reduce the surface tension of water have also been generally unsuccessful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore provides both a method and an apparatus for the treatment of water that has a tendency to help reduce the size of molecule clusters within the water and to reduce the water's surface tension to thereby place the water in a state that may be more readily utilized by plants and animals.
This invention relates to both a method and an apparatus for treating water, and in one embodiment in particular an apparatus and method for treating water with quartz crystals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the quality of a large percentage of the world's drinking water commonly being called into question, much effort has been directed to methods of processing water to make it safe for consumption by humans and animals, and for use in agricultural and aquacultural applications. Similarly, a considerable amount of effort has been expended in researching methods of altering the physical and/or chemical properties of water in order to transform it into a state that may be more readily utilized by plant and animal tissue. In these regards it has been found that the normal molecular structure of liquid water consists of an arrangement of H20 molecules loosely bonded together in large clusters of from about 10 to 13 molecules. It has been shown that reducing the number of H20 molecules clustered together increases the ability of the water to be absorbed and used by plant and animal tissue. Reducing the molecular cluster size of water has a tendency of enhancing the metabolism of plant and animal cells through increased oxygenation, and also helps to reduce or eliminate free .radicals within living tissue. It has thus been shown that reducing the size of water molecule clusters has a beneficial effect to both plants and animals alike. In addition, it has also been shown that reducing the surface tension of water is similarly beneficial to plants and animals.
In an effort to reduce the size of water molecule clusters others have proposed the use of water processing methods that include chemical or alkalizing treatment, water softening treatments, subjection of the water to high gauss magnetic fields, and a variety of other processes. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of many such prior processes is variable and in many instances the methods that are utilized require the addition of chemicals or involve complex and costly processing. As a result many such prior methods are prohibitively expensive and not economically viable. Efforts to easily and inexpensively reduce the surface tension of water have also been generally unsuccessful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore provides both a method and an apparatus for the treatment of water that has a tendency to help reduce the size of molecule clusters within the water and to reduce the water's surface tension to thereby place the water in a state that may be more readily utilized by plants and animals.
In one of its aspects the invention provides a method for the treatment and processing of water, the method comprising the steps of injecting water from a source through a supply pipe and into a treatment tank; and, forcing said injected water from said supply pipe through a sample vessel positioned within said treatment tank, said sample vessel containing a volume of processed quartz crystals such that said injected water contacts said quartz crystals prior to entering said tank, subjection of said water to said quartz crystals reducing the molecular cluster size and the surface tension of said water.
In another aspect the invention provides an apparatus for the treatment of water, the apparatus comprising a treatment tank; a supply pipe for directing water from an exterior source into said treatment tank; and, a sample vessel containing a source of processed quartz crystals, said sample vessel secured to said supply pipe and having a plurality of holes therethrough such that water directed into said treatment tank through said supply pipe is exposed to said quartz crystals prior to being released into said tank.
Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
In another aspect the invention provides an apparatus for the treatment of water, the apparatus comprising a treatment tank; a supply pipe for directing water from an exterior source into said treatment tank; and, a sample vessel containing a source of processed quartz crystals, said sample vessel secured to said supply pipe and having a plurality of holes therethrough such that water directed into said treatment tank through said supply pipe is exposed to said quartz crystals prior to being released into said tank.
Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a treatment apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an end perspective view of the sample vessel of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal side sectional view of the sample vessel shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the water distribution plate shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the in-line screen shown in Figure 4; and Figure 7 is a plan view of the retaining ring shown in Figure 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention may be embodied in a number of different forms. However, the specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose only some of the specific forms of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow herein.
A preferred embodiment of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention is noted generally by reference numeral 1 in the attached drawings.
Water treatment apparatus 1 is generally comprised of a treatment tank 2, a supply pipe 3, and a sample vessel 4. Treatment tank 2 is preferably cylindrical in shape with supply pipe 3 extending through the wall 5 of tank 2 at an acute angle a such that water injected into the tank through supply pipe 3 will have a tendency to swirl and mix within the tank (generally noted by the arrow in Figure 2). To limit the amount of splashing and spray, in most instances supply pipe 3 will be positioned near the bottom 6 of tank 2 as shown generally in Figure 1. In addition, treatment tank 2 will preferably include a removable lid 7 to enclose the tank and to prevent the escape of water and to seal the tank from sources of dirt, dust and other debris.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a treatment apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an end perspective view of the sample vessel of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal side sectional view of the sample vessel shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the water distribution plate shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the in-line screen shown in Figure 4; and Figure 7 is a plan view of the retaining ring shown in Figure 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention may be embodied in a number of different forms. However, the specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose only some of the specific forms of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow herein.
