GB2553554A - Water conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Water conditioning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2553554A
GB2553554A GB1615251.4A GB201615251A GB2553554A GB 2553554 A GB2553554 A GB 2553554A GB 201615251 A GB201615251 A GB 201615251A GB 2553554 A GB2553554 A GB 2553554A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
arrangement
turbulence
field generating
water
assembly according
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB1615251.4A
Other versions
GB201615251D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Gizzi Stuart
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
INTACO Ltd
Original Assignee
INTACO Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by INTACO Ltd filed Critical INTACO Ltd
Priority to GB1615251.4A priority Critical patent/GB2553554A/en
Publication of GB201615251D0 publication Critical patent/GB201615251D0/en
Publication of GB2553554A publication Critical patent/GB2553554A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/4602—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods for prevention or elimination of deposits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • 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
    • C02F2201/009—Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower, fuel cells
    • 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
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/24—Preventing accumulation of dirt or other matter in the pipes, e.g. by traps, by strainers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
    • Y02A20/208—Off-grid powered water treatment
    • Y02A20/212—Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)

Abstract

A water conditioning apparatus 10 for a water supply comprises a turbulence arrangement 14 for creating turbulence in water flowing through the apparatus, and a field generating arrangement 20 for generating an electrical field in the apparatus. The field generating arrangement is powered by the flow of water through the apparatus. Preferably, the field generating arrangement includes a turbine 30. The field generating arrangement may be arranged in parallel or in series with the turbulence arrangement. Preferably, respective electrical connections 32 are provided from the field generating arrangement to the turbulence arrangement. Each of the electrical connections may be provided towards a respective opposite end of the turbulence arrangement. The apparatus may include fixings 12 at opposite ends to permit connection with a water supply. Preferably the apparatus further comprises a flow limiter 28, which may be located upstream of the turbulence arrangement. The turbulence arrangement can include formations that define a convoluted path for water flowing through the apparatus. The apparatus can reduce calcium carbonate scaling.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Water conditioning apparatus Abstract Title: Water conditioning apparatus (57) A water conditioning apparatus 10 for a water supply comprises a turbulence arrangement 14 for creating turbulence in water flowing through the apparatus, and a field generating arrangement 20 for generating an electrical field in the apparatus. The field generating arrangement is powered by the flow of water through the apparatus. Preferably, the field generating arrangement includes a turbine 30. The field generating arrangement may be arranged in parallel or in series with the turbulence arrangement. Preferably, respective electrical connections 32 are provided from the field generating arrangement to the turbulence arrangement. Each of the electrical connections may be provided towards a respective opposite end of the turbulence arrangement. The apparatus may include fixings 12 at opposite ends to permit connection with a water supply. Preferably the apparatus further comprises a flow limiter 28, which may be located upstream of the turbulence arrangement. The turbulence arrangement can include formations that define a convoluted path for water flowing through the apparatus. The apparatus can reduce calcium carbonate scaling.
Figure GB2553554A_D0001
FIG. 2
12.
1/2
Figure GB2553554A_D0002
Figure GB2553554A_D0003
212
Figure GB2553554A_D0004
Water Conditioning Apparatus
This invention concerns water conditioning apparatus, and particularly apparatus to reduce calcium carbonate scaling.
The formation of calcium carbonate scale is a major problem for much of the world’s water supply. This is the case particularly in areas with hard water, i.e. a relatively high calcium carbonate water content. Water conditioning to reduce calcium carbonate scaling can be very important. The reduction of calcium carbonate scaling can mean that water installations and components therein, can have a significantly longer working life, and without or with a reduced requirement for, regular maintenance, cleaning or descaling.
Reducing calcium carbonate scaling can often be achieved by changing at least a portion of the calcium carbonate scale from its tenacious calcite form, to the more easily removed aragonite form.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided water conditioning apparatus for a water supply, the apparatus comprising a turbulence arrangement for creating turbulence in water flowing through the apparatus, and a field generating apparatus for generating an electrical field in the apparatus, the field generating arrangement being powered by the flow of water through the apparatus.
The field generating arrangement may include a turbine.
In one configuration the field generating arrangement is arranged in parallel with the turbulence arrangement, with water flowing either through the field generating arrangement or the turbulence arrangement.
In a further configuration the field generating arrangement is arranged in series with the turbulence arrangement. The field generating arrangement may be located upstream of the turbulence arrangement.
Respective electrical connections may be provided from the field generating arrangement to the turbulence arrangement, and the respective electrical connections may be provided each towards a respective opposite end of the turbulence arrangement.
The apparatus may include fixings at opposite ends to permit connection within a water supply.
The apparatus may include a flow limiter, which flow limiter may be located upstream of the turbulence arrangement.
The turbulence arrangement may include formations defining a convoluted path for water flowing through the apparatus.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a first water conditioning apparatus according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 but with part of the casing of the apparatus removed; and
Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a second water conditioning apparatus according to the invention.
Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings show a first water conditioning apparatus 10 mountable in a water supply for instance for a domestic dwelling, with the water flowing from left to right as shown. Conventional plumbing fittings 12 are provided at each end to permit connection in a conventional way to the water supply.
The apparatus 10 includes a turbulence arrangement 14 which has an elongate outer body 16, with a pair of electrical terminals 18, one provided towards each respective end of the turbulence arrangement. Formations (not shown) are provided within the turbulence arrangement 14 to provide a tortuous path for water passing therethrough.
A field generating arrangement 20 is provided in parallel with the turbulence arrangement 14, and is connected by relatively narrow bore pipes 22 to adjacent each end of the turbulence arrangement. A casing 24 is provided which receives the turbulence arrangement 14 and the field generating arrangement 20, and is shown in Fig. 2 with a cover 26 of the casing 24 removed.
Moving in a downstream direction, the field generating arrangement 20 includes a flow limiter 28 which leads to a turbine generator 30, and then connects back to the turbulence arrangement 14. Respective electrical connections 32 extend from the turbine generator to the electrical terminals 18 on the turbulence arrangement 14.
In use, as water flows through the apparatus 10, a main portion of the water will pass through the turbulence arrangement 14, and the formations therein create turbulence. A portion of water will pass through the narrow gauge piping 22 into the field generating arrangement 20. The flow limiter 28 restricts the flow of water into the turbine generator 30 to a required maximum level.
Water passing through the turbine generator 30 causes an electrical current to be generated which is fed to the respective electrical terminals 18. Water from the turbine generator 30 rejoins the water flow from the turbulence arrangement 14. This means that to the water passing through the turbulence arrangement, turbulence is created and an electrical field is also applied. This dual effect has been found to provide good conditioning of the water, in converting the calcite form of calcium carbonate to the aragonite form.
Fig. 3 of the drawings show a second water conditioning apparatus 110 which has a number of similar components to the apparatus 10, and similar reference numerals will be used but with the prefix 100. The apparatus 110 again includes conventional plumbing fittings 112 at each end and a turbulence arrangement 114 producing turbulence as shown diagrammatically. Again a pair of electrical terminals 118 are provided on a body 116 of the arrangement 114.
A turbine generator 130 is provided to the upstream (left) side of the turbulence arrangement 114 in series therewith, with respective electrical connections 131 on the turbine generator 130 connected to respective ones of the electrical terminals 118 on the turbulence arrangement 14, by wires 133.
Located between the turbine generator 130 and turbulence arrangement 114 is a flow limiter 128. The water conditioning apparatus 110 operates in a similar manner to the apparatus 10, but with a full flow of water passing through the turbine generator 130, into the flow limiter 128, and directly into the turbulence arrangement 114.
The apparatus 10, 110 can run long term without any requirement for any external electrical input or other requirements. The apparatus 10 is though of relatively conventional formation, and thus can be inexpensively manufactured for long term maintenance free use.
It is to be realised that a range of other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance a different field generating arrangement may be used other than a turbine. The turbine arrangement may take a different form. The turbine arrangement and field generating arrangement may be connected differently.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (8)

