IL123281A - Centrifugal device for the purification of liquids and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for purification of liquids containing contaminant substances, which includes: (a) a centrifuge device (12) mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis (16) which includes: (i) a contaminated liquid inlet port (28) located along said rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a contaminated liquid; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port (30) located along said rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of a purified liquid, after removal therefrom of contaminant substances; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit (20) mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with said rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus (22) for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from said contaminated liquid inlet port to said peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from said peripheral conduit to said purified liquid outlet port, (b) a contaminated liquid source for supplying to said liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a liquid containing one or more contaminant substances sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill said outflow conduit apparatus, said peripheral conduit, and said return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through said outlet port under pressure, wherein the contaminant substances have a greater density than the liquid; and (c) a motor (56) for rotating said centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the liquid and contaminants, such that the contaminant substances are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, and so as to cause the contaminant substances to remain in said peripheral conduit, while the liquid flows from said peripheral conduit, along said return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through said purified liquid outlet port. 133 ז' באייר התשס" א - April 30, 2001

Description

CENTRIFUGAL DEVICE FOR THE PURIFICATION OF LIQUIDS AND METHOD THEREFOR AVI BAR-HAIM BHA 199/1.1 (98005-IL) CENTRIFUGAL DEVICE FOR THE PURIFICATION OF LIQUIDS AND METHOD THEREFOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the purification of liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many needs for purified liquids, most notably pure water for drinking or for industrial processes. Known methods include filtering, evaporation, and condensation. Centrifuges are used to improve the former method by adding the centrifugal force to that of gravity, thereby enhancing and accelerating the separation of the different components of an impure or complex fluid. The simplest such centrifugal device is a rotating drum with circumferential filtering holes which is spun to separate a liquid from particulate matter that does not pass through the holes. More sophisticated centrifuges have been devised, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,149,432.

There are, however, many types of dissolved impurities that cannot be separated from the suspending or dissolving fluid by known centrifugal methods, centrifugal force alone. Additional separation of fluid components must precede or accompany application of centrifugal force. This has been accomplished by introducing microwave energy to heat the selected fluid components thereof as disclosed in U.S. patent number 3,607,667, by applying electrostatic fields as disclosed in U.S. patent numbers 5,352,343 and 5,643,469, or magnetic fields as disclosed in U.S. patent number 5,593,378. These devices and methods have the limitations of being limited to a specific application, overly complex, or expensive either in the required apparatus or in energy demand.

Various liquid purification systems employ ion exchange. This has a distinct disadvantage in as far as the necessity to employ expensive substances, such as, resins, or additional pollutant or otherwise hazardous substances, such as, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda. bha/separation of liquids/98005-il/amended p. 1 1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a device for purification of both inorganic liquids, such as water, and organic liquids, such as paraffin-based liquids, as well as for restructuring some molecules, such as reforming paraffins.

