WO2008017321A1

WO2008017321A1 - Process and device for treating water

Info

Publication number: WO2008017321A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/007907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hartmut Schulte
Original assignee: Hartmut Schulte
Priority date: 2006-08-10
Filing date: 2006-08-10
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: CA2660467A1

Abstract

Process and device for treating water with a pulsed electromagnetic field in which a magnetic field is generated over a section of the water-bearing tube (15) with both ends via induction coils (16), the intensity of which field can be set by open-loop control of the frequency of impulses which are generated in an integrated circuit IC 2. The intensity is controlled by closed-loop control by limiting the frequency with a flow meter (8) as a function of the water throughput rate or via a fixable potentiometer (7) as a function of the mean water consumption and the tube diameter, wherein the changing frequency of the sum signal which is formed in IC 2 and is generated from the signal of a ramp generator (4), the frequency of which is varied by a scanner (6) via a counter component (5), and the signal of a voltage-dependent generator (3), is a first signal under open-loop frequency control, which is transformed via a transistor bridge circuit (9) and a push-pull amplifier (10) and is subsequently in turn added to a signal from a voltage converter (11) having an attached power unit (12). The signal prepared is passed to the inlet of an amplifier stage (13) and from there as alternating voltage, which here is utilized as "push-pull voltage", is applied to the windings of the induction coils (16) which have the same direction of action, the electromagnetic field of which alters with the physical properties of the transmitted frequency, wherein the time change of the voltage per pulse is at least 20 volts per microsecond. The expression "push-pull voltage" is intended to express the fact that the sign changes in polarity (as in alternating voltage).

Description

Method and device for treating water

The invention relates to a method and a device in which water is treated with an electromagnetic field, wherein a magnetic field is generated at both ends by wound induction coils depending on a magnetic field whose intensity adjustable by controlling the frequency of pulses generated by a generator and the intensity is controlled by a respective switch with associated potentiometer for the water passage power control and a second switch for hardness control with associated potentiometer for voltage conversion, wherein the changing frequency of the signal from a ramp generator is added to the frequency of the signal from the generator and from a frequency-controlled signal is generated, which in turn is added to the signal from the voltage-current converter to a signal representing a collection frequency, wherein the frequency emanating from the generator in the low-frequency amplifier via a further einmündende frequency leads and this sampling frequency is converted by the low-frequency amplifier and are supplied via an output or distributor at both ends over the length of the pipe measuring section limiting, effect rectified windings with the pulses whose electromagnetic field, the physical properties of the flowing frequency as a function of the setting Switch changes, the derivative of the derivative of the hardness-related voltage current transformer is downstream of the derivative of the derivative and adds the derivatives with the derivative of the ramp generator and the downstream generator to the frequency, the intensity of both generators together via the low-frequency amplifier to the output of the magnetic lines is given.

In the treatment of drinking water, which is often obtained as groundwater from deep rock layers, is to pay particular attention to the calcium hydrogen carbonate, as the cause of limestone deposits and incrustations in the

Tube walls is known. The total hardness of the water is made up of the so-called carbonate hardness (sum of dissolved alkaline earth bicarbonates) and the non-carbonate hardness (other dissolved alkaline earth metal salts) together. In other words, the more lime dissolved in the water, the harder the water is. The associated Kaikabscheidungen reduce the efficiency of heaters, reduce the pipe diameter and cause at greatly reduced pipe diameters a pressure drop, which no longer allows a meaningful use of the piping system. This is associated with costs and increased energy consumption.

The forming limestone approach can be prevented differently:

1. by ion exchangers, in which the calcium ions and the bicarbonate are taken out of the water and are replaced with sodium ions and chloride ions

2. by controlled addition of phosphate chemicals to prevent hard deposits from forming; The lime should be kept in solution by the chemicals or form a stable, chemically inert sludge with the chemicals, which discharges the water flow

3. by treatment of the water before entering the system by means of electromagnetic fields, ie in a physical way; The existing ions form microfine, long-term stable lime particles with significantly changed

Morphology, which are in equilibrium with the carbonic acid contained in the water and show no tendency to adhere to the tube walls

In comparison, the o. G. Methods 1) and 2) the regular replacement of the consuming lonentauschers or the refilling of the reservoir with phosphate chemicals necessary. In addition, the line network must be provided with an opening for inserting the ion exchanger or to add the chemicals, which is associated with the additional risk of increased microbial contamination.

