GB2459860A

GB2459860A - Magnetic device for treating fluids eg for anti-microbial fuel conditioning

Info

Publication number: GB2459860A
Application number: GB0808259A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Mcallorum
Original assignee: Eclipse Magnetics Ltd
Current assignee: Eclipse Magnetics Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-07
Filing date: 2008-05-07
Publication date: 2009-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-07
Also published as: GB2459860B; GB0808259D0

Abstract

A magnetic fluid treatment device comprises a housing 101, an inlet 411, and outlet 412 and a magnetic body 300 located within an internal chamber 400 defined by the housing 101. An upper surface (901,fig.9) of magnetic body 300 and housing lid 200 in part define a first fluid flow channel 301 while a lower surface (900, fig.9) of the magnetic body 300 and housing base 602 in part define a second fluid flow channel 304. The flow directions in channels 301, 304 may be opposite. The magnetic body 300 may be a unitary annular disc with a plurality of alternating north and south polarity regions, eg segments, (802 to 809, fig.8) extending over its upper and lower surfaces (901, 900). Microbes in the fluid flow through the device in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the magnetic body 300 and through the regions of alternating north and south polarity magnetic flux are neutralised, reducing bio-deposits. A fluid processing assembly may comprise a pump, and filter for particulate matter, and the fluid treatment device.

Description

MAGNETIC FLUID TREATMENT DEVICE

The present invention relates to a fluid treatment device and in particular, although not exclusively, to an anti-microbial fuel conditioning device.

Fuels and oils are susceptible to natural deterioration. Oxidation, unwanted chemical reactions, water and microbes all contribute to the deterioration process involving polymerisation and stratification. This leads to poor fuel quality and the generation of particulates, sludge, bio-films and acids. These by-products of the degradation process result in clogged filters, corroded injectors, pumps and tanks, incomplete combustion, carbon build-up, smoke, power loss and ultimately complete system or engine failure.

Most working fluid and fuel systems employ filters andlor centrifuges to remove particulates. Conventionally, biocides are added to the fuels to provide control of microbial activity. However, biocides have been found to exhibit limited effectiveness * across different fuel types. Additional prior art antimicrobial measures include magnetic conditioning units in which the fuel is passed through a weak magnetic field to neutralise microbial activity. * *S * * *

:. 20 US 2006/0159562 and WO 2004/113708 disclose magnetic fuel treatment devices that use magnetic fields to improve combustion and fiterability of hydrocarbon based fuels. A S..

*..* : annular magnetic body is housed within the cartridge and the fuel pumped through the unit in contact with the outermost circumferential surface of the annular magnet following a horseshoe like flow path. The device provides a magnetic field strength of over 500 Gauss to neutralise microbial activity and improve the combustion characteristics of the treated fuel.

However, the inventors have found that conventional magnetic fluid treatment devices of the type indicated above, are not optimised to address the problems of fuel instability and bio-sludge and particulate accumulation and deposition.

The inventors provide a fluid treatment device configured to improve fluid stability and neutralise microbial activity, thereby eliminating the unwanted and corrosive acids and bio-deposits within the working fluid system. The present treatment device is particularly suited for use in conjunction with conventional fluid filters including magnetic based filters and separators to provide an assembly configured to provide cleaned fluid exhibiting significantly reduced particulates, bacteria, sediment and other unwanted contaminants including liquids and solids.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid treatment device comprising: a housing defining at least one internal chamber through which fluid is capable of flowing; an inlet to allow fluid into the chamber and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the chamber; a magnetic body housed within the chamber, the magnetic body comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over at least one surface of the magnetic body.

* Preferably, the regions of alternating north and south polarity extend over a first surface of the magnetic body and a second surface of the magnetic body, the second surface being positioned opposed to the first surface. * * * *

*:. 20 Preferably, the magnetic body comprises an annular disk-like configuration having a first surface and a second surface position opposed to the first surface. Preferably, the regions **** *. of alternating north and south polarity extend over the first surface and the second surface * of the magnetic body. Preferably both first and second surfaces are substantially planar.

Preferably, an orientation of the magnetic field created by each region of north and south polarity is aligned in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the first and second faces of the magnetic body over which the regions of the alternating north and south polarity extend.

Preferably, the magnetic body is formed as a unitary body and the regions of alternating north and south polarity comprise segments of alternating north and south polarity.

Preferably, the internal walls of the housing define part of a first fluid flow channel positioned at a first side of the magnetic body and a second fluid flow channel positioned at a second side of the magnetic body. Preferably the device comprises a housing lid to seat against the housing and enclose the magnetic body within the chamber, Additional gaskets and/or 0-rings may be utilised to provide a fluid tight seal between lid and housing.

According to a specific implementation, the first surface of the magnetic body defines part of the first flow channel and the second surface of the magnetic body defines part of the second flow channel. Where the magnetic body is substantially annular, the housing is configured to create a circular fluid flow path through the device in contact with the upper, first surface and lower, second surface defining the first and second flow channels, respectively. Preferably, the device is configured to maintain fluid flow in a first direction through the first channel and in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, in a second flow channel. Fluid may flow from the first channel to the second channel may be via a central bore formed within the annular magnetic body. The housing may be shaped * : *:.* to inhibit fluid from flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than *.** * the bore formed centrally in the magnetic body. Alternatively or in addition, means may be provided to inhibit this fluid flow between the first and second channels at a region * 20 other than via the central bore. S.

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*,. : In particular, the housing is shaped and configured to allow the fluid to follow a circular or * part circular flow path in direct contact with the first magnetic surface defying part of the first flow channel. The device is shaped and configured to direct this flow of fluid from the first channel through the central bore and into the second fluid flow channel in direct contact with the second surface of the magnetic body positioned opposed to the first surface. The device is further shaped and configured to direct the flow of fluid within this second channel to follow a circular or part circular fluid flow path towards the outlet where it exits the device.

Preferably, the magnetic body is mounted via its central bore on a central support spool extending within the chamber so as to locate the magnet within the housing.

Preferably, the magnetic body comprises four north polarity regions and four south polarity regions extending over its first and second opposed surfaces. Where the magnetic body is fonned as an annular disk, these alternating north and south polarity regions are arranged as segments of equal length extending radially around the ring-like body. The eight alternating polarity regions may also extend over one or a plurality of surfaces of the magnetic body. Preferably, the internal walls of the housing are shaped to create flared-out regions immediately downstream of the inlet and immediately upstream of the outlet so as to increase the cross sectional area of the first and second flow charmels at the regions of the inlet and outlet. These flared-out regions increase the available fluid flow area and avoid or reduce unwanted fluid turbulence within the device.

The device of the present invention is particularly suitable as an anti-microbial fluid, in particular fuel treatment device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of * treating a fluid comprising: providing a housing to define an internal chamber through which fluid is capable of flowing; allowing the fluid to flow into the chamber via an inlet and to exit the chamber via an outlet; providing a magnetic body housed within the * 20 chamber, the magnetic body comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over at least one surface of the magnetic body; and allowing fluid to flow over * .*S *. the at least one surface. * *

S

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid processing assembly comprising: a pump configured to draw fluid through the assembly; at least one filter configured to separate particulate matter from the fluid; and at least one treatment device detailed herein.

Whilst the present treatment device comprises an inlet and an outlet, the antimicrobial effectiveness provided by the alternating north and south polarity segments is independent of the direction of flow through the device. That is, the inlet and outlets may be formed as separate apertures or a single partitioned aperture. Additionally the device may operate with the inlet acting as an outlet and the outlet acting as a fluid inlet. Additionally, the device may comprise multiple inlets and outlets. The device may also comprise valves or suitable means to control the fluid flow through the device. The device may also comprise means to pump fluid through the device. The present treatment device may be formed integrally with a filter and in particular a magnetic filter configured to separate particulates, bacteria, sediment and any form of solid contaminant from the working fluid or fuel. The present treatment device may also comprise means to mount it to a suitable support structure or additional fluid processing device providing secure connection within the fluid circulation system.

A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is an external plan view of the fluid treatment device according to a specific implementation; * ** * ** Figure 2 is an external side elevation view of the treatment device of Figure 1; *S** * . : ** Figure 3 is an internal plan cross sectional view of the treatment device of Figure 2, *** * * 20 illustrating a first fluid flow channel through the device; * .. Figure 4 is an internal cross sectional side elevation view of the treatment device of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an internal plan view of the treatment device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an internal cross sectional side elevation view of the treatment device of Figure 5, without the magnetic body; Figure 7 is an internal perspective view of the treatment device of Figure 6, also without the magnetic body; Figure 8 is a plan view of the magnetic body illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 9 is a cross sectional side elevation view of the magnetic body of Figure 8; Figure 10 is an internal plan view of the treatment device of Figure 7, illustrating a second fluid flow channel through the device; Figure 11 is a plan view of an underside of the housing lid of Figure 4; Figure 12 is an internal plan view of the treatment device of Figure 5 showing fluid flow through the first channel; Figure 13 is an internal plan view of the treatment device of Figure 10 showing fluid flowing through the second channel; and Figure 14 is an internal plan view of the treatment device showing fluid flowing through * *S se the first and second channels of Figures 12 and 13. *.I' * . **..

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the fluid treatment device 100 comprises a housing 101 * 20 formed from marine grade corrosion resistant 6061 aluminium having an internal and external anodised surface coating. Alternatively treatment device 100 may be formed from eSS *. steel. A lid 200 is configured to mate with an upper region of housing 101 to enclose an internal chamber within the device 100 defined by housing 101 and lid 200. A plurality of screws or bolts 103 secure lid 200 to housing 101.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, housing 101 comprises internal walls 402 that define an internal chamber 400. A magnetic body 300 is housed within chamber 400 and is positioned to divide chamber 400 into a lower fluid flow chamber 403 and an upper fluid flow chamber 404. Magnetic body 300 is positioned substantially at the mid-point within device 100 such that the lower fluid flow chamber 403 and the upper fluid flow channel 404 comprise approximately equal volumes.

An inlet 411 is provided at a first side 413 of housing 101 and an outlet 412 is positioned at a second side 414 of housing 101. Inlet 411 and outlet 412 extend through housing 101 providing fluid communication into internal chambers 400, 403 and 404.

The internal walls 402 of housing 101 are shaped and configured to define a first fluid flow channel 301 extending from region 303 proximate to inlet 411 and a region 306 at which point fluid is configured to flow from the first flow channel 301 to a second flow channel 304. First flow channel 301 is defined by the internal facing walls 410 of lid 200, the internal walls 402 of housing 101 and an uppermost facing surface 901 of magnetic body 300, referring to Figures 4 and 9.

The secànd fluid flow channel 304 is defined by internal walls 402 of housing 101 a lowermost facing surface 900 of magnetic body 300, and a base surface 602 of housing 101, referring to Figures 4, 6 and 9.

Referring to Figures 4, 8 and 9, magnetic body 300 comprises a disk-like annular * ** configuration having a central bore 302 defined by an inner circumferential surface 801. *.* .

The outer perimeter of magnetic body 300 is defined by an outermost circumferential surface 800 which separates an upward facing surface 901 and a downward facing surface * 20 900. S. *

*:::: The magnetic body is formed from a unitary piece of material. The body is divided into * * segments or regions of either north or south polarity arranged radially around the ring-like body 300 with each magnetic region comprising an equal volume and surface area. In particular, the magnetic configuration alternates between north to south polarity regions 802 to 809 such that upward facing surface 901 comprises four north polarity sections and four south polarity sections. Similarly, the downward facing surface 900 also comprises four north polarity sections and four south polarity sections. The interface 810 between each segment may comprise a gradual or sharp change in magnetic polarity and therefore magnetic field strength. The orientation of the magnetic field of each north and south polarity segment is aligned axially with the longitudinal axis 903 extending perpendicular to the upward and downward facing surfaces 901, 900, respectively.

Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the internal walls 402 defining the internal fluid flow chamber.400 are divided into three tiers in a vertical direction. The lowermost chamber 403 that defines the second fluid flow channel 304 is in turn defined by internal walls 606, base surface 602 and the downward facing surface 900 of magnetic body 300 positioned within the housing 101 as illustrated in Figure 4. The uppermost chamber 404 that defines the first fluid flow channel 301 is in turn defined by internal walls 603, the internal facing surface 410 of lid 200 and the upward facing surface 901 of magnetic body 300. Magnetic body 300 is seated within chamber 400 on an annular lip 601 and a substantially central horseshoe shaped spool 600 extending from base surface 602. The hollow spool 600 is configured to sit within central bore 302 having an external diameter approximately equal to the diameter of bore 302.

