GB2312635A - Apparatus for the treatment of water - Google Patents
Apparatus for the treatment of water Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2312635A GB2312635A GB9608966A GB9608966A GB2312635A GB 2312635 A GB2312635 A GB 2312635A GB 9608966 A GB9608966 A GB 9608966A GB 9608966 A GB9608966 A GB 9608966A GB 2312635 A GB2312635 A GB 2312635A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- signal
- signals
- generate
- frequency
- khz
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- C02F1/48—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields
- C02F1/487—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields using high frequency electromagnetic fields, e.g. pulsed electromagnetic fields
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/48—Devices for applying magnetic or electric fields
- C02F2201/483—Devices for applying magnetic or electric fields using coils
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
- C02F2303/22—Eliminating or preventing deposits, scale removal, scale prevention
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for treating water, and more particularly for softening hard water, comprises means 2 to generate a plurality of signals simultaneously, each signal having a sequence of portions each portion having a frequency different from that of the proceeding portion, and means 9 to apply the signals to a water supply. Two units 12 may be used to generate the plurality of signals, or part of the signals from a single unit may be delayed (13 Figure 3) and combined with the original signal. The frequency of the signals range from 1.5 to 7.5 kHz. The signals destabilize the calcium and carbonate ions.
Description
Title: "Improvements In And Relating To An Apparatus For
The Treatment of Water"
THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to an apparatus for the treatment of water, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus adapted to soften hard water.
Water supplies can typically contain significant amounts of calcium (Ca+) and carbonate (C03-) ions. When in stable equilibrium, these ions cause "hardness" in water and when in\ crystalline form cause deposits of hard substances such as lime scale.
When using "hard" water in conjunction with soap or detergent, for the purposes of washing or cleaning, it is often difficult to obtain a sufficient lather. Hard water can also leave behind a substantial deposit of lime scale which can build up over a period of time resulting in blockages of piping systems or turbulent flow of water through such systems which may in turn cause poor circulation or erosion of the pipes. It is thus advantageous to seek to eliminate these problems.
It has been proposed previously to provide water conditioning units which generate electromagnetic radiation which may be applied to a water supply. Typically, in a sequence of repeating cycles, electromagnetic radiation having a frequency that increases with time, is applied to the water supply. A signal generator adapted to generate the repeating cycles of radiation may be embodied in an integrated circuit.
It is believed that such electromagnetic radiation destabilises the calcium and carbonate ions which cause hardness and lime scale in water. When destabilised, the crystalline structure commonly known as calcite is changed into a soft amorphous crystal called Aragonite.
Whilst the prior proposed water conditioning units have been shown to provide a beneficial effect, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved water conditioning unit which may provide an enhanced effect.
According to this invention there is provided an apparatus for the treatment of water, said apparatus comprising signal generating means adapted to simultaneously generate a plurality of signals, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of the preceding portion, and means to apply said signals to water.
Preferably, the means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises two signal generators, each adapted to generate a single signal.
Conveniently, the means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises a plurality of groups of two signal generators, each signal generator being adapted to generate a single signal.
Alternatively, said signal generating means comprise a signal generator to generate a first signal and delay means adapted to delay the first signal to form a second signal.
Preferably, the or each signal generator is in the form of an integrated circuit.
Conveniently, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal over a set time period and to continuously repeat said signal.
Advantageously, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal over said time period of substantially 210 seconds.
Conveniently, the signal generating means is adapted to generate at least two signals, the signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
Conveniently, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each sequential signal portion of each signal, with a frequency which is greater than that of the preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
Advantageously, the or each signal generator is adapted to produce said frequency increase as an exponential increase with time.
Preferably, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal with said initial frequency value and final frequency value both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
Conveniently, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal such that said initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of water, said method comprising the steps of simultaneously generating a plurality of signals, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of a preceding portion, and applying said signals to water.
Preferably two identical signals are generated.
Conveniently a plurality of groups of two identical signals are generated.
Advantageously for the or each group of two identical signals, one signal is generated out of phase with the other signal.
Preferably, at least two signals are generated, the two signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
Preferably each sequential signal portion of each signal has a frequency which is greater than that of the preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
Conveniently the frequency increase is exponential with time.
Advantageously each signal has a predetermined time period and is continuously repeated.
Preferably the time period is substantially 210 seconds.
Conveniently the initial frequency value and the final frequency value are both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
Advantageously the initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and the final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for
the treatment of water in accordance with the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
the essential components of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
the essential components of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring initially to Figure 1 of the drawings, an apparatus 1 for the treatment of water is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing 2 containing electronic circuitry.
Electrical power is supplied to said electrical circuitry via an electrically conducting cable or wire 3 which at one end 4 passes into the housing 2 enabling connection to said electronic circuitry, and at its other end 5 is connected to a suitable electrical power supply 6.
Such a power supply may be, for instance, a standard mains electrical power supply.
The electronic circuitry within the housing, as will subsequently herein be described in more detail, is adapted to simultaneously generate a plurality of electromagnetic signals.