Method 3), on the other hand, does not require any chemicals, does not require an open piping system and treats the water in a purely physical manner. High water temperatures hardly affect the effect and existing encrustations are additionally degraded by the generated, small amounts of free carbon dioxide in the flowing water.

From EP-A-O 357 102 a device according to method 3) working for the treatment of liquids is known which is intended to prevent the deposition of calcium carbonate and similar components. The device consists of coils wound around a pipe at some distance from each other, which generate an electromagnetic field. In this case, depending on the flow velocity in the tube pulses are formed whose amplitude and frequency are used to control two magnetic fields. The magnetic field lines of the generated magnetic fields are opposite to each other with the result that in the parting plane of the two fields, the magnetic field lines are arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid flow. Therefore, the coils interfere with each other's field.

On the other hand, EP 0 460 248 B1 discloses a process for treating water with an electromagnetic field, in which a magnetic field orientated in the same direction to the flow direction is generated over the measuring path of a pipe at both ends by means of wound induction coils whose intensity is controlled by controlling the frequency of pulses , which can be generated with a generator, is adjustable. This is where the generated fields increase. The effectiveness of this procedure has been checked by the state inspection body of ÖVGW in accordance with test guideline W 35 and confirmed in an opinion. The efficiency is more than 90%.

The intensity is controlled by a switch with associated potentiometer depending on the water throughput and the water hardness. The changing frequency of the signal from a ramp generator is added to the frequency of the signal from a generator and used to generate a frequency controlled signal which is added to the signal from a voltage to current converter to an end signal representing a sampling frequency. The collection frequency is converted by the low-frequency amplifier and given at both ends over the length of the measuring section of the device mentioned limiting, effect rectified windings via an output or a distributor, so that their electromagnetic field changes the water flowing through in dependence on the setting of the above switch. The hardness of the water, however, depends on the origin of the water and may vary due to the supply. Consumption is often also subject to strong fluctuations. As a precaution, systems of this type must therefore be operated at increased power to account for variations in water hardness and short-term peak loads. Alternatively, such a system must be retrofitted with complex control electronics and ion-selective sensors to accurately determine the current water hardness and adjust the performance of the system.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and an apparatus - hereinafter also referred to as CaIc Tech device - to provide for the treatment of water with electromagnetic fields, which makes the desired effect in situation-adjusted energy consumption without complex measurement and control electronics accessible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features specified in patent claim 1. Further advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, as well as the embodiments of the following description.

In the treatment of tap water with the help of pulsed induction coils very different factors come into play: a) current consumption b) degree of hardness of the water c) additional impurities in the water d) number of pulses e) pulse characteristic. While the current water consumption with the help of a flow meter can be easily determined, the degree of hardness of the water and the concentration of other impurities such. B. manganese or iron subjected to strong fluctuations. The number of pulses per unit time is proportional to the intensity of the treatment or the field and allows the control of the total power. As a precautionary measure, this had to be set slightly higher than required in order to compensate for fluctuations in the water quality with regard to points b) and c). Extensive long-term tests led to the following surprising result: The efficiency of the system is significantly influenced by e), ie the type of pulses generated, in this case mainly by the voltage gradient of the signal applied via the terminals to the induction coils as a function of time. While sinusoidal voltage changes with frequencies in the Hertz range caused little change in the water, a sharp increase in the concentration of microfine lime particles was observed when the time domain of the voltage pulse was in the range of microseconds. Changes in water quality could be detected at a low flow rate already at 70 Hz pulse rate and a gradient of 20 volts up to 300 volts per microsecond. Good to very good results were obtained with 80 volts to 232 volts per second. As a good guideline, 90 volts to 110 volts voltage difference per microsecond could be identified. Pulse with this pulse characteristic showed a pure variation of the pulse rate as a function of the water passage capacity despite a fluctuating water hardness constant effectiveness with reduced energy consumption.

Therefore, with a suitable adjustment of the pulse characteristic can be dispensed with a complex control device for controlling and taking into account the water hardness. By integrating the other required components for signal generation in a circuit, ie an IC 2, a simplified, less susceptible to interference device can be provided with higher efficiency and smaller footprint.

