NZ549892A - Fluid conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid conditioning apparatus includes a housing 1a, 1b having an inlet and an outlet and a cavity between the inlet and outlet. An arrangement of rotors 11, 13, 15 is provided in the cavity, and a magnet is provided in at least one intermediate rotor. The apparatus is configured such that a majority of fluid entering the inlet travels at least partly around circumferences of the rotors.

Description

*10052683903* 4 9 8 92 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Date: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FLUID CONDITIONING APPARATUS We, PILOT 25 LIMITED, a New Zealand company, of 2 Carroll Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 754881-1 intellectual property office of n.z. 1 5 SEP 201 R F Cm E \ V E C 2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fluid conditioning apparatus. 5 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Water is commonly conditioned or treated in some way before it is used. Potable or drinking water, for example, typically undergoes treatment at a central municipal facility and further conditioning at a user's premises. The further conditioning may be carried out by boiling the water, distilling the water, or passing the water through a filter, for instance a carbon filter.

An example water conditioner is described in New Zealand Patent No. 514358. That patent describes a shaftless rotor positioned within a housing to receive water to be 15 conditioned. Water that is entered into the housing rotates the shafdess rotor and the magnet provided in the shafdess rotor. This rotating magnet is said to filter or treat the water in this process.

Other fluids such as hydrocarbon fuels and oils are also often conditioned prior to use, 20 through the use of a filter.

The above patent has been described to provide a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Reference to the patent should not be construed as an admission that the patent is prior art or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any 25 jurisdiction.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid conditioning apparatus which is improved, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. 699014-3 3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid conditioning apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an oudet and a cavity between the inlet and the outlet; an arrangement of x number of rotors in the cavity that are adapted to rotate around respective axes, where x > 3 and the arrangement begins with a first rotor adjacent the inlet of the housing, ends with an rotor adjacent the oudet of the housing, and has 10 one or more intermediate rotors arranged between the first and xth rotors, each of the rotors having a plurality of teeth and recesses about its circumference, the intermediate rotor(s) arranged such that the teeth of the intermediate rotor(s) are received in the recesses of two adjacent rotors, with sufficient clearance between adjacent rotors to enable fluid to pass therebetween; and a magnet provided in at least the intermediate rotor (if 3) or in at least one of the intermediate rotors (if .v>3); the apparatus configured such that at least a majority of the fluid entering the housing through the inlet travels at least pardy around the circumference of the first rotor, around at least a major part of the circumference of the intermediate rotor (if x = 3) or 20 around at least a major part of the circumference of at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet (if x > 3), and at least pardy around the circumference of the Xth rotor, before exiting the housing through the oudet.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in 25 part of, that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. The terms "comprise", "comprises", and "comprised" should be interpreted in the same way.

Preferably, either „v = 3 and the perimeter of the intermediate rotor has two faces that are angled relative to each other and a rotor adjacent the intermediate rotor cooperates with one of the faces and another rotor adjacent the intermediate rotor cooperates with the other of the faces such that at least a majority of fluid makes more than one full revolution of the intermediate rotor, or „v > 3 and the perimeter of at least one intermediate rotor 35 containing a magnet has two faces that are angled relative to each other and a rotor adjacent said at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet cooperates with one of 6990U-5 i Intellectual prop£h 1 ^ office of n.z. 1 5 DEC 2KB p F P. EIV E_D 4 the faces and another rotor adjacent said at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet cooperates with the other of the faces such that at least a majority of fluid makes more than one full revolution of said at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet Preferably, each rotor is adapted to rotate in a respective plane, and the planes of rotation of adjacent rotors are non-parallel and non-coplanar. Preferably, the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at an angle of about 360°/ x relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor.

The plane of rotation of each rotor may be oriented at an angle of about 120° relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor.

Preferably, the peak of each tooth of the or each intermediate rotor comprises two faces that are angled relative to one another, to enable the teeth of the or each intermediate rotor 15 to engage with the recesses of two adjacent rotors that are oriented on an angle relative to one another. The included angle between the faces on the or each intermediate rotor may be about 360°/ x.

Preferably, the included angle between the faces on each tooth of the or each intermediate 20 rotor is about 120°.