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device for purification of liquids containing contaminant substances, which includes: a. a centrifuge device mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, which includes: (i) a contaminated liquid inlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a contaminated liquid; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of a purified liquid, after removal therefrom of contaminant substances; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with the rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from the contaminated liquid inlet port to the peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from the peripheral conduit to the purified liquid outlet port, b. a contaminated liquid source for supplying to the liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a liquid containing one or more contaminant substances sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill the outflow conduit apparatus, the peripheral conduit, and the return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through the outlet port under pressure, wherein the contaminant substances have a greater density than the liquid; and c. a motor for rotating the centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centnfugally accelerate the liquid and contaminants, such that the contaminant substances are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, and so as to cause the contaminant substances to remain in the peripheral conduit, while the liquid flows from the peripheral conduit, along the return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through the purified liquid outlet port.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided, a device for purification of carrier liquids containing impurities, which includes: a. a centrifuge device mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, which includes: (i) a liquid inlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a liquid containing impurities; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of a purified liquid, after removal therefrom of impurities; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with the rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from the contaminated liquid inlet port to the peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from the peripheral conduit to the purified liquid outlet port, b. a liquid source for supplying to the liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a carrier liquid containing impurities sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill the outflow conduit apparatus, the peripheral conduit, and the return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through the outlet port under pressure, wherein the molecules of the impurities have greater atomic weights than those of ions of the carrier liquid; c. apparatus for causing electrical excitation of the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein, thereby to weaken the electrochemical bonds therebetween; and d. a motor for rotating the centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the carrier liquid and impurities, such that the ions of the impurities, having a greater atomic weight than the ions of the carrier liquid, are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, thereby to cause the ions of the impurities to remain in the peripheral conduit, while the carrier liquid flows from the peripheral conduit, along the return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through the purified liquid outlet port.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for causing electrical excitation includes electromagnetic coil apparatus mounted about the outflow conduit apparatus, thereby to apply an electrical field thereacross.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outflow conduit apparatus includes at least one outflow conduit extending radially between the axis and the peripheral conduit, and the electromagnetic coil apparatus includes an electromagnetic coil mounted on each outflow conduit.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic coil has associated therewith a pulsed current supply, thereby to cause a pulsed electrical field to be applied to the ions of the liquid flowing through the outflow conduit apparatus.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pulsed current supply provides to the electromagnetic coil a current predetermined to produce power spikes predetermined to cause the electrical excitation of the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic coil is formed of a triple braid of an electrically conductive wire, having threaded therethrough a strand of a polymer fiber with optical energy conductive properties.

Preferably, the polymer fiber is an optic fiber.

There is also provided a method of purifying carrier liquids containing impurities, wherein the ions of the impurities are heavier than the ions of the carrier liquid, wherein the method includes: a. providing a centrifuge mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, wherein the centrifuge includes (i) a liquid inlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a the liquid containing impurities; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of the liquid, after removal therefrom of impurities; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with the rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from the contaminated liquid inlet port to the peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from the peripheral conduit to the purified liquid outlet port, b. supplying to the liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a earner liquid containing impurities sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill the outflow conduit apparatus, the peripheral conduit, and the return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through the outlet port under pressure; c. electrically exciting the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein, thereby to weaken the electrochemical bonds therebetween; and d. rotating the centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the carrier liquid and impurities, such that the ions of the impurities, having a greater atomic weight than the ions of the carrier liquid, are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, thereby to cause the ions of the impurities to remain in the peripheral conduit, while the carrier liquid flows from the peripheral conduit, along the return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through the purified liquid outlet port.

Additionally in accordance with the method of the invention, the step of electrically exciting the ions includes applying a pulsed electrical field to the molecules of the liquid flowing through the outflow conduit apparatus.

Further in accordance with the method of the invention, the step of providing a pulsed electrical field includes applying a pulsed electrical field which produces power spikes predetermined to cause the electrical excitation of the molecules of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a detailed cross-section of a device for purifying liquids in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the device of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2, taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4A is a side-sectional view of an electrical coil seen in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the coil seen in Fig. 4A, taken along line B-B therein; and Fig. 5 is a schematic enlarged view of the triple braid used in the coil of Figs. 1, 2, an 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, there is seen a device, referenced generally 10, for purifying liquids, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 employs a centrifuge, referenced generally 12, which is located within a preferably stationary housing 14, which is preferably capable of sustaining negative pressures therein. Housing 14 is mounted onto a fixed surface as by supports 15.

Centrifuge 12 is formed of a rigid tube structure which is arranged for rotation about a central, preferably vertical axis 16. The centrifuge structure is formed of a hollow, axial, main conduit 18 which extends through housing 14, and is sealed therewith by means of any suitable sealing elements 19. The centrifuge structure further has a peripheral, ring-shaped conduit 20; radially extending outflow conduits 22; and radially extending return flow conduits 24. It is seen that main conduit is sealed at its mid-portion 26 so as to prevent flow of liquid therepast, thereby to divide main conduit into an inlet portion 28 and an outlet portion 30. Outflow conduits 22, however, are connected to and enable liquid communication between inlet portion 28 of main conduit 18, and ring-shaped conduit 20; and return flow conduits 24, are connected to and enable liquid communication between outlet portion 30 of main conduit 18, and ring-shaped conduit 20. It is further seen that outflow conduits 22 slope generally downwards, in the direction of flow, towards ring-shaped conduit 20, and that return flow conduits 24 also slope generally downwards, in the direction of flow, away from ring-shaped conduit 20.