This device according to the invention, the CaIc Tech device, thus provides the desired effect with less energy consumption and simplified, less susceptible to failure construction: The CaIc Tech device affects the lime molecules in the water and combats the encrustations that form on heating in boilers, boilers, washing and Dishwashers, coffee machines, piping, fittings, etc. In addition, the water treated by the CaIc Tech unit is stabilized and flushes the segregated incrustations with the water flow, without changing the quality of the water. The realization takes place by an automatic control of the intensity of the clock signals for lime water treatment. In contrast to the chemical treatment, the water is not softened, no minerals are removed, no chemicals are added, the quality and the hardness of the water is retained. In untreated water, the calcium crystals (calcium carbonate CaCO ₃ ) have a size of about 150 microns and a needle-shaped structure. Due to the needle-shaped structure, these crystals have a very high adhesion (felting). The lime crystals which are formed after the treatment according to the invention have a microfine powder structure with particle sizes of about 20 μm and less. They can no longer cling to each other and therefore no longer adhere to the surfaces of pipes, heating rods, etc. The microfine lime crystals are retained as a valuable component and are discharged from the flowing water.

To explain the various non-limiting embodiments of the device according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 1-6 reproduced schematic pictures.

Show it:

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the construction according to the invention of a circuit generating a magnetic field of alternating frequency and polarity FIG. 3 Installation example for boiler heating with island solution FIG. 4 Installation example for central heating with boiler FIG. 5 Cooling circuit with cold water treatment Fig. 6 Cooling circuit with cold / warm water treatment

In water supply systems with constant low water consumption such. B. Trinkwasserspringbrunnen a very simple embodiment of CaIc Tech device can be used with a coil, which provides only a fixed pulse rate. This embodiment also provides for a further adaptation to the conditions given by the user with the aid of a potentiometer 7 (so-called VD value). The diagram for the adjustment is shown in FIG. 1. VD-setting:

Determination of the setting value:

- Determine the water consumption.

- Determine the pipe diameter. - Drag a vertical line from the consumption scale to the

Pipe diameter corresponding diagonal line.

- From the point of intersection, draw a horizontal line on the VD scale.

- The cross point is your VD set value.

The VD value thus represents a control parameter which takes into account pipe diameter, average water consumption and the number of windings of the induction coils on the water-carrying pipe. As a result, the device can be individually adjusted to different pipe and pipe systems.

The field line profile can be varied by the number of coils arranged along the measuring path of the tube (15). Thus, most CaIc Tech devices work with 2 but also 4, and in larger piping systems with long pipe runs, even 6 to 8 induction coils.

The device according to the invention is explained in more detail by the attached schematic representation of a block diagram according to FIG. The integrated circuit (IC) 2 is connected to a 12 V DC power source. It comprises a voltage-dependent generator 3, a ramp generator 4 and a scanner 6 for frequency specification. The frequency range of the scanner is optionally varied via a fixed potentiometer 7 or attached in the line system flow meter 8. The frequency-controlled sum signal from generator and ramp generator is converted under control of the pulse number via a counter module 5 by means of a transistor bridge circuit in a push-pull signal and converted via a current-voltage converter 11 with connected power supply 12 into an alternating current signal. This alternating signal is applied via an amplifier stage 13 and a distributor stage 14 to the induction coils 16, which generate a field oriented in the same direction with respect to the direction of flow of the water at both ends of the tube 15. The voltage curve 17 as a function of time is designed here as a trapezoidal voltage, wherein the slope a in the amount by means of the control logic of the IC in interaction with the VD setting and the signal of the potentiometer 7 or flow meter 8 is always kept within the range according to the invention. Furthermore, the electronic control unit of the CaIc Tech device also includes internal and external fault detection.

In a simplified embodiment for low-constant-passage piping systems, the IC 2 can be permanently wired to a potentiometer 7 and the signal and pulse variation of the modules 10 to 13 can be eliminated. The signal is converted here via the transistor bridge circuit 9 into an alternating voltage with steep flanks according to the invention. With slightly higher water consumption, a power supply 12 is used for the output drivers in the form of DC voltage. Alternatively, in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in the transistor bridge circuit 9 directly from a DC voltage a push-pull signal can be generated.