A preferred embodiment of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention is noted generally by reference numeral 1 in the attached drawings.
Water treatment apparatus 1 is generally comprised of a treatment tank 2, a supply pipe 3, and a sample vessel 4. Treatment tank 2 is preferably cylindrical in shape with supply pipe 3 extending through the wall 5 of tank 2 at an acute angle a such that water injected into the tank through supply pipe 3 will have a tendency to swirl and mix within the tank (generally noted by the arrow in Figure 2). To limit the amount of splashing and spray, in most instances supply pipe 3 will be positioned near the bottom 6 of tank 2 as shown generally in Figure 1. In addition, treatment tank 2 will preferably include a removable lid 7 to enclose the tank and to prevent the escape of water and to seal the tank from sources of dirt, dust and other debris.
Supply pipe 2 is preferably rigidly secured to the wall of the tank in order to prevent movement of the supply pipe under the influence of pressurized water flowing therethrough. In one embodiment of the invention both the supply pipe and treatment tank 2 are comprised of stainless steel with the supply pipe being welded to the side surface of the tank. On account of its high nickel content and the fact that it is generally not affected by ozone, 316 stainless steel is generally preferred.
Sample vessel 4 is in the form of an enclosed, generally hollow, vessel having a top 8, a bottom 9, and side surface 10. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings sample vessel 4 is of a cylindrical configuration, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of other physical configurations could equally be utilized while staying within the scope of the invention. As shown in Figure 4, top surface 8 of sample vessel 4 has secured thereto a spigot 11 having a longitudinal internal bore 12 that is in communication with the hollow interior 13 of vessel 4. Spigot 11 has an outer end 14 that is adapted to be securable to the outer end 15 of supply pipe 3 such that water that is pumped through the supply pipe is forced into hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4: At least a portion of the top, bottom and/or side surfaces of sample vessel 4 contains a plurality of holes or perforations 16 therethrough to allow water that is forced into hollow interior 13 of vessel 4 to escape and enter treatment tank 2. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the attached drawings both the bottom and the cylindrical side surface of vessel 4 are perforated.
Sample vessel 4 is in the form of an enclosed, generally hollow, vessel having a top 8, a bottom 9, and side surface 10. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings sample vessel 4 is of a cylindrical configuration, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of other physical configurations could equally be utilized while staying within the scope of the invention. As shown in Figure 4, top surface 8 of sample vessel 4 has secured thereto a spigot 11 having a longitudinal internal bore 12 that is in communication with the hollow interior 13 of vessel 4. Spigot 11 has an outer end 14 that is adapted to be securable to the outer end 15 of supply pipe 3 such that water that is pumped through the supply pipe is forced into hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4: At least a portion of the top, bottom and/or side surfaces of sample vessel 4 contains a plurality of holes or perforations 16 therethrough to allow water that is forced into hollow interior 13 of vessel 4 to escape and enter treatment tank 2. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the attached drawings both the bottom and the cylindrical side surface of vessel 4 are perforated.
In accordance with the invention, sample vessel 4 contains a source of quartz crystals 17 such that water that is directed through the vessel may be exposed to the quartz crystals prior to being released into treatment tank 2. Quartz crystals 17 are pre-processed wherein they are crushed to a desired size range (for example, approximately 10 millimeters) and washed (preferably with filtered water) to help remove surface contaminants and fines that may be present. In order to maintain the crystals within sample vessel 4, perforations 16 are sized such that they are slightly smaller than the size of the quartz crystals. In one embodiment the quartz crystals retained within sample vessel 4 are comprised of at least 99% silicon dioxide and crushed to a size of approximately 10 millimeters. In an alternate embodiment, the quartz crystals are comprised of at least 97% silicon dioxide and have a natural vibration frequency of approximately 6891 MHZ. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the quartz crystals are pre-treated before being loaded into vessel 4 to increase or enhance their vibrational frequency. The pre-treatment step may involve a number of different operations including treatment of the quartz with chemical solutions and/or subjecting the quartz crystals to ultra-violet radiation or electromagnetic radiation.
Through such re-treatment steps the vibrational frequency of the quartz crystals may be elevated up to approximately 68,910 MHZ before they are placed within the sample vessel.
To help ensure a consistent contact between the water flowing through vessel 4 and the quartz crystals retained therein, sample vessel 4 is preferably completely filled with quartz crystals that are compacted and held in place in the form of a fixed crystal bed.
To hold the crystals in place spigot 11 may include an in-line screen 18 positioned across its longitudinal bore. Screen 18 helps to retain the crystals in a generally compacted state and assists in maintaining a turbulent flow of water through the vessel.
If desired, there may be positioned immediately downstream of screen 18 a fluid flow distribution plate 19 having a series of holes therethrough to help distribute the flow of water across the entire cross-sectional area of longitudinal bore 12, and to thereby encourage a more even flow of water through hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4.
Fluid flow distribution plate 19 is secured in place through abutting against an internal flange 23 within spigot 11. Where a fluid flow distribution plate is not utilized, in-line screen 18 will abut against flange 23. A retaining ring 20 would be typically placed upstream of in-line screen 18 in order to maintain and secure both the in-line screen and the distribution plate in place within spigot 11.
With sample vessel 4 filled with compacted quartz crystals (and if desired with screen 18, fluid distribution plate 19 and retaining ring 20 in place) spigot 11 may be secured to end 15 of supply pipe 3 through threadably engaging the spigot to the supply pipe, through the use of a mechanical clamp (reference 21 in the attached Figures), or through a wide variety of other commonly used fastening mechanisms. When sample vessel is thus secured to supply pipe 3 water that is injected through the supply pipe will be directed into the sample vessel and will be exposed to the quartz crystals retained therein prior to being released into treatment tank 2. Maintaining the quartz crystals in a relatively tight compacted state within hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4, in conjunction with the use of screen 18 and flow distribution plate 19, assists in directing water through the entirety of the crystal bed, and also helps to maintain a turbulent flow through vessel 4. A turbulent flow tends to maximize the contact between the water and the quartz crystals. Preferably sample vessel 4, screen 18, distribution plate 19 and clamp 21 are formed from stainless steel so as not to react with the water.
Retaining ring 20 may also be comprised of stainless steel, or maybe a plastic, rubber, TeflonTM, or a similar material that is also used to form a seal between vessel 4 and supply pipe 3.
During operation of apparatus 1, water is injected or pumped from a source (not shown) through supply pipe 3, into hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4, and eventually out through perforations 16 situated about the exterior surface of the sample vessel. As water is injected through sample vessel 4 it comes into contact with the processed quartz crystals. The quartz crystals will tend to cause a reduction in the molecular cluster size of the water (particularly when crystals of an enhanced vibrational frequency are utilized) such that the cluster size is reduced to something less than the 10 to 13 molecule clusters that are typically found in naturally occurring water. Water treated in this manner exhibits the beneficial characteristics to animals and plants that are associated with reduced molecular cluster sizes. Where the capacity of the quartz crystals to reduce the molecule cluster size of the water. has been diminished, vessel 4 may be removed from the end of supply pipe 3 and filled with fresh or re-treated crystals.
In one embodiment of the invention, water is circulated about treatment tank 2 for a minimum period of approximately 15 minutes in order to ensure full and complete mixing and a relatively even distribution of reduced size water molecule clusters throughout the volume of water within the tank. During this circulation period the water may be subjected to further steps of oxygenation and/or ozonation.
Alternately, the water may be subjected to an oxygenation and/or ozonation stage prior to being injected into tank 2. After the water within treatment tank 2 has been circulated for the desired time frame and any subsequent treatment steps completed, the retained water is typically extracted through a valve 22 and sent for bottling or for directing to any one of a wide variety of processes where such treated water may be desired. For example, water treated in accordance with the described method and apparatus may be utilized for direct consumption by plants and animals, or rnay be utilized in industrial processes, in swimming pools, in hot tubs, in aquariums, or in a wide variety of other applications.
As indicated above, it has been discovered that the treatment of water using the above method and apparatus has the effect of causing a reduction in the surface tension of the water. It is the belief of many medical practitioners that a reduction in the surface tension of water enhances the ability of living tissue to absorb water. As a result, water having a reduced surface tension can be advantageous to the health and well being of plants and animals.