Referring to Figures 6 and 11, internal chamber 300 comprises a shelf 604 positioned at its uppermost region to mate with the internal facing surface 1105 of lid 200. Surface 1105 is raised relative to internal surface 1101 that defines a part of uppermost chamber 404 and * .s * .. fluid flow channel 301. Raised surface 1105 extends from a perimeter region of lid 200 *.*.

* . .. into a curved horseshoe shaped section 1101 positioned substantially centrally at the underside of lid 200 and configured to sit against and having a corresponding profile to * 20 horseshoe shaped spool 600. A gasket or suitable fluid seal means 405 is positioned at the perimeter 1106 of raised surface 1005 to form a fluid tight seal when lid 200 is secured in *:: : position at housing 101. In particular, when lid 200 is secured in position at housing 101, region 1103 is aligned directly above region 303 whilst region 1104 is aligned directly above central region 306 referring to Figures 3 and 11.

Figure 10 illustrates the second fluid flow channel 304 defined by lowermost chamber 403 referring to Figure 4. Second fluid flow channel 304 comprises a fluid exit region 1001 positioned proximate to outlet 412 and a fluid entry region 1002 positioned proximate to central bore 302 of magnetic body 300. Internal walls 1000 of housing 101 are tapered at outlet region 1001 to define a pooling' region having a greater internal cross sectional area than the remaining region of channel 304 extending over the downward facing surface 900 of magnetic body 300. Similarly, the internal walls 603 that define a part of uppermost chamber 404 comprise tapered regions 500 that define an enlarged fluid entry pooling' region 501 as part of the first fluid flow channel 301 proximate to inlet 411. Pooling region 501 is further defined by region 1103 of lid 200 in which the walls that define raised surface 1105 taper outwardly 1102, in part, to define the enlarged pooling' region 501, 1103. These pooling' regions are configured to reduce unwanted fluid turbulence proximate to the inlet and outlets 411, 412 within the first and second fluid flow channels 301, 304, respectively.

Figures 12 and 14 illustrates fluid flowing into the treatment device 100 through first flow channel 301. Figure 13 illustrates the second stage of fluid flow through the treatment device 100 with fluid flow through the second channel 304. Figure 14 illustrates the combined fluid flow through the first and second channels via inlet 411 and outlet 412.

In use, fluid 1200 enters device 100 via inlet 411. The fluid flows into the uppermost chamber 404 defining fluid flow channel 301 at pooling region 501. The fluid then follows an anti-clockwise, part circular flow path 1201 in direct contact with the upper facing surface 901 of magnetic body 300 and the alternating north and south polarity regions 802 *..S to 809. The fluid is then directed to flow 1202 through central bore 302 and into the lowermost chamber 403 defining second fluid flow channel 304. * 20 *$6

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, fluid enters the second flow channel 1301 and follows a part circular flow path 1300 in a clockwise direction opposed to the anticlockwise fluid flow direction 1201 in the first channel 304. In the second flow channel 304, the fluid flows in direct contact with the lower facing surface 900 of magnetic body 300 over alternating south and north polarity regions 802 to 809. The fluid then exists the second flow channel 1302 at pooling region 1001 and out of the treatment device 1303 via outlet 412.

The fluid 1201, 1300 flowing through device 100 therefore follows a circular flow path in direct contact with both the substantially planar upper and lower facing surfaces 901, 900 of magnetic body 300 across the alternating north and south polarity regions 802 to 809.

Microbes present within the fluid therefore cross a plurality of alternating magnetic poles.

Each time the microbes traverse the pole transition their cell electrostatics are disrupted serving to provide microbial neutralisation. As the magnetic poles are aligned axial with axis 903, the fluid flows over the region of highest magnetic fuel strength so as to maximise the microbial neutralisation affect. The present treatment device 100 is advantageous over existing prior art antimicrobial fluid conditioning devices. In particular, the fluid and hence any suspended microbes within the fluid, are exposed to a plurality of north and south polarity magnetic flux transitions within the device. Additionally, the flow path length to the device is optimised and effectively doubled over conventional conditioning devices by directing the fluid flow over both the upper 901 and lower 900 surfaces of magnetic body 300.