In a more versatile embodiment, the CaIc Tech device comprises a plurality of signal amplification modules (11, 12 and 13) which can be controlled synchronously. This allows the short-term adaptation of the overall performance of piping systems with highly fluctuating requirements such. B. in the pilot plant area. Power levels from 2 watts to several kilowatts can be provided in stages (equivalent to continuous alternating currents of 0.1 A to 10 A to several hundred amperes). All circuits have in common that they produce pulses whose voltage variation in magnitude as a function of time is at least 20 volts per microsecond up to 1 kVolt per microsecond. The signal shape or the time profile of the total voltage is determined by the individual modules (eg rectangular voltage, sawtooth voltage, trapezoid voltage with steep edge and with or without overdrive signals by switching or higher harmonic frequencies, etc.). In a further versatile embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises digitally controllable AC and frequency converters in combination with frequency filters. This allows the controlled setting of the temporal voltage profile, the amplitude of the pulse, the current voltage characteristic and clearing the signal to avoid power-reducing inductions and higher harmonic oscillations or interactions with externally applied fields. Switching current peaks from 200 A up to several kA can be filtered or controlled.

Further mounting examples of the device according to the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. While the flow chart of several consumers is reproduced in FIG. 3, of which one consumer uses a boiler separately, all of which are supplied with water treated according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows a larger pipeline network with an integrated boiler and an additional caIc operating separately for the boiler Tech device illustrated. The operating principle of the CaIc Tech device connected to a flow meter is identical. On the induction coils, an AC signal is given. The integrated in the control electronics generators generate the pulse according to the invention and permanently vary the output frequency so that at each sweep cycle the respective frequency corresponding to the respective water flow rate is applied twice to the inductors. The signal of the generator can be folded in sections into individual links and thus the projection of the links on the folded length can provide a control range for the action. This training allows tighter or more folding to adapt to the desired frequency. The power of the generators and the power of the voltage systems are combined in such a way that the intensity of the generators together via a driver, to the output, and lead to the coils provided at both ends, the magnetic lines are rectified. It is further provided that flows through the coils arranged at both ends a modified depending on the flow rate alternating current with a range of 0 to 10 kHz, preferably 10 Hz to 6 kHz reaching frequency. So at a flow rate of 0.1 m / s in a normal domestic water pipe (diameter 2.54 cm) with 50 pulses per second were achieved good results. The performance optimum relative to the energy expenditure could be achieved regardless of the hardness from about 70 pulses. Higher intensities such as 100 to 150 pulses per second increase the effectiveness only insignificantly. The control electronics in the CaIc Tech device, which are optionally connected with flowmeters, ensure that different water flow rates, the treatment of water is adjusted to the water flow rate.

Furthermore, the CaIc Tech device according to the invention is also suitable for the treatment of cooling water. Two embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The following CaIc Tech devices designed according to the invention are installed in the cooling water circuits:

- Condenser circuit: Condenser capacity 1700 kW Water volume 140 m / h

Requires: 1 CaIc Tech device

(35 W power, 1 Hz to 10 kHz, potentiometer)

- Oil cooler circuit: oil cooler capacity 255 kW water volume 33 m / h

Requires: 1 CaIc Tech device

(10 watts power, 0 Hz to 6 kHz, potentiometer)

- Fresh water cycle: Drinking water / Domestic hot water amount of water 5 m / h (several outlets)

Requires: 1 CaIc Tech device (5 watts power, 0 Hz to 6 kHz, potentiometer)

The potentiometer settings are used to set the pulse rate limit. Since these are constant purchase quantities, flow meters are not necessary.

By using the optimized CaIc Tech device with lower energy consumption and design effort it is effectively prevented that limescale settles on the hot tube surfaces of the evaporation condensers and the oil coolers of the screw compressor aggregates, which leads to a reduction in performance.

According to the structure of the water cycle, the lime settles in the intermediate water tank and can be drained via a drain valve. The method according to the invention and the CaIc Tech device operating according to the invention generate alternating, alternating frequency electromagnetic fields of varying energy consumption and simpler, less susceptible construction in the water, causing microfine lime crystals, thereby preventing larger lime crystals from forming. The microfine crystals have no adhesiveness, they are rinsed by the water. The CaIc Tech device adapts permanently to the impulses, so that even with slowly flowing water an optimal effect is achieved.

In summary, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating water with a pulsed electromagnetic field in which a magnetic field is generated over a distance of the water-carrying pipe 15 at the same time via induction coils 16, whose intensity is controlled by controlling the frequency of pulses is adjustable, which are generated in an integrated circuit IC 2. The intensity is determined by limiting the frequency with a flow meter 8 as a function of the water throughput or via a permanently adjustable potentiometer 7 as a function of the average water consumption

- And the tube diameter regulated, with the changing frequency of the in the IC

2 formed sum signal, generated from the signal of a ramp generator 4, the frequency of which is varied by a scanner 6 via a counter module 5, and the signal of a voltage-dependent generator 3, a frequency-controlled first signal formed over a transistor bridge circuit 9 and a push-pull amplifier 10 and subsequently in turn to a signal from a voltage current transformer 11 with connected power supply 12 is added. The generated signal is applied to the input of an amplifier stage 13 and from there as AC voltage, which is used here as a "push-pull voltage", placed on the effect rectified windings of the induction coil 16 whose electromagnetic field changes with the physical properties of the frequency flowing through, the time change of the voltage per pulse is at least 20 volts per microsecond. The term "push-pull voltage" is intended to express that a polarity reversal of the sign occurs (as with an alternating voltage). LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1) 12V power supply

2) IC with control logic

3) Voltage controlled generator 4) Ramp generator

5) Counter module

6) Scanner

7) Potentiometer

8) flow meter 9) transistor bridge circuit

10) push-pull amplifier

11) Voltage current transformer

12) Power supply

13) Amplifier stage 14) Distributor stage for the inductors

15) pipe

16) Induction coils

17) U-t diagram with characteristic value a

Claims

claims

1. Apparatus for the treatment of water with a pulsed electromagnetic field, in which both sides of the measuring section of a tube (15) at least two induction coils (16) are mounted, wherein the intensity of the field is adjustable by controlling the frequency of the pulses and the pulses with a integrated circuit IC (2) are generated, characterized

the IC (2) is connected to a 12 V power supply (1) and a voltage controlled generator (3), a ramp generator (4), a

Counter module (5) and a scanner (6), wherein the scanner (6) is connected to a frequency limiter in the form of an externally adjustable potentiometer (7),

in the IC (2) the generator (3) is connected as a signal source additively to the frequency and voltage controlled ramp generator (4), whereby scanner (6) as frequency source and counter module (5) as control unit of the number of pulses per time unit with the ramp generator and Signal output line are connected,

that the signal line for the frequency and voltage-controlled sum signal of the IC (2) is connected to a transistor bridge circuit (9) as a signal converter with a total switching speed of one microsecond maximum per pulse, and

the signal output line of the transistor bridge circuit (9) via a push-pull amplifier (10) and a current-voltage converter (11) with connected power supply (12) in an amplifier stage (13) leads, which is designed for voltage amplitudes of at least 20 volts per pulse and signal output side is connected to the effective rectified windings of the induction coil (16).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency limiter instead of the potentiometer (7), a flow meter (8) with the scanner (6) is connected.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the amplifier stage (13) and induction coils (16) a distributor stage (14) is mounted, via which the signal output line of the amplifier stage (13) connected to the effect rectified windings of the induction coil (16) is.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transistor bridge circuit (9) is designed as a push-pull signal source.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transistor bridge circuit (9) is designed as an alternating signal source.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply unit (12) of the voltage-current converter is designed as a DC power source.

7. Method of treating water with a pulsed electromagnetic

Field which is generated at both ends of a measuring section of a water-carrying pipe (15) with induction coils (16), characterized in that in an IC (2) a signal from a voltage-dependent generator (3) to a frequency controlled by a scanner (6) signal a ramp generator (4) is added in interaction with a counter module (5),

that the frequency of the scanner is selected in proportion to the pipe diameter and the average water consumption between 0 Hz and 10 kHz,

that the sum signal of the IC (2) via a transistor bridge circuit (9) followed by push-pull amplifier (10) is converted into a push-pull signal and then with a voltage-current converter (11) with a connected power supply (12) in an alternating voltage signal, and

in that the signal generated in this way is applied as AC voltage via an amplifier stage (13) for field generation to induction coils (16) mounted at the same time on the measuring section of the tube (15), wherein the change in voltage per pulse is at a rate of at least 20 volts per microsecond he follows.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the frequency of the scanner is selected in proportion to the measured by means of a flow meter instantaneous water consumption between 0 Hz and 10 kHz.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the signal generated via a distributor stage (14) is placed on several, effect rectified coils.