It is thus seen that, a liquid supplied to the centrifuge 12 enters inlet portion 28 of main conduit 18, and, once the liquid level passes the top ends 32 (Fig. 3) of outflow conduits 22, enters and flows under gravity therealong, as indicated by arrows 34. Ring-shaped conduit 20 is generally horizontal, and so the liquid entering it tends to flow equally in all directions, until it reaches the top ends 36 of return conduits 24 through which, as indicated by arrows 38 in Figs. 2 and 3, the liquid flows, so as to flow therefrom towards outlet portion 30 of main conduit 18, thereafter discharging through the bottom end 40 of outlet portion 30.

There are preferably also provided a pair of electromagnetic elements 42, one on each outflow conduit 22, so as to facilitate desalination of water and purification of organic liquids, as described hereinbelow.

Referring now to Figs. 4A and 4B, each element 42 is formed of a cylindrical bobbin 44, an electromagnetic coil 46 formed thereabout, a cylindrical outer casing 48, and a pair of side walls 50. Coil 46 is fully contained inside the bobbin 44, casing 48 and side walls 50, which are formed of an electrically insulative material, and which are sealed about the coil 46.

As seen in detail in Fig. 5, coil 46 is formed of a triple braid of an insulated, electrically conductive, preferably copper, wire 52, such as used in electrical transformers, typically having a strand thickness of 0.13 mm, which has threaded therethrough a strand 54 of fiber optic or white nylon having a thickness, typically, of 25 microns.

Referring again to Figs. 1-3, use of the device 10 of the invention, is as follows: A liquid to be purified is supplied, under moderate pressure, such as 3-4 atmospheres, to main conduit inlet portion 28, from where it passes through outflow conduits 22, towards peripheral conduit 20. A suitable motor 56 (Fig. 1) is arranged so as to rotate main conduit 18, and thus, the entire centrifuge 12, via first and second toothed wheels, 58 and 60, respectively, with respect to housing 14. The rotational speed required varies in accordance with the centrifugal force required; this is discussed hereinbelow, in more detail.

As the centrifuge 12, is rotated, the liquid flowing therethrough is projected centrifugally outward to the perimeter of the device. The high pressure generated inside the centrifuge causes most of the liquid to exit peripheral conduit 20 into return flow conduits 24, from which it flows - against the direction of the centrifugal force - into main conduit outlet portion 30, thereafter discharging from the bottom end 40, thereof. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the return of the liquid to the main conduit essentially happens by virtue of the Coriolis force, and that the energy thus expended in providing this is minimal.

Centrifuge 12 is rotated at an angular velocity which is predetermined to cause a fraction of the liquid which has a density greater than a predetermined critical value, to remain in the peripheral conduit 20. This is due to the fact that the "heavier" fraction is accelerated so as to acquire a weight which cannot be overcome merely by the pressure in the centrifuge.

Solenoid-operated bleed valves, referenced 62, (Fig. 2), are provided in peripheral conduit 20. Bleed valves 62 are opened periodically, thereby to permit the heavier substances accumulating in peripheral conduit 20 to be flushed out of the system. Typically liquid exiting through valves 62 drains down towards a drain (not shown) provided in the lower part of the housing 14.

Electrical power is provided, both to coils 46 and to valves 62 via upper and lower slip rings, referenced 64 and 66 (Fig. 1), respectively. The slip rings are of any suitable, known construction, such as may be found in electric motors or alternators, and are thus not described herein, in detail. The slip rings are electrically insulated from the main conduit 18, and insulated electrical wires (not shown) extend along the conduit to the coils 46 and valves 62, as required.