The output of the electronic circuitry is electrically connected to a suitable antenna 7. One end 8 of said antenna emerging from the housing 2. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 7 has a terminal end portion 9 which is helically wound around a water pipe 10.
Turning now to Figure 2 of the drawings, the power supply 6 is connected via wire or cable 3 to a plurality of signal generators 12 which are in turn connected to the antenna 7.
Conveniently, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of groups of two signal generators 12 are provided, but in the preferred embodiment a single pair of signal generators 12 are provided.
Typically, each signal generator 12 is in the form of an integrated circuit.
The signal generators 12 are each adapted to generate a signal, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of the preceding portion.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal portion with a frequency greater than that of the preceding portion. The effect of this is to generate a signal which increases from an initial frequency value to a final frequency value. Typically, this increase in frequency is exponential with respect to time
Each signal generator is adapted to generate a respective signal over a set period of time and to continuously repeat each signal. The two signals are preferably identical. Preferably the time period of each signal is substantially 210 seconds.
The or each signal generator is adapted such that the initial frequency value and the final frequency value of each signal cycle is within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz. Electromagnetic radiation of increasing frequency within these circuits is believed to cause significant destabilization of calcium and carbonate ions in water.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the or each signal generator is adapted to generate a signal such that said initial frequency is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency is 6.5 kHz.
When the apparatus is initially switched on, one signal generator will naturally begin to generate a signal fractionally before the or each other signal generator.
Thus, each signal is intrinsically out of phase with the or each other signal. At any instant, the two signals will each be at substantially the same frequency, but the signals will not be in absolute synchronism. This is believed to give rise to an enhanced effect when the signal is applied to the water. The signals may, in other embodiments, be out of phase by a time period of up to one second.
It is believed that the application of electromagnetic radiation comprising a number of out of phase, exponentially increasing signals, results in significantly greater destabilization of calcium and carbonate ions.
Turning now to Figure 3 of the drawings, an alternative embodiment of the present invention employs a single signal generator 12. As previously, the power supply 6 is connected via the cable or wire 3 to the signal generator 12, which is then connected, at its output 14, to provide a first signal to the antenna 7. Additionally, there is provided a delay means 13, adapted to delay the passage of a signal from the signal generator 12 to provide a second signal which is applied to the antenna 7. The first signal and the second signal are thus identical but out of phase.
In operation, the alternative embodiment of the present invention, generates two signals simultaneously from the same signal generator 12. One signal passes directly to the antenna 7, whilst the other signal passes through a delay means 13 prior to passing to the antenna 7.
One signal is thus out of phase with the other signal.
In this embodiment, the delay means may be such that the two signals generated are offset in time by a period of up to one second.
Claims (25)
1. An apparatus for the treatment of water, said apparatus comprising signal generating means adapted to simultaneously generate a plurality of signals, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of the preceding portion, and means to apply said signals to water.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises two signal generators, each adapted to generate a single signal.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises a plurality of groups of two signal generators, each signal generator being adapted to generate a single signal.
4. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the signal generating means comprise a signal generator to generate a first signal and a delay means adapted to delay the first signal to form a second signal.
5. An apparatus according to Claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the or each signal generator is in the form of an integrated circuit.
6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal over a set time period and to continuously repeat said signal.
7. An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal, over said time period of substantially 210 seconds.
8. An apparatus according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal generating means is adapted to generate at least two signals, the signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
9. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each sequential signal portion of each signal, with a frequency which is greater than that of a preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
10. An apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to produce said frequency increase as an exponential increase with time.
11. An apparatus according to Claims 9 or 10, wherein each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal such that said initial frequency value and said final frequency value are both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
12. An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal such that said initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
13. A method for treatment of water, said method comprising the steps of simultaneously generating a plurality of signals, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of the preceding portion, and applying said signals to water.
14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein two identical signals are generated.
15. A method according to Claim 13, wherein a plurality of groups of two identical signals are generated.
16. A method according to Claims 14 or 15, wherein for the or each group of two identical signals, one signal is generated out of phase with the other signal.
17. A method according to Claim 16, wherein at least two signals are generated, the two signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
18. A method according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein each sequential signal portion of each signal has a frequency which is greater than that of the preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein said frequency increase is exponential with time.
20. A method according to Claim 19, wherein each signal has a predetermined time period and is continuously repeated.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein said time period is substantially 210 seconds.
22. A method according to Claims 19 to 21, wherein said initial frequency value and said final frequency value are both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
23. A method according to Claim 22, wherein said initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
24. An apparatus for the treatment of water substantially described with reference to and as shown in
Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
25. A method for the treatment of water substantially described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
25. A method for the treatment of water substantially described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
26. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows
CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for the treatment of water, said apparatus comprising signal generating means adapted to simultaneously generate a plurality of substantially identical signals, each signal being out of phase with the or each other signal, each signal comprising a plurality of sequential signal portions, each portion having a frequency which is different to that of the preceding portion, and means to apply said signals to water.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises two signal generators, each adapted to generate a single signal.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said means adapted to generate a plurality of signals comprises a plurality of groups of two signal generators, each signal generator being adapted to generate a single signal.
4. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the signal generating means comprise a signal generator to generate a first signal and a delay means adapted to delay the first signal to form a second signal.
5. An apparatus according to Claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the or each signal generator is in the form of an integrated circuit.
6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal over a set time period and to continuously repeat said signal.
7. An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal, over said time period of substantially 210 seconds.
8. An apparatus according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal generating means is adapted to generate at least two signals, the signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
9. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each sequential signal portion of each signal, with a frequency which is greater than that of a preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
10. An apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to produce said frequency increase as an exponential increase with time.
11. An apparatus according to Claims 9 or 10, wherein each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal such that said initial frequency value and said final frequency value are both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
12. An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the or each signal generator is adapted to generate each signal such that said initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
13. A method for treatment of water, said method comprising the steps of simultaneously generating a plurality of substantially identical signals, each signal being out of phase with the or each other signal, each which is different to that of the preceding portion, and applying said signals to water.
14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein two identical signals are generated.
15. A method according to Claim 13, wherein a plurality of groups of two identical signals are generated.
16. A method according to Claims 14 or 15, wherein for the or each group of two identical signals, one signal is generated out of phase with the other signal.
17. A method according to Claim 16, wherein at least two signals are generated, the two signals being offset in time by a period of up to one second.
18. A method according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein each sequential signal portion of each signal has a frequency which is greater than that of the preceding signal portion, such that the frequency of each signal increases from an initial value to a final value.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein said frequency increase is exponential with time.
20. A method according to Claim 19, wherein each signal has a predetermined time period and is continuously repeated.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein said time period is substantially 210 seconds.
22. A method according to Claims 19 to 21, wherein said initial frequency value and said final frequency value are both within the range of frequencies 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz.
23. A method according to Claim 22, wherein said initial frequency value is 1.73 kHz and said final frequency value is 6.5 kHz.
24. An apparatus for the treatment of water substantially described with reference to and as shown in
Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9608966A GB2312635A (en) | 1996-04-29 | 1996-04-29 | Apparatus for the treatment of water |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9608966A GB2312635A (en) | 1996-04-29 | 1996-04-29 | Apparatus for the treatment of water |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9608966D0 GB9608966D0 (en) | 1996-07-03 |
| GB2312635A true GB2312635A (en) | 1997-11-05 |
Family
ID=10792899
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9608966A Withdrawn GB2312635A (en) | 1996-04-29 | 1996-04-29 | Apparatus for the treatment of water |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2312635A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH693735A5 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2004-01-15 | Marcel Deriaz | Process for electromagnetically influencing liquids, gases and solids and device for carrying out this process |
| GB2398295A (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-08-18 | Hotta Uk Ltd | An electronic de-scaler |
| US11014839B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2021-05-25 | Hydrosmart | Liquid treatment device |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0323435A2 (en) * | 1987-12-27 | 1989-07-05 | Interpat Ag | Method and device for treating liquids with a pulsating magnetic field |
| EP0357102A2 (en) * | 1988-09-02 | 1990-03-07 | Jan Pieter De Baat Doelman | Apparatus for treating liquid to prevent and/or remove scale deposits |
| US5171431A (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1992-12-15 | Hartmut Schulte | Electronic lime controller with controls responsive to flow rates and water hardness |
| WO1994007790A1 (en) * | 1992-09-25 | 1994-04-14 | Clive Barnes | Preventing contaminant build-up in beer lines |
-
1996
- 1996-04-29 GB GB9608966A patent/GB2312635A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0323435A2 (en) * | 1987-12-27 | 1989-07-05 | Interpat Ag | Method and device for treating liquids with a pulsating magnetic field |
| EP0357102A2 (en) * | 1988-09-02 | 1990-03-07 | Jan Pieter De Baat Doelman | Apparatus for treating liquid to prevent and/or remove scale deposits |
| US5171431A (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1992-12-15 | Hartmut Schulte | Electronic lime controller with controls responsive to flow rates and water hardness |
| WO1994007790A1 (en) * | 1992-09-25 | 1994-04-14 | Clive Barnes | Preventing contaminant build-up in beer lines |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
| Title |
|---|
| WPI Abstract Accession No. 91-267499/37 & BE 1002892 A * |
| WPI Abstract Accession No. 93-045866/06 & BE 1004676 A * |
| WPI Abstract Accession No. 93-285925/36 & NL 9200372 A * |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH693735A5 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2004-01-15 | Marcel Deriaz | Process for electromagnetically influencing liquids, gases and solids and device for carrying out this process |
| GB2398295A (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-08-18 | Hotta Uk Ltd | An electronic de-scaler |
| GB2398295B (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-12-29 | Hotta Uk Ltd | Electronic de-scalers |
| US11014839B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2021-05-25 | Hydrosmart | Liquid treatment device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9608966D0 (en) | 1996-07-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |