NZ549234A - Electrolytic water treatment with immersed low voltage active cathode - Google Patents

Abstract

A water demineralisation treatment system for treating water in a water container such as a tank, reservoir, lake or river that is tied to ground potential, includes at an active electrode 22 placed in the water and energised with an electrostatic voltage of between -25 Volts and -80 volts DC, and a power supply, such as a solar cell/battery sourced power supply, that supplies the negative voltage to the electrode. The charged electrode induces a negative electrostatic charge in the water to set up an electrostatic field with high voltage gradients to cause contaminants such as inorganic dissolved cations in the region of the induced charge to bond to the electrode and anions in the region of the induced charge to bond to the water container. (61) Addition to 539368

Description

Our ref: WRL007 Patents Form No. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION 40 WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS We, Water Rite Limited, a New Zealand company, of 909 Jervois Place, Hastings, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the 45 following statement: Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 16 AUG 2006 received WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to water treatment systems, methods and apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, system and method utilising electrostatic fields to remove inorganic dissolved solids and the like present in potable or drinkable water.

BACKGROUND ART Potable water is commonly sourced from underground aquifers and other sources, and is often contaminated with dissolved or colloidal elements ranging from light metals such as calcium 15 and sodium to heavy metals such as iron and manganese. The treatment and removal of such contaminants from potable water to produce water that is suitable for human use and consumption is desirable, but often involves a variety of treatment stages and filtering processes that can be expensive and complex operations with varying results.

It is a non-limiting object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the treatment of water that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the public with a useful choice.

It is a further non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a system for the treatment 25 of water that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the public with a useful choice.

It is a further non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a method of treating water that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the 30 public with a useful choice. 2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water treatment apparatus for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water such as water in a vessel, reservoir, 5 river or chamber or lake or the like, and excluding treatment of wastewater and biological contamination, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the apparatus including an active electrode configured and arranged for placement in the body of water, the electrode being adapted to be energised or electrostatically charged, in use, with a negative electrostatic voltage charge between -25 and 10 -80 volts DC to induce and set up an electrostatic field with high voltage gradients in the water causing contaminants such as inorganic dissolved cations and anions in the water effected by the induced charge to diffuse and group toward the cathode and anode points of charge respectively in the field and allowing bonding and subsequent removal thereof.

Optionally the apparatus includes at least two spaced apart electrodes, in use, being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water.

Preferably the electrode is a substantially cylindrical rod with a tapered end to a point, in use, 20 to increase the voltage gradients being induced by the rod in the water.

Alternatively the electrode is a circular disc.

Desirably the electrode is suspended in the body of water by means of a floatable platform.

Advantageously the platform is provided with a power supply means, the power supply means including at least one solar cell adapted, in use, to supply the electrode with a negative electrostatic voltage charge.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a water treatment system for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water including water in a reservoir, river, Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. -1 SEP 2006 R P C, E 1V E D tank or chamber or lake and the like, and excluding treatment of wastewater and biological contamination, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the system including an active electrode configured and arranged for placement in a body of water, the electrode being capable of being energised or 5 electrostatically charged, in use, with a negative electrostatic voltage charge between -25 and -80 volts DC, a power supply means electrically associated with the electrode and being adapted, in use, to supply the negative voltage charge thereto to set up an electrostatic field with high voltage gradients by inducing a negative electrostatic charge in the water so as to cause contaminants such as inorganic dissolved cations in the water effected by the area of the induced charge to bond to the electrode, and anions in the water effected by the area of the induced charge to bond to the water containment means.

Optionally the system includes at least two spaced apart electrodes, in use, being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water.

Preferably the system includes an electrode in the form of a cylindrical rod having a tapered end to a point, in use, to increase the voltage gradient delivered by the rod. Optionally the electrode is a disc electrode.

Advantageously the electrode is suspended in the body of water by means of a floatable platform. Desirably the platform is provided with a power supply means, the power supply means including at least one solar cell adapted, in use, to supply the electrode with a negative electrostatic voltage charge.

Desirably the system further comprises additional media introduced into the water or reservoir or river or tank or chamber effected by the induced negative voltage charge, and wherein the media includes material capable of attracting contaminants such as inorganic dissolved ions in the water and enhancing the bonding of contaminants to the media.

Optionally the additional media is placed in the electrostatic field in a position subject to a high voltage gradient. Desirably the additional media is sand or crushed minerals or a combination thereof. 4 Intellectual Property Office of N.2. _ 1 SEP 2006 Received According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating potable water in an open or closed body of water such as water retained in a vessel or reservoir or 5 river or lake or chamber that is referenced to ground potential, the method including the steps placing at least one electrode in the body of water in the open or closed vessel or reservoir or river or chamber; energising the electrode with a negative voltage charge of between -25 and -80 volts DC relative to ground potential to induce an electrostatic field in the water with high voltage gradients; and allowing inorganic dissolved cations and anions in the water effected by the induced charge to polarise to the cathode and anode points of charge respectively in the field and allowing bonding and subsequent removal thereof.

Desirably in step A.) the electrode is positioned adjacent the bottom of the conduit or reservoir or chamber.

Advantageously the method of the invention further includes step D.) of removing crystalline compounds formed as a result of the water treatment process from the electrode and chemically treating the compounds to separate the compounds into their pure elements for reuse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of 30 example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: intellectual Property Office of N.Z. " 1 SEP 2006 received of: A.) B.) C.) Figure 1: illustrates a schematic side view of a water treatment apparatus 1 being suspended in a body of water in a reservoir in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: illustrates a schematic block electrical diagram of the main components feeding power to the electrode 2 of figure 1; Figure 3: illustrates a schematic side view of a water treatment apparatus 20 being supported in position in a river or stream in accordance with an alternative embodiment; Figure 4: illustrates a schematic block electrical diagram of the main components feeding power to the disc electrode of figure 3; and Figure 5: illustrates a plan view of two spaced apart vertically aligned electrodes 30 in a river or stream.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the figures, a water treatment apparatus, method and system, according to preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention, are now described and illustrated.

The following description is given with reference to the invention as described in New Zealand Patent No. 539368, which is herein incorporated by reference.

The water treatment system is useful in the treatment of water such as, for example, potable or raw water and the like. More particularly, the water treatment system is useful in removing contaminants in the water such as, for example, dissolved inorganic cations, which can form the bulk of contaminates in untreated water.

For purposes of ease of description, references herein to a reservoir will refer to any naturally occurring body of water or man-made vessel capable of containing or storing water without limiting the application of the invention in any way. The system may 6 therefore be used for the treatment of water in, for example only but not limited to, an open or closed conduit, pipe, canal, waterway, reservoir, tank or chamber, or from a river, stream, lake, pond, spring or the like.

Additionally, references herein to cations will additionally refer to any molecules or compounds which are cation by nature without limiting the application of the invention in any way.

The water treatment system includes a water treatment apparatus 1 adapted to be submerged 10 or placed into a body of water in a wide variety of applications.

Referring now to figures 1 and 2, a water treatment apparatus, generally referred to as 1, being suspended in a body of water in a reservoir 10, is illustrated.

It is seen that a water vessel or reservoir 10 retaining the body of water is either referenced to ground potential or is earthed or tied to ground potential by a suitable earth stick 7 or the like. As illustrated, the reservoir 10 is associated with and is referenced to ground potential and, in the case of a man made structure, is advantageously made of any suitable durable and resilient material such as, for example, concrete or other such cementious material, or a conductive 20 plastics material. In one desirable application of a reservoir 10 that is in the form of a tank, it is seen that during the treatment process, the voltage gradients delivered by the apparatus 1 radiate outwardly from the point of origin in a substantially uniform manner.

The water treatment apparatus 1 includes at least one electrode 2 capable of being energised 25 or electrostatically charged with a low voltage direct current ("DC") charge to define an active electrode 2. The active electrode 2 is configured and arranged and electrically connected for use in a body of water for treatment purposes.

The electrode 2 is made of any conductive material capable of maintaining its integrity and 30 electrical function during operation, and which is capable of being substantially submerged in water for extended periods of time. Suitable materials, preferably of a non corrosive nature, including a metal or metal alloy or a conductive plastics material, can be used. Desirably the electrode 2 is constructed from stainless steel or other such metal or alternatively a suitable 7 conductive plastics material, although it is considered that the material used can, in part, be selected with considering its electrical properties relative to the electrical properties of the circuit being created and the particular installation and application of the invention.

The shape and size of the electrode 2 can also be determined or selected, in part, by the particular application, and more particularly given the shape and size of the water containment means in the form of a reservoir 10, and with considering the rate of flow of water passing through the apparatus 1 when used in a river or stream or other flow of water such as in a pipe (not shown). Preferably the electrode 2 has a high surface area, and may be 10 circular in cross section such that the voltage gradients delivered by the electrode 2 radiate outwardly from the electrode 2 in a substantially uniform manner.

According to one non-limiting embodiment of the invention the electrode 2 is a stainless steel rod that is optionally about 12 millimetres in diameter, and can advantageously be adapted 15 with a tapered end or pointed tip 3 to increase the voltage gradients generated by the active electrode 2. The size of the electrode 2 can be of any suitable size or diameter and length and composition causing an electrostatic field to be set up in the water when a relatively low voltage charge, as disclosed herein, is applied to the electrode 2.

The electrode 2 is associated with or suspended in a body of water 5 by means of a floatable platform 4. The platform 4 is composed of a material having a lower density than water to allow floatation of the apparatus 1 in the water 5. It is considered that the platform can be suitably tethered or supported in place as required, particularly in applications where the body of water 5 is flowing passed the apparatus 1.

It is seen that the apparatus 1 may include at least two suitably spaced apart electrodes 2 that are electrically connected together and mounted to at least one or more floating platforms 4, as required. Any suitable and known form of attachment means to attach the electrodes 2 to a supporting structure or the platform 4 is provided. The plurality of electrodes 2 may 30 optionally be configured in a spaced apart circular arrangement that desirably sets up a strong voltage gradient in the water 5. 8 In this non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the floating platform 4 is optionally constructed of a material such as polystyrene, although it will be appreciated that the platform 5 can be constructed from any durable and resilient material having a lower density than the water being treated by the treatment process so as to float on the water and being capable of 5 supporting the electrode 2. Alternatively, the electrode 2 can be otherwise supported or suspended in a body of water by any mechanical means or any other suitable method of suspension.

The apparatus 1 includes a suitable power supply means 11 adapted to supply a charge to the 10 electrode 2. The adaptation can include a converter 12 that can transform input voltage AC to output DC for supply to the electrode 2. Other circuitry can be employed to filter and/or transform the voltage to a suitable DC voltage output for feeding the electrode 2. The power supply means 10 is configured to enable the electrode 2 to induce an electrostatic charge in the water 5. In this embodiment, it is seen that an external power supply, such as mains AC 15 power at 240 volts AC, will be suitably converted and transformed using a suitable transformer to supply a voltage of substantially between about -25 to -80 volts DC.

Advantageously the voltage selected is variable to suit the particular application of the apparatus 1. It is envisaged that higher voltages could be applied in some applications 20 although in most typical applications a voltage above -25 volts and under -80v DC is considered sufficient for treatment purposes. A power cable 6 will then feed power to the electrode 2. The power cable 6 is advantageously insulated and is attached or coupled to the electrode 2 as required. It is seen that the preferred voltage selected for supply can vary, and depends in part on the particular application of the apparatus 1, and with considering the 25 desired voltage gradient required in the body of water 5 of the reservoir 10 to treat the particular water type and conditions of the water 5.

It is seen that the amount of negative electrostatic voltage charge applied to the electrode 2 is proportional to the voltage gradients of the electrostatic field induced in the water 5. It will be 30 appreciated that the field strength of the voltage gradients can be predicted using Coulomb's inverse square law stating that the magnitude of the electrostatic field between two charges is directly proportional to the magnitude of each charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two charges. The two charges in this embodiment being the Intellectual Property Office of N.2. " 1 SEP 2006 RECEIVFD negatively charged electrode 2 acting as a cathode and the wall of the reservoir 10 or other wall containing water or fluid being advantageously earthed at ground potential and functioning as an anode in the circuit.

It is seen that the higher the applied voltage or electrical potential difference between the anode and cathode (as two opposing points) in the electrical circuit of the installation, the steeper the voltage gradient in the water about the electrode 2. It is also considered that, within certain operating parameters and given the limitations of components of the apparatus 1, the higher the applied DC voltage and potential difference, the less time it will take for the 10 electrostatic field to diffuse particles and the various cations and anions in the water to polarise in opposite directions - that is, the cations will group at the cathode electrode 2 and the anions will group at the anode, being the inner wall of the reservoir 10 or otherwise which is at a less negatively charged state or a more positively charged state relative to the electrode, or is at ground potential or earthed at ground potential when the electrode is not.

These variants with the voltage differential show that the potential difference between the designated cathode and anode in the circuit is an important aspect with considering the particular electrostatic field being set up in the body of water 5 and the desired application of the apparatus 1 in a particular body of water whether in a faster flowing pipe.

The power supply means 6 electrically associated with the electrode 2 is desirably a DC power supply adapted to supply a negative electrostatic low voltage charge to the apparatus 1 in operation.

In operation, the apparatus 1 is partially or fully submerged position in treatment reservoir 10 and a charge is supplied such that the apparatus 1 becomes an active electrode in the system, and in this respect the surrounding area becomes part of the electrical circuit due to the electrostatic field set up about the apparatus 1. It is considered that the electrode 2 sets up an electrostatic field that results in negative voltage charges being induced in the water that have 30 the highest potential difference at and adjacent the apparatus 1, and reduces in the areas radiating away from the apparatus 1 such that the lowest charge is located adjacent the inner walls 10a of the reservoir 10, the inner walls 10 being positively charged when referenced to the cathode. It will be appreciated that although areas remote from the apparatus 1 may be exposed to a minimal charge, such areas such areas are considered the starting point of diffusion of inorganic cations. Furthermore, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the voltage charge can be varied or adjusted quite substantially depending on the application, and such adjustment can be effective in increasing the rate of diffusion of the cations through 5 the water and toward the electrode 2.

It is seen that the resulting electrostatic field forces inorganic ions in the water from their dissolved states and causes the ions to group into their pure states or state of origin. It will be appreciated that these groupings can occur at the poles of the gradients and the speed of which 10 is relative to the charges presented by the ions. Further, ions group in the most negative or positive gradients available to them. Thus, for example, chemical elements such as calcium can respond faster than chemical elements such as manganese. Cations belonging to the isotopic group including calcium, sodium, potassium and nitrogen respond in the same manner as its added mass does not change its electrical structure. Anions are attracted to the 15 more positively charged inner wall or walls of the reservoir 10, that acts as an anode, and bond and revert back to states of origin thereto.

The apparatus 1 when supplied with a voltage that is negative when referenced to earth or to the surrounding environment, is seen to function, in part, as an active electrode. This 20 arrangement sets up an environment about the apparatus 1 whereby the installation is in circuit and the environment is used as a reference electrode.

It is seen that the cation groupings result in the formation of ionic crystalline compounds which continue to grow until all ions are collected. The ionic crystalline compounds can be 25 subsequently removed and chemically treated to separate the compounds into their pure elements for reuse.

It will be appreciated that the electrode 2 can be configured and arranged in any desirable area within the reservoir 10, and may be conveniently arranged in an area where the resulting ionic 30 crystalline compounds can be collected and removed. When arranged adjacent the bottom of the reservoir, the surface below the electrode 2 will induce stronger gradients and will collect cations in areas where gradients are alike or similar to the point of charge. 11 Additional suitable media capable of bonding with crystalline inorganic cations to its surfaces, such as, for example only, sand, crushed minerals or a combination thereof, can be introduced into the water in the conduit, reservoir or chamber effected by the induced voltage charge. As seen in figure 1, a removable tray 14, filled with suitable media 15, is 5 optionally installed and act as a removable collection point. Further, a removable basket 16 containing suitable media 17, and wherein the basket 16 is provided with a rope 18 attached thereto, can also optionally be placed in the electrostatic field and serve to remove crystallised cations from the water.

It is envisaged that the electrode 2 may well be regularly removed as cleaned as required, as it will also serve as a collection point for cations in the water that are attracted to it.

Referring now to figures 3 and 4, a schematic side view of a water treatment apparatus 20 configured and arranged in a river 21 in accordance with an alternative embodiment, is 15 illustrated.

The water treatment apparatus 20 of this embodiment is similar in many respects to the apparatus 1 as described with reference to figures 1 and 2 and such similarities will not necessarily be repeated.

The apparatus 20 is adapted to treat water in a river 21, although similar applications such as the treatment of water in a pond, lake or the like is envisaged within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment a conductive active electrode 22 in the form of a disc, preferably a circular disc, is adapted to be attached adjacent the lower distal end of a spacer 25 rod 23 that serves to submerge the electrode 22 at a desirable depth. The disc electrode is considered a desirable shape as it can provide a larger surface area at the point of charge and any secondary induced areas. Furthermore, the rod 23 is desirably tubular in construction and non-conductive, and an electrical cable is fed through the central tubular section and electrically connected to the electrode 22 to supply a negative electrostatic charge to the 30 electrode 22.

The near end of the rod 23 is attached to a floating platform 24. The platform 24 is desirably constructed of a water impervious outer layer surrounding a relatively low density material 12 such as polystyrene that floats on water. It will be appreciated that the platform 24 can be constructed from any durable and resilient material having a lower density than the water being treated by the treatment process so as to float on the water and being capable of supporting the electrode 22 in position during operation.