The above-described centrifugal process is very effective in purifying liquids carrying particle pollutants, sediments, or other undesired suspended substances, for example, having a density of at least a predetermined critical value, including sand, dust, insects, bacteria, viruses, and so on.

There are, however, substances, such as, dissolved minerals and other substances, whose electrochemical bonds resist separation from a "carrier" liquid, so as to render the above-described centrifugal separation alone, insufficient.

Accordingly, the above-described electromagnetic elements 42 are provided in order to help to break down electrochemical bonds between various substances and their carrier liquid, such that, at least those substances having at least a critical mass, as defined above, can be separated from the carrier liquid. In one example, the carrier liquid may be a solution of water containing table salt in solution. The present invention may be used, in this example, to separate the relatively heavy sodium and chlorine from the much lighter hydrogen and oxygen.

Each electromagnetic element 42 is preferably formed such that the total length of the coiled, braided wires and fiber optic is 37 km, having, by way of example, 56,000 winds, which must be unbroken and without connections. A pulsed voltage of typically 40 kV is applied across the coil at a typical pulse duration of 0.25 ms, and at a typical repetition rate of 10 pulses per second.

In more detail, the dimensions of the coil 46 are dictated by the size of the tube on which it is mounted, and the strength of the electromagnetic field required. In a typical example, the internal diameter of coil may be 100 mm; the external diameter may be 300 mm; its length may be 80 mm; the thickness of the insulation bobbin 44, outer casing 48, and side walls 50, may be 10 mm. In this example, the self-inductance of the coil will be about 2,000 H.

The braiding of the coil filaments causes a reduction in the inductive impedance of the coil, which emanates from the reactance of the coil, so as to enable a high energy level to derive from a relatively low voltage, of about 40 kV, as mentioned. The provision of the fiber optic also helps in this regard, utilizing the well known characteristics of fiber optics, thereby accelerating the passage of energy through the coil, so as to further reduce its impedance, within the range of optical frequencies.

It should be borne in mind that, in a non-braided, simple coil, without a fiber optic, using a single strand 0. 3 mm thick, the electrical resistance is very high; and for a coil whose length is 36 km, as in the present invention, the resistance may be as much as 50 kD, even without considering the inductive impedance, which may be in the range 6 -60 Q.

In the coil 46, shown and described above, there is a pulsed current of 10 Amps, producing power spikes of 400 kW; and an average power supply of typically 1,000 W, which is sufficient for the purpose of the invention.

It has been found that the use of a braided coil, as described, have an effectiveness of two orders of magnitude greater than a non-braided coil, even if the non-braided coil were to include a fiber optic, as described herein.

When the electromagnetic elements 42 are connected to an electrical power source, the power spikes cause corresponding spikes in the electro-optical field, in the range 10 to 10,000 Angstrom, thereby to electrically energize the molecules of the liquid to a level at which the electrochemical bonds break down.

By way of example, in a solution of table salt in water, the dissolved salt, represented by the symbol NaCI, has a positive ion HCL, and a negative ion NaOH. The bond between the sodium ions and the NaOH ions is stronger than the bond between the sodium ions and the chlorine ions. Accordingly, when salt is added to water, the water is broken down, and is operative to break down the salt in solution, such that energy is required in order to return the saltwater to its pre-solution state.

This may be understood, alternatively, by the fact that the dissolution of salt in water is an exothermic process, while the reverse is an endothermic process, the energy for which is provided by the electrical field generated by the coils.

In operation of the device of the invention, therefore, the salt molecules are energized electrically as they pass through the applied field, so that they break apart completely for the duration of passage through the field. The electromagnetic elements 42 are located at the extremities of the outflow conduits 22, whereat the centrifugal acceleration provided by the rotation of the centrifuge is sufficiently great so as to aid separation of sufficiently heavy ions.

In the present example of a saltwater solution, the relatively heavy fractions of sodium, whose atomic weight is 22.989, and chlorine, whose atomic weight is 35.453, will be accelerated outwardly to the perimeter of the device, and will accumulate there, due to the combination of the centrifugal force and the electrical excitation of the sodium and chlorine ions. The lighter substances, however, in this case, hydrogen, whose atomic weight is 1.008, and oxygen, whose atomic weight is 15.999, will return under pressure towards main conduit 18, via return flow conduits 24.

It will be appreciated that the centrifugal force required is dependent upon the separation forces required, and can range from 10 g (9.81 m/s2), for a relatively simple liquid/particle suspension, to 10,000g, as needed. The centrifugal force is equal to the mass x centrifugal acceleration, represented by the expression: A = mo2r, in which m is mass, ω is angular velocity, and r is the radius of rotation.

The strength of the electromagnetic field is also dependent on the materials that it is sought to purify, and can vary between 100 H and 100 V, to 100,000 H and 100 kV.

It will be appreciated that one of the main advantages of the present invention relative to existing separation methods is that the amount of energy required is solely that which is required to accelerate the heavier substances which are separated from the lighter or "carrier" liquid, and which are retained adjacent the periphery of the device; the lighter substance requiring substantially a zero input of energy, due to the fact that the liquid is supplied to the centrifuge 12 along axis 16, and is discharged from the centrifuge also along axis 16, and, further, due to the 123281/2 Coriolis forces of the outward and inward liquid flows in the centrifuge, which cancel each other out.

The device of the present invention is particularly useful in purifying or refining both inorganic and organic liquids which traditionally require highly complex, expensive apparatus, to purify.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides purification or refining of these liquids at relatively low cost, and in a very efficient manner.

Just by way of example, the device of the invention may be used for the desalination of sea water, which, as is known, contains a plurality of metals and salts, including sodium, chlorine, potassium, phosphor, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromine, aluminum, copper, nickel, cobalt, ferrite, and others. All of these substances have an atomic weight greater than oxygen and hydrogen, thereby allowing them to be separated in accordance with the present invention.

Further by way of example, it has been found by the Inventor, that the present invention can be constructed so as to purify 100,000 liters of water per hour, to a state of 12 ΜΩ, at a centrifugal acceleration of 240,000 g.

Organic substances that may be refined by the present invention include paraffins, Cn H2n+2, Cn H2n olfines, Cn H2n+10H alcohols, CnH2nO aldehydes and cations, fatty acids, fats, amines and amides, sugars and proteins.

It will further be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow:

Claims (16)

1. A device for purification of liquids containing contaminant substances, which includes: a. a centrifuge device mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, which includes: (i) a contaminated liquid inlet port located along said rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a contaminated liquid; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along said rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of a purified liquid, after removal therefrom of contaminant substances; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with said rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from said contaminated liquid inlet port to said peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from said peripheral conduit to said purified liquid outlet port, b. a contaminated liquid source for supplying to said liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a liquid containing one or more contaminant substances sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill said outflow conduit apparatus, said peripheral conduit, and said return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through said outlet port under pressure, wherein the contaminant substances have a greater density than the liquid; and c. a motor for rotating said centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the liquid and contaminants, such that the contaminant substances are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, and so as to cause the contaminant substances to remain in said peripheral conduit, while the liquid flows from said peripheral conduit, along said return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through said purified liquid outlet port.

2. A device according to claim 1 , and wherein said peripheral conduit has mounted therein at least one selectably openable bleed valve for permitting the contaminant substances remaining in said peripheral conduit to be selectably flushed therefrom.

3. A device for purification of carrier liquids containing impurities, which includes: a. a centrifuge device mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, which includes: (i) a liquid inlet port located along said rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a liquid containing impurities; (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along said rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of a purified liquid, after removal therefrom of impurities; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with said rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from said contaminated liquid inlet port to said peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from said peripheral conduit to said purified liquid outlet port, b. a liquid source for supplying to said liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a carrier liquid containing impurities sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill said outflow conduit apparatus, said peripheral conduit, and said return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through said outlet port under pressure, wherein the molecules of the impurities have greater atomic weights than those of ions of the carrier liquid; c. apparatus for causing electrical excitation of the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein, thereby to weaken the electrochemical bonds therebetween; and d. a motor for rotating said centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the carrier liquid and impurities, such that the ions of the impurities, having a greater atomic weight than the ions of the carrier liquid, are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, thereby to cause the ions of the impurities to remain in said peripheral conduit, while the carrier liquid flows from said peripheral conduit, along said return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through said purified liquid outlet port. Amend20July1999 123281/2

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said apparatus for causing electrical excitation includes electromagnetic coil apparatus mounted about said outflow conduit apparatus, thereby to apply an electrical field thereacross.

5. A device according to claim 4, and wherein said outflow conduit apparatus includes at least one outflow conduit extending radially between said axis and said peripheral conduit, and said electromagnetic coil apparatus includes an electromagnetic coil mounted on each said outflow conduit.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said electromagnetic coil has associated therewith a pulsed current supply, thereby to cause a pulsed electrical field to be applied to the ions of the liquid flowing through said outflow conduit apparatus.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said pulsed current supply provides to said electromagnetic coil a current predetermined to produce power spikes predetermined to cause said electrical excitation of the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein.

8. A device according to claim 5, wherein said electromagnetic coil is formed of a triple braid of an electrically conductive wire, having threaded therethrough a strand of a polymer fiber with optical energy conductive properties.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein said polymer fiber is an optic fiber.

10. A device according to claim 3, and wherein said peripheral conduit has mounted therein at least one selectably openable bleed valve for permitting the impurities remaining in said peripheral conduit to be selectably flushed therefrom.

11. A method of purifying carrier liquids containing impurities, wherein the ions of the impurities are heavier than the ions of the carrier liquid, and wherein the method includes: a. providing a centrifuge mounted for rotation about a generally vertical rotation axis, wherein the centrifuge includes (i) a liquid inlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the inflow of a liquid containing impurities; • * Amend20July1999 123281/2 (ii) a purified liquid outlet port located along the rotation axis, for permitting the outflow of the liquid, after removal therefrom of impurities; (iii) a generally circular peripheral conduit mounted so that its axis of symmetry coincides with the rotation axis, and arranged for rotation thereabout; (iv) outflow conduit apparatus for permitting outflow of the contaminated liquid from the contaminated liquid inlet port to the peripheral conduit; and (v) return flow conduit apparatus for permitting a return flow of the purified liquid from the peripheral conduit to the purified liquid outlet port, b. supplying to the liquid inlet port, at at least a predetermined pressure, a carrier liquid containing impurities sought to be removed therefrom, thereby to substantially fill the outflow conduit apparatus, the peripheral conduit, and the return flow conduit apparatus, with liquid, so as to cause an outflow of the liquid through the outlet port under pressure; c. electrically exciting the ions of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein, thereby to weaken the electrochemical bonds therebetween; and d. rotating the centrifuge device at high speed, thereby to centrifugally accelerate the carrier liquid and impurities, such that the ions of the impurities, having a greater atomic weight than the ions of the carrier liquid, are accelerated under an outward force which is greater than the pressure of the return flow of the liquid, thereby to cause the ions of the impurities to remain in the peripheral conduit, while the carrier liquid flows from the peripheral conduit, along the return flow conduit apparatus, and discharges through the purified liquid outlet port.

12. A method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of electrically exciting the ions includes applying a pulsed electrical field to the molecules of the liquid flowing through the outflow conduit apparatus.

13. 3. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing a pulsed electrical field includes applying a pulsed electrical field which produces power spikes predetermined to cause the electrical excitation of the molecules of the carrier liquid and of the impurities therein.

14. A device according to any of claims 1-10, substantially as shown and described hereinabove in conjunction with any of Figs. 1-5. 123281/3

15. A device according to any of claims 1 -10, substantially as shown in any of Figs. 1-5.

16. A method according to any of claims 1 1 -13, substantially as shown and described hereinabove in conjunction with any of Figs. 1-5. For the Applicant, Jere^vy^M. Ben-David & BHA 199/1.1 (98005-IL)