Preferably, the teeth on the or each intermediate rotor are non-coplanar relative to the axis of rotation of the respective rotor.

The rotors may be in a staggered arrangement such that the axes of the rotors are non-intersecting, non-parallel, and non-coincident.

Each rotor may comprise a shaft or stub shafts that define(s) the axis of rotation of that rotor. Preferably, a clearance is provided between the shaft or stub shafts of each rotor 30 and complementary recesses in the housing, such that some of the fluid passing through the cavity will pass between the shaft or stub shafts of each rotor and the housing, to reduce or prevent friction therebetween.

Preferably, each rotor has two sides, and at least one of the sides of the or each rotor 35 containing a magnet defines an external recess that is adapted to collect metal particles 699014-5 I IS DEC RECEIVED. from a fluid passing through the cavity that are attracted thereto by the magnet in the rotor(s).

The rotors are preferably adapted to rotate as a result of fluid passing through the cavity. 5 Preferably, the inlet is generally tangential to the first rotor, such that fluid travelling into the housing through the inlet causes the first rotor to rotate in a predetermined direction.

Preferably, at least three of the rotors contain magnets, and each magnet is positioned in a respective rotor with its north-south axis substantially coincident with the axis of rotation ^0 of the respective rotor. Preferably, the three or more rotors containing magnets are arranged with their planes of rotation non-parallel and non-coplanar, and with their axes non-intersecting, and the magnets are arranged with their north-south poles in a complementary configuration to generate a generally helical magnetic field extending from each rotor containing a magnet to the next rotor containing a magnet. The direction of the 15 helical magnetic field between the three or more rotors preferably generally corresponds to the direction of travel of fluid as it moves through the cavity from the inlet of the housing to the oudet of the housing.

Preferably, each magnet is adapted to rotate with its respective rotor.

^ Preferably, the apparatus has a multiple of three rotors.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conditioning system comprising a plurality of fluid conditioning apparatuses as outlined in 25 relation to the first aspect above, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatuses are provided in parallel and/or series.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid conditioning apparatus as outlined in relation to the first aspect above or a fluid 30 conditioning system as outlined in relation to the second aspect above, when used to condition a fluid. 699014-3 6 Preferably, the fluid is water. Most preferably, the water, at least following conditioning, is potable.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and 5 widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. 00 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus 15 with the housing parts separated; Figure 2a is an overhead perspective view of the lower part of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the rotors removed; Figure 2b is an underside perspective view of the upper part of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the rotors removed; Figure 3a is a side view of the lower part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2a, but including the rotors; Figure 3b is an overhead view of the lower part of the apparatus shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4a is an overhead perspective view showing the interaction of the rotors of 25 the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus; Figure 4b is a side view of the rotors of the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus; Figure 4c is an overhead view of the rotors of the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus; Figure 5 is an exploded view of a first preferred form rotor for use in the apparatus of Figure 1; and 699014-3 Figure 6 is an exploded view of a second preferred form rotor for use in the apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORMS Referring to Figures 1, 2a, and 2b, the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus has a housing indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The housing has a first housing part la and a second housing part lb. While the apparatus is shown in a vertical configuration in this patent specification so that housing part la is beneath housing part lb, it will be understood that as the housing parts fit together to form a generally sealed unit (other than the housing inlet and oudet described below), the apparatus can be used on any orientation. Accordingly, any directional references such as "above", "below", "upper", and "lower" are for the sake of description only, and should not be construed as being limiting.

Each of the upper and lower housing parts la, lb include a channel 2 for receipt of an O-ring seal. When the housing parts are brought together, the O-ring seal (not shown) will be compressed within the channels, to substantially form a seal between the two housing parts. The housing parts each include a number of projections 3a and complementary recesses 3b, to align the housing parts correctly as they are brought together. A plurality of apertures 4 are provided around the exterior of the housing parts la, lb, to enable the housing parts to be held in a joined configuration via fasteners such as screws, alien bolts, or the like. Alternatively, instead of using fasteners, integral sealing could occur.