Referring to Figures 4 and 7, internal wall 701 is configured to sit flush against outer circumferential surface 800 of magnetic body 300 so as to prevent fluid diverting from within first channel 301 and into second channel 304 at any region other than via the central bore 1202, 1303 referring to Figures 12 and 13. Alternatively or in addition, means (not shown) may be provided at internal wall region 701 to provide a further fluid tight * * partition of lowermost chamber 403 and uppermost chamber 404 when magnetic body 300 * .* ***,e is located in position as illustrated in Figure 4. The fluid flow through the device is * * channelled to follow a part circular flow path by the curved internal walls of chamber 400 * 20 and the curved horseshoe like spool 600. Fluid flows through the hollow spool 600, positioned within central bore 302, via opening 700, referring to Figure 7. The fluid flow is further directed to follow the part circular flow path with channel 301 by the contoured lid 200 and in particular the horseshoe like projection 1101 configured to mate with the uppermost facing surface of spool 600.

The present fluid treatment device is configured to process working fluids or fuels at any flow rate. Specifically, the treatment device may be designed to provide a nominal flow capacity in the range 500 litres per hour to 1500 litres per hour, by way of example only.

Claims

Claims: 1. A fluid treatment device comprising: a housing defining at least one internal chamber through which fluid is capable of flowing; an inlet to allow fluid into the chamber and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the chamber; a magnetic body housed within the chamber, the magnetic body comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over at least one surface of the magnetic body.
2. The device as claimed in claim I wherein the regions of alternating north and south polarity extend over a first surface of the magnetic body and a second surface of the magnetic body.
3. The device as claimed in claims I and 2 wherein the magnetic body is formed as a unitary body and the regions of alternating north and south polarity comprise segments of alternating north and south polarity. * S. * S *:.::
4. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the internal walls of the housing define part of a first fluid flow channel positioned at a first side of the magnetic * :* body and a second fluid flow channel positioned at a second side of the magnetic body.S *S.

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*
5. The device as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a housing lid, wherein said lid defines part of the first flow channel. 55. * 25
6. The device as claimed in claims 4 or 5 wherein said magnetic body comprises an annular disk configuration having a first surface and a second surface positioned opposed to the first surface.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the regions of alternating north and south polarity extend over the first surface and the second surface of the magnetic body.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first surface defines part of the first flow channel and the second surface defines part of the second flow channel.
9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the housing is configured to create a circular or part circular path of fluid flow through the device.
10. The device as claimed in claim 9 configured to provide fluid flow in a first direction through the first channel and a second direction, opposed to the first direction, in the second flow channel.
11. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein fluid is configured to flow from the first channel to the second channel via a central bore formed within the annular magnetic body.
12. The device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the housing is shaped to inhibit fluid flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than the central bore formed in the magnetic body. * *U
13. The device as claimed in claim 11 further comprising means to inhibit fluid flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than the central bore * formed in the magnetic body. * *.* *
14. The device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 comprising a central support ***.* .. : for positioning within the central bore of the magnetic body and to locate the magnetic * 25 body within the housing.
15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14 wherein an orientation of the magnetic field created by each region of north and south polarity is aligned in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the first and second faces of the magnetic body over which the regions of the alternating north and south polarity extend.
16. The device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising four north polarity regions and four south polarity regions extending over at least one surface of the magnetic body.
17. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 15 comprising four north polarity regions and four south polarity regions extending over the first surface and the second surface of the magnetic body.
18. The device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 15 wherein the internal walls of the housing are shaped to create flared-out regions immediately downstream of the inlet and immediately upstream of the outlet so as to increase the cross sectional area of the first and second flow channels at the regions of the inlet and outlet.
19. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is an anti-microbial fuel treatment device.
20. A method of treating a fluid comprising: * *. providing a housing to define an internal chamber through which fluid is capable :.:: of flowing; s.. 20 allowing the fluid to flow into the chamber via an inlet and to exit the chamber via an outlet; *. providing a magnetic body housed within the chamber, the magnetic body comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over at least one : surface of the magnetic body; allowing fluid to flow over the at least one surface.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20 further comprising: allowing fluid to flow over a first surface of a magnetic body comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity; and allowing fluid to flow over a second surface, positioned opposed to the first surface, the second surface comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21 comprising: directing the fluid to flow in a first direction over the first surface the a magnetic body and directing the fluid to flow in a second direction over the second surface of the magnetic body; wherein the first and second fluid flow directions are opposed.
23. A fluid processing assembly comprising: a pump configured to draw fluid through the assembly; at least one filter configured to separate particulate matter from the fluid; and at least one treatment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19. * S. * . S * S. S... * S S... * 55 * * S S.. SS 5.5 *.S * * S. * S.. aAmendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A fluid treatment device comprising: a housing defining at least one internal chamber through which fluid is capable of flowing; an inlet to allow fluid into the chamber and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the chamber; a magnetic body housed within the chamber, the magnetic body comprising an annular disk configuration with a first surface and a second surface positioned opposed to the first surface and a through-bore extending between the opposed surfaces, the magnetic body further comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over each of the two opposed surfaces; wherein the internal walls of the housing and the first surface of the magnetic body define a first part-circular fluid flow channel positioned at a first side of the magnetic body and the internal walls of the housing and the second surface of the magnetic body define a second part-circular fluid flow channel positioned at a second side of the magnetic body; wherein the through-bore is capable of allowing fluid to flow from the first fluid flow channel to the second fluid flow channel; and wherein the inlet, outlet and fluid flow channels are configured to create fluid flow in a first direction from the inlet through the first channel and in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, through the second flow channel to the outlet.2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnetic body is formed as a unitary body and the regions of alternating north and south polarity comprise segments of alternating north and south polarity. * * *3. The device as claimed in claims I or 2 further comprising a housing lid, wherein : said lid defines part of the first flow channel. **.*4. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the housing is shaped to inhibit fluid flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than the **.s*.central bore formed in the magnetic body.5. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means to inhibit fluid flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than the central bore formed in the magnetic body.6. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a central support for positioning within the through-bore of the magnetic body and to locate the magnetic body within the housing.7. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an orientation of the magnetic field created by each region of north and south polarity is aligned in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the first and second surface of the magnetic body over which the regions of the alternating north and south polarity extend.8. The device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising four north polarity regions and four south polarity regions extending over each of the two opposed surfaces of the magnetic body.9. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the internal walls of the housing are shaped to create flared-out regions immediately downstream of the inlet and immediately upstream of the outlet so as to increase the cross sectional area of the first and second flow channels at the regions of the inlet and outlet.10. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is an anti-microbial fuel treatment device. * I * ** * **** * * **.*11. A method of treating a fluid comprising: :.:::. providing a housing to define an internal chamber through which fluid is capable of flowing; * allowing the fluid to flow into the chamber via an inlet and to exit the chamber via S.....* an outlet; providing a magnetic body housed within the chamber, the magnetic body comprising an annular disk configuration with a first surface and a second surface positioned opposed to the first surface and a through-bore extending between the opposed surfaces, the magnetic body further comprising regions of alternating north and south polarity extending over each of the opposed surfaces; allowing the fluid to flow from the inlet through a first part-circular fluid flow channel defined by the internal walls of the housing and the first surface of the magnetic body in a first fluid flow direction; allowing the fluid to flow through the through-bore from the first fluid flow channel to a second part-circular fluid flow channel defined by the internal walls of the housing and the second surface of the magnetic body; and allowing the fluid to flow through the second fluid flow channel to the outlet in a second fluid flow direction opposed to the first direction.12. The method as claimed in claim 11 further comprising: allowing the fluid to flow over and in direct contact with the first surface of a magnetic body; and allowing fluid to flow over and in direct contact with the second surface of the magnetic body.13. The method as claimed in claims 11 or 12 further comprising: inhibiting fluid flowing between the first and second channels at a region other than the through-bore formed in the magnetic body.14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein an orientation of the :::., magnetic field created by each region of north and south polarity is aligned in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the first and second S...surfaces of the magnetic body over which the regions of the alternating north and south :.. polarity extend.15. A fluid processing assembly comprising: *5..S* * a pump configured to draw fluid through the assembly; at least one filter configured to separate particulate matter from the fluid; and at least one treatment device as claimed in any one of claims I to 10. * * * ** I * I a... * *1 I. S *1s1 e 1 18