To evaluate the reduction in surface tension that occurs through the use of the above described method and apparatus, three water samples were collected in order to calculate and measure surface tension. The first sample comprised municipal tap water from the City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The second sample that was tested comprised bottled spring water obtained from a natural spring in Baltimore, Ontario, Canada. The third sample consisted of the bottled spring water from Baltimore, Ontario that was subsequently subjected to the processing method described above. Water droplets from each of the three sources were placed upon a flat polished silicone plate, following which images of the droplets were taken using a high resolution digital camera. The images were then digitized to generate droplet profile data for surface tension calculations. Through the use of a computer program based upon the Laplace Equation, which relates the shape of a droplet to its surface tension, surface tensions were calculated for each of the droplets. The process was repeated a number of times using additional droplets of each source of water, after which average surface tensions were determined. The results of the tests and the subsequent calculations are presented in the following table.
Water Sample Surface Tension Average Surface Range Tension (mN/m) (mN/m) Municipal water 77.80 to 70.40 74.1 Spring water 73.40 to 70.00 71.7 Water processed pursuant63.8 to 60.90 61.95 to invention These experimental results indicate that the surface tension of water treated pursuant to the present invention is considerably less than the surface tension of untreated municipal or bottled spring water. It is believed that the decrease in surface tension is at least partially attributed to a reduction in the molecular cluster size of the treated water.
It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention and that it may be possible to make variations to these embodiments while staying within the broad scope of the invention. Some of these variations have been discussed while others will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Through such re-treatment steps the vibrational frequency of the quartz crystals may be elevated up to approximately 68,910 MHZ before they are placed within the sample vessel.
To help ensure a consistent contact between the water flowing through vessel 4 and the quartz crystals retained therein, sample vessel 4 is preferably completely filled with quartz crystals that are compacted and held in place in the form of a fixed crystal bed.
To hold the crystals in place spigot 11 may include an in-line screen 18 positioned across its longitudinal bore. Screen 18 helps to retain the crystals in a generally compacted state and assists in maintaining a turbulent flow of water through the vessel.
If desired, there may be positioned immediately downstream of screen 18 a fluid flow distribution plate 19 having a series of holes therethrough to help distribute the flow of water across the entire cross-sectional area of longitudinal bore 12, and to thereby encourage a more even flow of water through hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4.
Fluid flow distribution plate 19 is secured in place through abutting against an internal flange 23 within spigot 11. Where a fluid flow distribution plate is not utilized, in-line screen 18 will abut against flange 23. A retaining ring 20 would be typically placed upstream of in-line screen 18 in order to maintain and secure both the in-line screen and the distribution plate in place within spigot 11.
With sample vessel 4 filled with compacted quartz crystals (and if desired with screen 18, fluid distribution plate 19 and retaining ring 20 in place) spigot 11 may be secured to end 15 of supply pipe 3 through threadably engaging the spigot to the supply pipe, through the use of a mechanical clamp (reference 21 in the attached Figures), or through a wide variety of other commonly used fastening mechanisms. When sample vessel is thus secured to supply pipe 3 water that is injected through the supply pipe will be directed into the sample vessel and will be exposed to the quartz crystals retained therein prior to being released into treatment tank 2. Maintaining the quartz crystals in a relatively tight compacted state within hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4, in conjunction with the use of screen 18 and flow distribution plate 19, assists in directing water through the entirety of the crystal bed, and also helps to maintain a turbulent flow through vessel 4. A turbulent flow tends to maximize the contact between the water and the quartz crystals. Preferably sample vessel 4, screen 18, distribution plate 19 and clamp 21 are formed from stainless steel so as not to react with the water.
Retaining ring 20 may also be comprised of stainless steel, or maybe a plastic, rubber, TeflonTM, or a similar material that is also used to form a seal between vessel 4 and supply pipe 3.
During operation of apparatus 1, water is injected or pumped from a source (not shown) through supply pipe 3, into hollow interior 13 of sample vessel 4, and eventually out through perforations 16 situated about the exterior surface of the sample vessel. As water is injected through sample vessel 4 it comes into contact with the processed quartz crystals. The quartz crystals will tend to cause a reduction in the molecular cluster size of the water (particularly when crystals of an enhanced vibrational frequency are utilized) such that the cluster size is reduced to something less than the 10 to 13 molecule clusters that are typically found in naturally occurring water. Water treated in this manner exhibits the beneficial characteristics to animals and plants that are associated with reduced molecular cluster sizes. Where the capacity of the quartz crystals to reduce the molecule cluster size of the water. has been diminished, vessel 4 may be removed from the end of supply pipe 3 and filled with fresh or re-treated crystals.
In one embodiment of the invention, water is circulated about treatment tank 2 for a minimum period of approximately 15 minutes in order to ensure full and complete mixing and a relatively even distribution of reduced size water molecule clusters throughout the volume of water within the tank. During this circulation period the water may be subjected to further steps of oxygenation and/or ozonation.
Alternately, the water may be subjected to an oxygenation and/or ozonation stage prior to being injected into tank 2. After the water within treatment tank 2 has been circulated for the desired time frame and any subsequent treatment steps completed, the retained water is typically extracted through a valve 22 and sent for bottling or for directing to any one of a wide variety of processes where such treated water may be desired. For example, water treated in accordance with the described method and apparatus may be utilized for direct consumption by plants and animals, or rnay be utilized in industrial processes, in swimming pools, in hot tubs, in aquariums, or in a wide variety of other applications.
As indicated above, it has been discovered that the treatment of water using the above method and apparatus has the effect of causing a reduction in the surface tension of the water. It is the belief of many medical practitioners that a reduction in the surface tension of water enhances the ability of living tissue to absorb water. As a result, water having a reduced surface tension can be advantageous to the health and well being of plants and animals.
To evaluate the reduction in surface tension that occurs through the use of the above described method and apparatus, three water samples were collected in order to calculate and measure surface tension. The first sample comprised municipal tap water from the City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The second sample that was tested comprised bottled spring water obtained from a natural spring in Baltimore, Ontario, Canada. The third sample consisted of the bottled spring water from Baltimore, Ontario that was subsequently subjected to the processing method described above. Water droplets from each of the three sources were placed upon a flat polished silicone plate, following which images of the droplets were taken using a high resolution digital camera. The images were then digitized to generate droplet profile data for surface tension calculations. Through the use of a computer program based upon the Laplace Equation, which relates the shape of a droplet to its surface tension, surface tensions were calculated for each of the droplets. The process was repeated a number of times using additional droplets of each source of water, after which average surface tensions were determined. The results of the tests and the subsequent calculations are presented in the following table.
Water Sample Surface Tension Average Surface Range Tension (mN/m) (mN/m) Municipal water 77.80 to 70.40 74.1 Spring water 73.40 to 70.00 71.7 Water processed pursuant63.8 to 60.90 61.95 to invention These experimental results indicate that the surface tension of water treated pursuant to the present invention is considerably less than the surface tension of untreated municipal or bottled spring water. It is believed that the decrease in surface tension is at least partially attributed to a reduction in the molecular cluster size of the treated water.
It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention and that it may be possible to make variations to these embodiments while staying within the broad scope of the invention. Some of these variations have been discussed while others will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (21)
1. A method for the treatment and processing of water, the method comprising the steps of:
injecting water from a source through a supply pipe and into a treatment tank;
and;
forcing said injected water from said supply pipe through a sample vessel positioned within said treatment tank, said sample vessel containing a volume of processed quartz crystals such that said injected water contacts said quartz crystals prior to entering said tank, subjection of said water to said quartz crystals reducing the molecular cluster size and the surface tension of said water.
injecting water from a source through a supply pipe and into a treatment tank;
and;
forcing said injected water from said supply pipe through a sample vessel positioned within said treatment tank, said sample vessel containing a volume of processed quartz crystals such that said injected water contacts said quartz crystals prior to entering said tank, subjection of said water to said quartz crystals reducing the molecular cluster size and the surface tension of said water.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of positioning said supply pipe near the bottom of said treatment tank and at an angle relative to the walls of said tank to encourage swirling and mixing of said water when injected into said tank.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 including the further step of circulating said water in said treatment tank for a minimum period of 15 minutes and thereafter extracting said water for use in bottling or in other processes.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said processed quartz crystals are comprised of at least 99% silicon dioxide and crushed to a size of approximately millimeters.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said quartz crystals are at least 97%
silicon dioxide and have a natural vibration frequency of approximately 6891 MHZ.
silicon dioxide and have a natural vibration frequency of approximately 6891 MHZ.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said quartz crystals are comprised of at least 97% silicon dioxide and are processed by washing with filtered water to remove surface contaminants and thereafter subjecting said crystals to a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the vibrational frequency of said crystals is elevated.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said quartz crystals are comprised of at least 97% silicon dioxide and are processed through washing said crystals with filtered water to remove surface contaminants, said method including the further step of increasing the vibrational frequency of said crystals through subjecting said crystals to ultra-violet irradiation.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said processing of said quartz crystals includes crushing said crystals to a size of approximately 10 millimeters, washing said crystals with filtered water to remove fines and surface contaminants, and treating said crystals to increase the vibrational frequency of said crystals.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein said treating said crystals to increase their vibrational frequency comprises subjecting said crystals to ultra-violet irradiation.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein said treating said crystals to increase their vibrational frequency comprises subjecting said crystals to a source of electromagnetic radiation.
11. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein said treating said crystals to increase their vibrational frequency comprises treating said crystals with chemical solutions.
12. The method as claim in claim 1 including the further step of oxygenating said water in said treatment tank.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 including the further step of subjecting said water to an ozonation stage prior to injecting into said tank.
14. The method as claimed in claim 1 including the further step of subjecting said water to ozonation after said water exits said sample vessel and while retained within said treatment tank.
15. An apparatus for the treatment of water, the apparatus comprising:
(i) a treatment tank;
(ii) a supply pipe for directing water from an exterior source into said treatment tank; and, (iii) a sample vessel containing a source of processed quartz crystals, said sample vessel secured to said supply pipe and having a plurality of holes therethrough such that water directed into said treatment tank through said supply pipe is exposed to said quartz crystals prior to being released into said tank.
(i) a treatment tank;
(ii) a supply pipe for directing water from an exterior source into said treatment tank; and, (iii) a sample vessel containing a source of processed quartz crystals, said sample vessel secured to said supply pipe and having a plurality of holes therethrough such that water directed into said treatment tank through said supply pipe is exposed to said quartz crystals prior to being released into said tank.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein said sample vessel is comprised of an enclosed generally hollow vessel filled with said processed quartz crystals, said vessel having top, bottom and side surfaces, one of said top, bottom and side surfaces having secured thereto a spigot with a longitudinal internal bore in communication with said hollow interior of said vessel, said spigot adapted to be securable to the end of said supply pipe such that water directed through said supply pipe is forced into said generally hollow interior of said vessel.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least a portion of at least one of said top, bottom and side surfaces of said sample vessel is perforated, said perforations of a size to prevent the escape of said quartz crystals from said interior of said vessel while allowing for the flow of water out of said vessel and into said treatment tank when water is directed to said interior of said vessel through said spigot.
18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein said sample vessel is filled with compacted quartz crystals and said spigot includes a screen positioned across said longitudinal bore, said screen retaining said quartz crystals within said interior of said vessel and assisting in maintaining a turbulent flow of said water through said sample vessel.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said spigot includes a fluid flow distribution plate to assist in the distribution of water across said quartz crystals within said vessel.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said treatment tank and said sample vessel are comprised of stainless steel.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein said supply pipe is positioned near the bottom of said tank and at an acute angle relative to the walls of said tank to encourage swirling and mixing of said water when injected into said tank.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2411375 CA2411375A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 | 2002-11-07 | Method and apparatus for treating water |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2411375 CA2411375A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 | 2002-11-07 | Method and apparatus for treating water |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2411375A1 true CA2411375A1 (en) | 2004-05-07 |
Family
ID=32399866
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2411375 Abandoned CA2411375A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 | 2002-11-07 | Method and apparatus for treating water |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2411375A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009021277A1 (en) * | 2007-08-12 | 2009-02-19 | Biofirm Pty Ltd | Combined processes to revitalise water |
| CN103962092A (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2014-08-06 | 宁波工程学院 | Modified vesuvianite adsorbent and electroplating wastewater treatment method |
| WO2022020958A1 (en) * | 2020-07-29 | 2022-02-03 | Richard Nahas | Method of water treatment and treated water produced thereby |
-
2002
- 2002-11-07 CA CA 2411375 patent/CA2411375A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009021277A1 (en) * | 2007-08-12 | 2009-02-19 | Biofirm Pty Ltd | Combined processes to revitalise water |
| CN103962092A (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2014-08-06 | 宁波工程学院 | Modified vesuvianite adsorbent and electroplating wastewater treatment method |
| CN103962092B (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2015-10-21 | 宁波工程学院 | A kind of modification pelelith adsorbent and electroplating effluent treatment method |
| WO2022020958A1 (en) * | 2020-07-29 | 2022-02-03 | Richard Nahas | Method of water treatment and treated water produced thereby |
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