A housing inlet 5 extends from an exterior of the housing into a cavity 8, and a housing outlet 7 extends from the cavity 8 to the exterior of the housing. In the form shown, the inlet and oudet are on opposite sides of the housing, although this could be changed in some configurations. The inlet and outlet can be any suitable form that enables fluid to enter into and exit from the housing, such as a slot, aperture, or the like. Either or both of the inlet and outlet 5, 7 may comprise an arrangement for connecting the housing to a tube or pipe, such as a threaded portion for example. 699014-3 8 The cavity 8 of the lower housing part la is defined by a first relatively deep part 8a, a second intermediate part 8b, and a third raised part 8c. The first relatively deep part 8a is configured to engage with a third raised part 8c of the upper housing part lb, the intermediate parts 8b are arranged to engage against each other, and the raised part 8c is 5 arranged to engage with the first relatively deep cavity part 8a of the upper housing part lb.

With the housing parts la, lb together, the cavity 8 has sections 9a, 9b, 9c sized and configured to provide sufficient space and a correct location for receipt of rotors 11, 13, and 15 respectively. The housing parts la, lb are preferably identical so they can be made 00 from the same tool.

While the preferred form apparatus shown has a rotor arrangement with three rotors, the rotor arrangement may have jxr number of rotors in the cavity that are adapted to rotate around respective axes, where x>3 and the arrangement begins with a first rotor 11 15 adjacent the inlet 5 of the housing, ends with an rotor adjacent the oudet 7 of the housing, and one or more intermediate rotors 13 arranged between the first and ^ rotors.

Each of the rotors has a plurality of teeth 21 and recesses 23 about its circumference. The rotors 11, 13, 15 are arranged such that the teeth 21 of the intermediate rotor is received in 20 the recesses 23 of two adjacent rotors 11, 15, with sufficient clearance between adjacent rotors to enable fluid to pass therebetween. Accordingly, it is preferred that the teeth of one rotor do not completely "mesh" with the recesses of an adjacent rotor. Rather, there will be sufficient space to allow fluid to travel between the teeth of one rotor and the recesses of an adjacent rotor. However, the clearance is preferably such that it is not 25 possible for one rotor to rotate any significant distance without the adjacent rotor also rotating. Additionally, it is preferred that the clearance between the teeth on one rotor and the recesses on the adjacent rotor is such that it is a relative tight fight for a typical flow of fluid to pass therebetween. That enables the rotors to provide a "crushing" or pulverising effect on the fluid as it passes between the rotors, which is believed by the applicant to 30 enhance and condition the fluid. The effect may vary depending on the viscosity of the fluid. 699014-3 9 As can be seen from Figures 1, 3a, and 4a-4c, the rotors are preferably provided in a staggered arrangement, and are adapted to rotate in respective planes. The planes of rotation of adjacent rotors are non-parallel and non-coplanar. As will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the peak of each tooth of at least the intermediate 5 rotors, and preferably all rotors, comprises two faces that are angled relative to one another, to enable the teeth of each intermediate rotor to engage with the recesses of two adjacent rotors. The faces on each tooth define an apex on the tooth. In the form shown, each face extends about half the length of the tooth. The apexes of the teeth are suitably aligned with the plane of rotation of the respective rotor. •> Preferably, the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at an angle of about 360°/x relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor. That is, when there are a total of three rotors provided in an apparatus, the plane of rotation of each rotor is suitably oriented at an angle of about 120° relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor. If 15 four rotors were provided for example, the plane of rotation of each rotor may be oriented at an angle of about 90° to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor. However, that would require a variation in rotor design if more than three rotors were to be used in the apparatus. In a preferred configuration, the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at a suitable angle relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor, and those angles 20 between adjacent rotors may remain substantially constant throughout the apparatus. That would enable the same rotor to be used whether three or more rotors are present in the rotor arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at an angle of about 120° relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor, whether three or more rotors are provided.

As mentioned above, the rotors are provided in a staggered arrangement such that the rotational axes of the rotors are non-intersecting, non-parallel, and non-coincident. Each rotor may comprise a shaft or stub shafts 11a, 13a, 15a that define the axis of rotation of the respective rotor. The housing is suitably provided with complementary recesses 30 adapted for receipt of the shaft or stub shaft 13a, 11a, 15a, and a clearance is preferably provided between the shaft or stub shafts of each rotor and the recesses in the housing, such that some of the fluid passing through the cavity will pass between the shaft or stub 699014-3 shafts of each rotor in the housing, to reduce or prevent friction therebetween. The recesses and stub shafts are, however, configured to limit lateral movement of the rotors. It will be appreciated that the rotors could have other configurations, such as aligned for example.

