GB2257932A

GB2257932A - Magnetic water conditioning device

Info

Publication number: GB2257932A
Application number: GB9116199A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Arthur Frank Blackman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-26
Filing date: 1991-07-26
Publication date: 1993-01-27
Also published as: GB9116199D0

Abstract

A pair of arc or semicircular ferrite magnets (3) covered in suitable plastic material (5) that can be formed into a hinge (1). This allows the device to fit externally over a variety of pipe sizes or fittings (FIG 3.), and so conditions the water that passes through those pipes. The magnets are arranged with opposite poles adjacent, so that the strong magnetic field holds device permanently in position. In an embodiment (Figures 5 & 6) two semi-circular magnets are fixed to a pipe by moulding or clips. <IMAGE>

Description

DEBCR I FT I ON WATER CONDITIONING DEVICE This invention relates to devices for conditioning water and in particular to devices for inhibiting or reducing the scale to surfacs within water systems and appliances. The formation of scale on surfaces is a problem in homes and work places, and will occur on the surfaoe.s of kettles, washing machines, water heaters, liquid vending machines aand other devices found in the home and work place e. The scale may be caused by lhard: water , that is to say, water containing such alts of calcium and magnesium etc. which precipitate as calcium and magnesium carbonate at heat transfer surfaces.

The present invention provides. a device which can be instal led on typical cold water supply pipes and on one or more device or appliances that are instal led in the home or work place in order to provide suitable protection. In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided f'or inhibiting the formation of scale on surfaces contacted by water. It consists of apair of permanent anisotropic strontium ferrite magnet preferably magnetised radially, or magnets giving similar magnetic fields and properties, focusing the me(3netic field directly into the copper or plastic pipe containing the water.The magnetic field force to size ratio of anisotropic strontium magnets is such that only relatively small magnets are required Advantageously, this enables the present invention to be used in situations where space is at a premium, pipe sizes vary and it will fit over irregular surfaces, and still function correctly The apparatus is normally comprised of two permanent magnets, which will be placed either side of the- pipe, the strong magnetic field holding the magnets firmly in place, In one embodiment the permanent magnets are located externally to the water system. Advantageously, the arc segment permanent magnets will be coated, -ovened , moulded or encapsulated in a suitable plastic material, preferably in pair. Pairs of arc segment permanent magnets when covered or encapsuleted will be joined at one end only, so that at one end the plastic or covering material forms e natural hinge, thus allowing the permanent, magnets to take up the correct position on a variety of different size pipes.

In another embodiment, the pair of arc segment or s-cmi- circular permanent magnets are located externally to the water system.

Advantageously, the high magnetic field strength of anisotropic strontium ferrite magnets is such that a relatively small pair of permanent magnets can be placed around a pipe and moulded permanently to the pipe alternatively the permanent magnets can be clipped or fixed to the pipe.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig.l. is a perspective view of a device fitted around a pipe in accordance with the present invention.

Fig.2. is a cross section tEsrough the device of Fig 1 Fig. 3. is an end view of the device of Fig.l.

Fig.4. is an end view illustrating the magnetic field lines when radially magnetised.

Fig.5. is a cross section ii of Fig.61.

Fig.6. is a side elevation with cut away showing magnets illustrating- the device in a situation s-uitable for smell appliances, or where space is at a premium.

The device illustrated in the drawing is comprised of two arc: segments of enisotropic strontium ferrite permanent magnets, each having poles as shown in Fig.4. and Fig.5. (N indicates the North Pole and 8 indicates the South Pole. As shown in Fig. 1 . and Fig.2., each arc segment magnet : :3 will be coated covered, encapsulated or moulded in suitable plastic material leaving an open end at one end where the two arc's meet, and at the other end the plastic material is formed in such a way to form a natural hinge 1. thus yellowing the device to open end accept varying sizes of pipes 2, and shapes, Ref. Fig. 2. and Fig.

In Fig. 0. pipe 2 is encompassed by two arc segment or s-emi-c-ircular magnets 4, the magnets are then fixed to pipe 2 by moulding 5, eno-aps-ulation, covering or by use of suitable fixings or clips

Claims

CLAIMS 1.A device for inhibiting the formation of scale on surfaces contacted by water, the device comprised of two arc or semicircular anisotropic strontium ferrite magnets that are radially magnetised end placed externally to any non-ferrous pipe or installation through which water flows. The magnets are arranged to provide a strong magnetic field through which any water flow has to pass.
2.A device according to Claim 1 in which the magnets are contained within a covering member for protect ion egeinst abrasion and damage, and to maintain their correct position in relation to water flow.
dic device according to Claim 1 and Claim 2 hes a covering member of plastic that also forms a hinge at one end, leaving an open adjustable end.
4.A device according. to Claim 1 and Claim 2 in which the adjacent magnets are arranged with opposite poles adjacent, with an existing pipe or fitting between them.
5.A device according to Claim 1 and Claim 2 that has sufficient magnetic strength to hold the device in the required position in most circumstances without resorting to other forms of mechan i ca 1 f ii ng.
6. A device for inhibiting the formation of scale on surfaces contacted by water substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7.A water conditioning system incorporating a device as claimed in any of the preceding claims.