The platform 24 is retained in position by platform retaining means desirably in the form of tether lines 25 attached to the platform at one end, and being attached at the other end to posts 26 at the side of the river 21. Alternatively the platform may be secured in position by a cantilevered arm arrangement or by any other known means of attachment.

The electrode 22 is supplied with a suitable voltage charge by a power supply means desirably in the form of suitable earthed solar cells 27 mounted on or about the platform 24, or alternatively may be mounted at the side of the river and a power cable supplying a suitable voltage charge is connected to the electrode 22. The use of solar cells 27 as a power source 15 advantageously allows the platform 24 to be self sufficient and thus it is considered to be advantageous for applications in remote areas by being able to dispense with the need for a mains power supply. It is seen that as the output power from the solar cells may not be a suitable DC voltage, a variable transformer 30, including other electrical circuitry such as smoothing and filtering circuits, may be configured and arranged as required. The 20 transformer 30 is therefore adapted to allow the selection of the required voltage for electrifying the active electrode 22.

It is considered that a desirable voltage forming a potential difference to ground potential can be applied, although typically a low voltage negative charge will be supplied to the electrode 22. Preferably the charge is in the range of between -25 and -80 volts DC, particularly in open environments, the charge being negative when referenced to ground potential. It is envisaged within the scope of the invention that the voltage charge can be adjusted as required to control the amount and/or rate of diffusion over time occurring in the water treatment system. It is seen that in application such as water flowing in a pipe, a higher voltage and potential difference between the cathode and anode of the circuit as applied may well be more suitable in the flow of water in a pipe, whereas a lower voltage applied resulting in slower bonding occurring over time may be suitable for treatment of water in tanks where the flow is much less evident. p ■.—EnrtW the intellectual Prooertv Office of N.Z. 13 ' I SEP 2006 RECEIVED power source may be adapted to supply a variable voltage, and such voltage applied may be adjusted during the period of operation of the apparatus of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment it is seen that an active electrode can be placed into the 5 immediate shoreline of a lake or river to target the potentially toxic ammonium cation (NH4+), which enters lakes and rivers, inter alia, through surface runoff from agricultural or landscaped areas that use nitrate fertiliser or the like. It is seen that in this embodiment of the invention an active electrode can desirably utilise the capillary action of water within soil structures to collect the ammonium ion before it reaches the body of water. Various other 10 applications of the water treatment system are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. For example, an active electrode can used in water for the collection of hydrogen, or placed in salt water to collect and remove sodium and/or chlorine.

Referring now to figure 5, two spaced apart electrodes 30 positioned in a river or steam 31, is 15 illustrated.

The electrodes 30, that can be configured and arranged substantially vertically in the flow of water, are suspended below a power cable 32 that serves to support the electrodes 30 in position. The electrodes 30 are spaced apart such that respective electrostatic fields 33 do not 20 overlap or are kept reasonably separate. The amount of voltage applied to the electrodes 30, and the size of the electrodes 30, are factors determining the size of the electrostatic fields 33, although it is expected that the distance between electrodes 30 will be relative to the amount and type of contaminates being treated. It is seen that an arrangement such as the electrodes shown will increase the effectiveness of the treatment process of the invention, particularly in 2 5 applications whereby the body of water is flowing passed the electrodes 30.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrodes 30 may be configured and arranged in a spaced apart circular arrangement of at least five electrodes (not shown). Other arrangements of electrodes are envisaged within the scope and spirit of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 and applied methods and systems described herein and can form part of a broader or wider treatment process and can therefore function as one or more stages in the treatment process. Furthermore, the operation of the invention can serve to 14 strip water of contaminants or separate at least the majority of the cations and anions in the water and then remove them.

It will be appreciated that materials used for most components of the invention include any 5 suitable durable and resilient materials, for example only but not limited to, timber, metal, plastics materials, fabrics, rubber, polystyrene, glass or any combination thereof.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. 10 Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those 15 skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

Claims:

1. A water treatment apparatus for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water such as water in a vessel, reservoir, river or chamber or lake or the like, and excluding 5 treatment of wastewater and biological contamination, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the apparatus including an active electrode configured and arranged for placement in the body of water, the electrode being adapted to be energised or electrostatically charged, in use, with a negative electrostatic voltage charge between -25 and -80 volts DC to induce and set up 10 an electrostatic field with high voltage gradients in the water causing contaminants such as inorganic dissolved cations and anions in the water effected by the induced charge to diffuse and group toward the cathode and anode points of charge respectively in the field and allowing bonding and subsequent removal thereof. 15

2. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes at least two spaced apart active electrodes, in use, being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water.

3. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the active electrode is a 20 substantially cylindrical rod with a tapered end to a point, in use, to increase the voltage gradients being induced by the rod in the water.

4. A water treatment apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the or each said active electrode is a circular disc. 25

5. A water treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each said active electrode is suspended in the body of water by means of a floatable platform. 30 6. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the platform is provided with a power supply means, the power supply means being adapted to supply the or each said active electrode with a negative electrostatic voltage charge, such charge being sourced 16

Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. -1 SEP 2006

RECEIV E D from at least one solar cell adapted, in use, to generate power that is fed to the power supply means. 5 7. A water treatment system for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water including water in a reservoir, river, tank or chamber or lake and the like, and excluding treatment of wastewater and biological contamination, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the system including an active electrode configured and arranged for placement in a body of water, the electrode 10 being capable of being energised or electrostatically charged, in use, with a negative electrostatic voltage charge between -25 and -80 volts DC, a power supply means electrically associated with the electrode and being adapted, in use, to supply the negative voltage charge thereto to set up an electrostatic field with high voltage gradients by inducing a negative electrostatic charge in the water so as to cause contaminants such as 15 inorganic dissolved cations in the water effected by the area of the induced charge to bond to the electrode, and anions in the water effected by the area of the induced charge to bond to the water containment means.

8. A water treatment system according to claim 7 wherein the system includes at least two 20 spaced apart active electrodes, in use, being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water.

A water treatment system according to either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the or each said active electrode is substantially a cylindrical rod having a tapered end to a point, in use, to increase the voltage gradient delivered by the rod.

10. A water treatment system according to either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the active electrode is in the shape of a circular disc. 30

11. A water treatment system according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the active electrode is suspended in the body of water by means of a floatable platform. 17 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. " 1 SEP 2006 RECEIVED

12. A water treatment system according to claim 11 wherein the platform is provided with a power supply means, the power supply means being adapted to supply the or each said active electrode with a negative electrostatic voltage charge, such charge being sourced from at least one solar cell adapted, in use, to generate power that is fed to the power supply means.

13. A water treatment system according to claim 12 wherein the system further comprises additional media inti'oduced into the water or reservoir or river or tank or chamber effected by the induced negative voltage charge, and wherein the media includes material capable of attracting contaminants such as inorganic dissolved ions in the water and enhancing the bonding of contaminants to the media.

14. A water treatment system according to claim 13 wherein the additional media is placed in the electrostatic field in a position subject to a high voltage gradient.

15. A water treatment system according to either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the additional media is sand or crushed minerals or a combination thereof.

16. A method of treating potable water in an open or closed body of water such as water retained in a vessel or reservoir or river or lake or chamber that is referenced to ground potential, and excluding treatment of wastewater and biological contamination, the method including the steps of: A. placing an active electrode in the body of water in the open or closed vessel or reservoir or river or chamber; B. energising the electrode with a negative voltage charge between -25 and -80 volts DC relative to ground potential to induce an electrostatic field in the water with high voltage gradients; and C. allowing inorganic dissolved cations and anions in the water effected by the induced charge to polarise to the cathode and anode points of charge respectively in the field and allowing bonding and subsequent removal thereof. 18 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. -1 SEP 2006 RECEIVED

17. A method of treating potable water according to claim 16 wherein the electrode is energised or electrostatically charged with a negative voltage charge of substantially between about -25 and -80 volts direct current relative to ground potential is supplied to the electrode. 5

18. A method of treating potable water according to either claim 16 or claim 17 wherein in step A. the electrode is positioned adjacent the bottom of the conduit or reservoir or chamber. 10

19. A method of treating potable water according to any one of claims 16 to 18 further including step D. of removing crystalline compounds formed as a result of the water treatment process from the electrode and chemically treating the compounds to separate the compounds into their pure elements for reuse. 15

20. A water treatment system in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the or each said active electrode is configured and arranged in the water for the collection of hydrogen.

21. A water treatment system in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the or 20 each said active electrode is configured and arranged in salt water to collect and remove sodium and/or chlorine.

22. A water treatment apparatus for use in the treatment of potable water according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. 25

23. A water treatment system for use in the treatment of potable water according to claim 7 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of treating potable water according to claim 16 using the system of any one of 30 claims 7 to 15.

25. A method of treating potable water according to claim 16 substantially as herein described. 19 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. -1 SEP 2006 received