The rotors are preferably adapted to rotate as a result of fluid passing through the housing. Preferably, the entry of the housing inlet 5 into the cavity is generally tangential to the first rotor 11, such that fluid travelling into the housing through the fluid inlet causes the first rotor to rotate in a predetermined direction 11 A. As the fluid entering the housing causes the rotor 1 to rotate in direction 11 A, rotor 13 is caused to rotate in direction 13A, and rotor 15 is caused to rotate in direction 15A. As an alternative, at least one of the rotors may be driven by a powered means, such as an electric servomotor or other suitable means. It may be sufficient for a single rotor to be driven in such a way.

Figure 5 shows details of one suitable form rotor 11, 13, 15. The rotor has a main body 11', 13, 15' defining a circumference having a plurality of teeth 21 and recesses 23. As mentioned above, each tooth of at least the intermediate rotor has two angled faces 22 which meet in a peak 22a on each tooth. The faces on each tooth define an apex 22a, and the apexes of the teeth on each rotor are suitably aligned with the plane of rotation of the rotor. The teeth on at least the intermediate rotor, and preferably on each rotor, are non-coplanar relative to the axis of rotation of the respective rotor.

In this embodiment, the rotor has two sides 11", 13", 15" which are adapted to fit as a press fit within the main body 11', 13', 15' defining the circumference. The sides carry the stub shafts 11a, 13a, 15a. Alternatively, a shaft could extend centrally through the two sides of the rotor. However, at least one, preferably at least three, and most preferably all of the rotors contain a magnet, such as magnet 24. In the form shown, the magnet 24 is a cylindrical bar permanent magnet, although any suitable form of magnet of any suitable shape could be used. The magnet has a main axis defined by its north and south poles (marked by N and S respectively). In the form shown, the main axis or north-south axis of the magnet is coincident with the rotational axis of the rotor. It is believed by the applicant 699014-3 that as the rotor rotates, the rotation of the magnet about its main axis causes the magnetic field generated by the magnet 24 to intensify.

Reverting to Figure 4a-4c, the magnets are preferably oriented in the rotors in a complementary arrangement such that the south pole S of magnet 15 is positioned closer to the north pole N of magnet 13 than to the south pole of magnet 13, and the south pole of magnet 13 is positioned closer to the north pole N of magnet 11 than to the south pole S of magnet 11. Accordingly, the magnet 24 in rotor 11 generates a three dimensional magnetic field that extends from its north pole N to its south pole S (indicated by reference 11m), and rotors 13 and 15 generate similar magnetic fields 11m, 13m respectively. Additionally, magnetic attraction creates a magnetic field extending from north pole N of magnet 11 to south pole S of magnet 13, indicated by reference ll-13m, and from north pole N of magnet 13 to south pole S of magnet 15, indicated by reference 13-15m. Accordingly, the rotors carrying magnets are in a staggered arrangement with the planes of rotation non-parallel and non-coplanar, and with their axes non-intersecting, non-parallel, and non-coincident, and the magnets are arranged with their north-south poles in a complementary configuration to generate a generally helical magnetic field travelling from rotor 11 to rotor 13 and from rotor 13 to rotor 15. The direction of the helical magnetic field between the rotors containing magnets generally corresponds to the direction of travel of fluid as it moves through the cavity from the inlet 5 of the housing to the oudet 9 of the housing. That is, the fluid moves generally from rotor 11 to rotor 13 to rotor 15, and the magnetic field direction is from rotor 11 to rotor 13 to rotor 15.

In an alternative embodiment, the magnets in each rotor may be oriented in the opposite direction, so that the helical magnetic field extends from rotor 15 to rotor 13 to rotor 11; that is generally opposite to the direction of travel of fluid as it passes through the cavity.

At least one of the sides 11", 13", 15", and preferably each side, of each rotor carrying a magnet defines a generally concave external recess r that is adapted to collect metal particles such as iron from a fluid passing through the cavity that are attracted thereto by the magnet 24 in the rotor. That helps keep the particles away from the bearing surfaces between the rotors and the housing. 699014-3 12 The rotors are preferably oriented at an angle of about 360°/ x as outlined as one option above. The included angle between the faces on the teeth of the rotor may be about 360°/ x. Alternatively, or in that embodiment, the included angle between the faces on each tooth may be about 120°.

Figure 6 shows an alternative preferred form rotor for use in the preferred form fluid conditioning apparatus. Unless described below, the features should be considered the same as for the rotor of Figure 5, and like reference numerals indicate like parts with the addition of 20. This design has the same tooth and recess profile as the rotor shown and #0 described with reference to Figure 5. However, this rotor differs in that the sides are manufactured as an integral part of the main body. Rather than having connectable sides, the rotor is joined down its centre at the point of intersection 42a of the faces on each tooth 41. Again, a recess r is provided in at least one side of the rotor, and preferably both sides, the recess adapted to collect metal particles such as iron or the like that are attracted 15 thereto by the magnet in the rotor. The rotor again contains a cavity for receipt of the magnet 44. The magnet may be a tight fight within the rotor to ensure that it rotates upon rotation of the rotor. Alternatively, the magnet may be a relatively lose fight within the rotor such that rotation of the magnet does not necessarily occur. However, as outlined above, it is preferred that the magnet does rotate, as the applicant believes that intensifies 20 the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

In some embodiments, the magnets may be oriented in the rotors in a different way. For example, the magnets may be positioned transverse to the respective rotor axis, so that the magnet rotates about a rotational axis transverse to its main axis upon rotation of the rotor.

These rotors have been invented for this particular application, and each is effectively a double angled bevel gear with its teeth running through an offset plane.

Operation of Preferred Forms In use, fluid enters the housing through fluid inlet 5. The fluid impacts on first rotor 11, and causes that rotor to rotate in direction 11 A. The majority of the fluid entering the 699014-3 13 housing through the inlet travels at least partly around the circumference of the first rotor 11 with the rotation of the rotor, and then contacts rotor 13, causing that rotor to rotate in direction 13A. Some of the flmd will make one full revolution of rotor 11 before passing to rotor 13. At least a majority of the fluid then travels around at least a major part of the 5 circumference of the intermediate rotor 13 with rotation of the rotor 13, until it contacts rotor 15, which will cause that rotor to rotate in direction 15A. While the majority of the fluid will at least make one full revolution of rotor 13, a minor part of fluid may only travel a small distance around the circumference of rotor 13 and then onto rotor 15. As the flmd travels around the rotor 13, the fluid will initially be in contact with the side of the 0) circumference closest to rotor 11; that is the side of rotor 13 visible in Figure 4a. The majority of the fluid will travel around at least a major part of the circumference on the side of the rotor 13 closest to rotor 11, and will then travel around at least a major part of the circumference on the side of the rotor 13 closest to rotor 15, that is, at least a major part of the fluid will make more than one full revolution of rotor, and will preferably make at least 15 about two full revolutions. As the rotor 13 rotates and the fluid travels with the rotor, the fluid is caused to move to the other side of the rotor 13 that is the closest to rotor 15; that is the left side of rotor 13 shown in Figure 2a, before passing to rotor 15. The fluid will then travel at least pardy around the circumference of the third rotor 15 with rotation of the rotor 15, before exiting the housing through the outlet. Some of the fluid may make at 20 least one full revolution of rotor 15 prior to exiting the housing through oudet 7.

Additionally, in the form shown, some of the fluid will pass between the stub shafts of the rotors and recesses R in the housing, to reduce or prevent friction between the rotors and the housing. That fluid will follow generally the same path through the cavity as the fluid 25 travelling around the rotor(s).

By having such a configuration, at least a major part of the fluid is caused to make at least a major part of one full revolution of the intermediate rotor 13. As that rotor contains a magnet, that causes the fluid to be subjected to the magnetic field for a longer period than 30 would be the case if the fluid could readily pass straight through the cavity. It is believed that the extended duration in the magnetic field enhances the conditioning of the fluid. Additionally, as the rotors and the cavity create a torturous path for the fluid such that at 699014-3 14 least a majority of the fluid is caused to pass from the first rotor, around the intermediate rotor, and onto the final rotor, that results in a greater crushing or pulverising effect on the fluid which again is believed to enhance conditioning of the fluid.