1. A water conditioning apparatus for a water supply, the apparatus comprising a turbulence arrangement for creating turbulence in water flowing
5 through the apparatus, and a field generating apparatus for generating an electrical field in the apparatus, the field generating arrangement being powered by the flow of water through the apparatus.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, in which the field generating
10 arrangement includes a turbine.
3. An assembly according to claims 1 or 2, in which the field generating arrangement is arranged in parallel with the turbulence arrangement, with water flowing either through the field generating arrangement or the i— 15 turbulence arrangement.
4. An assembly according to claims 1 or 2, in which the field generating i— arrangement is arranged in series with the turbulence arrangement.
CO
20 5. An assembly according to claim 4, in which the field generating arrangement is located upstream of the turbulence arrangement.
6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which respective electrical connections are provided from the field generating
25 arrangement to the turbulence arrangement.
7. An assembly according to claim 6, in which the respective electrical connections are provided each towards a respective opposite end of the turbulence arrangement.
31 01 17
8. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes fixings at opposite ends to permit connection within a water supply.
5 9. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a flow limiter.
10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which a flow limiter may be located upstream of the turbulence arrangement.
11. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the turbulence arrangement includes formations defining a convoluted path for water flowing through the apparatus.
15 12. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1615251.4
GB1615251.4A 2016-09-08 2016-09-08 Water conditioning apparatus Withdrawn GB2553554A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1615251.4A GB2553554A (en) 2016-09-08 2016-09-08 Water conditioning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1615251.4A GB2553554A (en) 2016-09-08 2016-09-08 Water conditioning apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201615251D0 GB201615251D0 (en) 2016-10-26
GB2553554A true GB2553554A (en) 2018-03-14

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Family Applications (1)

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GB1615251.4A Withdrawn GB2553554A (en) 2016-09-08 2016-09-08 Water conditioning apparatus

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU852272A1 (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-08-07 Всесоюзное Научно-Производственное Объединениепо Механизации Орошения "Радуга" Device for enriching irrigation water with chemical elements
JPH0417898A (en) * 1990-05-14 1992-01-22 Hitachi Ltd Operation control of washing machine
US20060226060A1 (en) * 2005-04-11 2006-10-12 Mercer Richard D Water treatment turbine apparatus and method
KR20140101568A (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-20 최영철 Apparatus for preventing scale from being attached to pipe
WO2015148837A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 Aqua Access, Llc Flow powered water disinfection

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU852272A1 (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-08-07 Всесоюзное Научно-Производственное Объединениепо Механизации Орошения "Радуга" Device for enriching irrigation water with chemical elements
JPH0417898A (en) * 1990-05-14 1992-01-22 Hitachi Ltd Operation control of washing machine
US20060226060A1 (en) * 2005-04-11 2006-10-12 Mercer Richard D Water treatment turbine apparatus and method
KR20140101568A (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-20 최영철 Apparatus for preventing scale from being attached to pipe
WO2015148837A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 Aqua Access, Llc Flow powered water disinfection

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