The preferred form apparatus has applications for conditioning various fluids for use, such as hydrocarbon fuels, oils, waste, and water for example. Most suitably, the preferred form is applicable to potable water, or at least to water which is potable following conditioning in the apparatus. 00 Most components of the preferred from apparatus, other than the magnets, can be manufactured from a suitable material such as plastic or a polymer composite, for example glass-filled nylon.

Experiments Experiment 1 - Plant Trials Two Asparagus Plumosa ferns were planted in respective plant pots. One was watered with tap water, and the other was watered with tap water that had been conditioned by 20 passing the tap water through the preferred form apparatus. The positions of the plant pots were swapped on a daily basis, to ensure that one plant did not receive more sunlight than the other. Both plants were initially 800 mm tall. After a trial period of three months, the plant that was watered with tap water had grown to a height of 1300 mm and the plant that was watered with conditioned water had grown to a height of 1700 mm.

Experiment 2 - Water Boiling Samples of tap water and tap water that had been conditioned by passing that through the preferred form apparatus were boiled, and the time to boiling was measured for each. The 30 results were summarised in Table One. It can be seen that the conditioned water regularly boiled more rapidly than the unconditioned water. 699014-3 Table One Day TemtTf&lsius)* Quant*ty Time To Boil (Minutes) Unconditioned Conditioned Day 1 12.1 1 litre 3.1325 3.0806 Day 2 13.1 1 litre 3.1289 3.1048 Day 3 12.4 1 litre 3.1422 3.0756 Day 4 11.9 1 litre 3.1887 3.0902 Day 5 .4 1 litre 3.2144 3.1231 Day 6 .3 1 litre 3.2357 3.1388 Day 7 .4 1 litre 3.2903 3.1397 Day 8 9.8 1 litre 3.1794 3.1407 Day 9 9.8 1 litre 3.1834 3.1445 Day 10 9.5 1 litre 3.2312 3.1526 Day 11 9.7 1 litre 3.2584 3.1633 Day 12 9.4 1 litre 3.2411 3.1468 Day 13 8.6 1 litre 3.3326 3.2374 Day 14 8.5 1 litre 3.3149 3.2288 Day 15 7.3 1 litre 3.3258 3.2183 Day 16 7.4 1 litre 3.3266 3.2314 Day 17 7.3 1 litre 3.3353 3.2413 Day 18 7.1 1 litre 3.3512 3.2436 Day 19 7.4 1 litre 3.3089 3.2345 Day 20 7.5 1 litre 3.3144 3.2397 Day 21 7.2 1 litre 3.3295 3.2487 Day 22 7.4 1 litre 3.3404 3.2411 Day 23 7.1 1 litre 3.3513 3.2523 Day 24 7.3 1 litre 3.3307 3.2488 Day 25 6.8 1 litre 3.3567 3.2598 Day 26 6.7 1 litre 3.3478 3.2683 Day 27 6.9 1 litre 3.3552 3.2614 Day 28 7.1 1 litre 3.3533 3.2598 Day 29 6.8 1 litre 3.3643 3.2608 Day 30 6.6 1 litre 3.3581 3.2670 Day 31 6.8 1 litre 3.3367 3.2588 Day 32 6.9 1 litre 3.3421 3.2498 Day 33 7.3 1 litre 3.3314 3.2382 Day 34 7.1 1 litre 3.3116 3.2485 Day 35 7.4 1 litre 3.3266 3.2418 Day 36 7.2 1 litre 3.3228 3.2378 Day 37 7.6 1 litre 3.3368 3.2331 Day 38 7.3 1 litre 3.3288 3.2377 Day 39 7 1 litre 3.3445 3.2452 Day 40 6.8 1 litre 3.3587 3.2526 Day 41 6.5 1 litre 3.3393 3.2572 Day 42 6.7 1 litre 3.3491 3.2562 Day 43 6.9 1 litre 3.3314 3.2481 Day 44 7.1 1 litre 3.3138 3.2491 Day 45 7.3 1 litre 3.3315 3.2422 Day 46 7.4 1 litre 3.3355 3.2336 699014-3 16 Day aiarang water Temp (Celsius) Quantity Time To Boil (Minutes) Day 47 7.5 1 litre 3.3421 3.2310 Day 48 7.7 1 litre 3.3231 3.2291 Day 49 7.2 1 litre 3.3398 3.2464 Day 50 7.5 1 litre 3.3405 3.2411 Day 51 7.8 1 litre 3.3165 3.2343 Day 52 7.3 1 litre 3.3436 3.2422 Day 53 7.4 1 litre 3.3252 3.2274 Day 54 7.5 1 litre 3.2989 3.2122 Day 55 7.6 1 litre 3.3358 3.2421 Day 56 7.4 1 litre 3.3281 3.2240 Day 57 7.8 1 litre 3.2923 3.1978 Day 58 7.7 1 litre 3.3134 3.1966 Day 59 7.6 1 litre 3.2923 3.2085 Day 60 7.8 1 litre 3.2791 3.1921 Day 61 7.9 1 litre 3.2591 3.1844 Day 62 8 1 litre 3.2715 3.1872 Day 63 8.1 1 litre 3.2863 3.1821 Day 64 8.2 1 litre 3.2633 3.1787 Day 65 8 1 litre 3.2667 3.1869 Day 66 8.1 1 litre 3.2952 3.1938 Day 67 8.3 1 litre 3.2741 3.1729 Day 68 8.3 1 litre 3.2687 3.1821 Day 69 8.1 1 litre 3.2871 3.1849 Day 70 8.2 1 litre 3.2618 3.1822 The above describes preferred forms only and modifications can made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

For example, while the rotors are shown and described as having integrally formed stub shafts or shafts for receipt in complementary recesses, the rotors could instead have stub shafts or shafts that are received in physical bearings in the housing through seals.

The preferred form apparatus can be provided with additional filters, to further enhance the conditioning of the fluid. For example, when the apparatus is to be used for conditioning potable water, the apparatus may be provided with an inline filter to further enhance the conditioning of that water.

In the form shown, all rotors have the same configuration with the angled faces on the teeth. However, the profile of the first and xth rotors could be similar to conventional bevel gears, as they each need to interact with only a single other rotor. 699014-3 In the form shown, all of the rotors contain a magnet. However, satisfactory fluid conditioning could occur with only the intermediate rotor containing a magnet, as that is the rotor which the fluid is forced to travel around at least a major part of. However, it is preferred that at least three rotors contain magnets, to form the helical magnetic field described above. Those rotors could all be intermediate rotors, if x>5. Most preferably, all rotors in the apparatus contain magnets. It is preferred that the rotor arrangement has a multiple of three rotors, such as three, six, nine, etc.

When there are multiple intermediate rotors containing magnets, it is preferred that at least a majority of the fluid entering the housing is caused to travel around at least a majority of the circumference of each intermediate rotor containing a magnet for enhanced conditioning, although that is not essential.

The preferred form apparatus is shown as having three rotors. Instead, the apparatus could have four, five, or more rotors for example. The angular spacing between the planes of rotation of adjacent rotors could be 360°/x, or alternatively the angular spacing could be another predetermined value, such as 120° for example.

A plurality of preferred form apparatuses can be provided in series and/or parallel to make a conditioning system that can cope with a significandy increased flow rate of fluid. 699014-3 18

Claims (26)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A fluid conditioning apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a cavity between the inlet and the 5 outlet; an arrangement of x number of rotors in the cavity that are adapted to rotate around respective axes, where x> 3 and the arrangement begins with a first rotor adjacent the inlet of the housing, ends with an jc*h rotor adjacent the outlet of the housing, and has one or more intermediate rotors arranged between the first and .vth rotors, each of the 10 rotors having a plurality of teeth and recesses about its circumference, the intermediate rotor(s) arranged such that the teeth of the intermediate rotor(s) are received in the recesses of two adjacent rotors, with sufficient clearance between adjacent rotors to enable fluid to pass therebetween; and a magnet provided in at least the intermediate rotor (if x — 3) or in at least one of 15 the intermediate rotors (if *>3); the apparatus configured such that at least a majority of the fluid entering the housing through the inlet travels at least partly around the circumference of the first rotor, around at least a major part of the circumference of the intermediate rotor (if „v = 3) or around at least a major part of the circumference of at least one intermediate rotor 20 containing a magnet (if > 3), and at least partly around the circumference of the _vth rotor, before exiting the housing through the outlet. I

2. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein either x = 3 and the perimeter of the intermediate motor has two faces that are angled relative to each other and 25 a rotor adjacent the intermediate rotor cooperates with one of the faces and another rotor adjacent the intermediate rotor cooperates with the other of the faces such that at least a majority of fluid makes more than one full revolution of the intermediate rotor, or x > 3 and the perimeter of at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet has two faces that are angled relative to each other and a rotor adjacent said at least one intermediate rotor 30 containing a magnet cooperates with one of the faces and another rotor adjacent said at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet cooperates with the other of the faces 699014-5 OFP'CE OF N.Z. 1 5 DEC 2006 [RECEIVE^ 19 such that at least a majority of fluid makes more than one full revolution of said at least one intermediate rotor containing a magnet.

3. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each rotor is 5 adapted to rotate in a respective plane, and wherein the planes of rotation of adjacent rotors are non-parallel and non-coplanar.

4. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at an angle of about 360°/ x relative to the plane of rotation of an 10 adjacent rotor.

5. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plane of rotation of each rotor is oriented at an angle of about 120° relative to the plane of rotation of an adjacent rotor. 15

6. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peak of each tooth of the or each intermediate rotor comprises two faces that are angled relative to one another, to enable the teeth of the or each intermediate rotor to engage with the recesses of two adjacent rotors that are oriented on an angle relative to one 20 another.

I 7. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the included angle between the faces on each tooth of the or each intermediate rotor is about 360°/ .v. 25

8. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the included angle between the faces on the or each intermediate rotor is about 120°.

9. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the teeth on the or each intermediate rotor are non-coplanar relative to the axis of rotation of 30 the respective rotor. 699014-5 IntbIec^^ OFFICE OF N-Z- I 1 5 DEC 2006 RFCElVgP- 20

10. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotors are a staggered arrangement such that the axes of the rotors are non-intersecting, non-parallel, and non-coincident. 5

11. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each rotor comprises a shaft or stub shafts that define(s) the axis of rotation of

12. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein a clearance is 10 provided between the shaft or stub shafts of each rotor and a complementary recess in the housing, such that some of the fluid passing through the cavity will pass between the shaft or stub shafts of each rotor and the housing, to reduce or prevent friction therebetween.

13. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein 15 each rotor has two sides, and wherein at least one of the sides of the or each rotor containing a magnet defines an external recess that is adapted to collect metal particles from a fluid passing through the cavity that are attracted thereto by the magnet in the rotor(s). 20

14. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotors are adapted to rotate as a result of fluid passing through the cavity.

15. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inlet is generally tangential to the first rotor, such that fluid travelling into the housing through the inlet 25 causes the first rotor to rotate in a predetermined direction.

16. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least three of the rotors contain magnets, and each magnet is positioned in a respective rotor with its north-south axis substantially coincident with the axis of rotation 30 of the respective rotor. that rotor. 699014-5 21 10 25

17. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the three or more rotors containing magnets are arranged with their planes of rotation non-parallel and non-coplanar, and with their axes non-intersecting, and the magnets are arranged with their north-south poles in a complementary configuration to generate a generally helical magnetic field extending from the or each rotor containing a magnet to the next rotor containing a magnet.

18. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the direction of the helical magnetic field between the three or more rotors generally corresponds to the direction of travel of fluid as it moves from the inlet of the housing to the outlet of the housing.

19. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each magnet is adapted to rotate with its respective rotor.

20. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a multiple of three rotors.

21. A fluid conditioning apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

23. A conditioning system comprising a plurality of fluid conditioning apparatuses as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatuses are provided in parallel and/or series.

24. A fluid conditioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, or a system as claimed in claim 23, when used to condition a fluid. 699014-5 22

25. A fluid conditioning apparatus or system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fluid is water.

26. A fluid conditioning apparatus or system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the water, at least following conditioning, is potable. PILOT 25 LIMITED By thi authorised agents A