U.S.
Patent No. 5,738,766
|
International Patent Pending |
Device
for Neutralizing &
Preventing
Formation of Scale & Method
Field
of the Invention
The
invention relates to a device and method for neutralizing and preventing
formation of calcium-hydrogen carbonate scale in water flowing through a
conduit.
Scale Problems
It
is common for water carrying conduits to become clogged by calcium-hydrogen
carbonate scale adhering to the inner wall of the conduit. The clogging causes
a reduction in the flow rate and requires increased pressure to maintain the
water flow. The loss in efficiency increases the cost associated with operating
systems using water conduits.
Prior
Methods of Scale Control
1) Chemical Method
Several
chemical approaches have been offered to prevent scaling in water systems. One
approach uses an ion exchanging mechanism to create neutral molecules that will
not adhere to the insides of the conduits. This approach works by adding sodium
chloride (NaCl) to the water system. The sodium chloride chemically interacts
with the calcium-hydrogen carbonate scale and forms neutral molecules that are
carried in solution until they can be flushed out at a later point.
Another
approach uses a chemical to prevent calcium-hydrogen carbonate crystals from
forming in the water. This approach functions by adding phosphates to the
water. The phosphates interact with the molecules in the water to create an
environment where calcium-hydrogen carbonate formation is prevented.
Chemical Drawbacks
In order to treat the water chemically;
direct access to the water is required. Depending on the system to be treated,
direct access is not always easy or feasible. Addition of chemicals can also
limit the use of the water being treated. It is generally recognized that
treatment of drinking water with chemicals is not desirable. The addition of
chemicals treats a certain volume of water. In order to treat water that is
added later, more chemicals must be added to the system. This is expensive and
time consuming. Once added, chemicals are not easily removed.
2) Electromagnetic Method
Further
approaches use electromagnetic fields to interact with the calcium and
bicarbonate molecules in the water. The electromagnetic fields agitate ionized
calcium and bicarbonate molecules and cause the formulation of neutral calcium
carbonate molecules that do not precipitate as scale on the conduits. As the
ionized calcium and bicarbonate molecules travel through a changing
electromagnetic field, the charges on the molecules interact with the field and
move the molecules toward alignment with the field. Alternating or switching
directions of the field rotates the molecules toward alignment with the
changing field. This rotation for alignment agitates the molecules and breaks
the bonds between the molecules and bonded water molecules. With these bonds
broken, the calcium and bicarbonate molecules are free to bond together to form
a crystal which does not form scale. Aligned permanent magnets or
electromagnetic coils generate conventional electromagnetic fields used to
prevent scale.
The
use of permanent magnets creates electromagnetic fields that have a set strength
and direction. The ions move through the constant field and are agitated by
change in direction of the field at different locations. Electromagnets create
pulsating electromagnetic fields. These fields treat the water during the
change in direction and strength of the fields applied as the water flows
through the field.
Electromagnetic Drawbacks
The
devices that use permanent magnets can only treat the water with limited
effectiveness because the electromagnetic fields have set directions and the water
is only treated when it moves through the field. The priors are electromagnetic
devices only treat the water during the change in direction and strength of the
fields and are not efficient in treating different size molecules likely to
form scale.
3) Sofpac Triangular Wave (Preferred
Method of Scale Control)
The
invention is a descaling device and method useful on water conduit systems to
neutralize and prevent the formation of scales. The device includes an
electromagnetic coil adjacent the water conduit and a specialized power supply
for the coil.
The
power supply produces a triangular wave current signal having variable
amplitude and frequency. This signal is applied to the ends of the coil to
energize the coil and form a corresponding variable electromagnetic field in
the water flowing in the conduit. The field varies with changes in frequency
and amplitude of the power signal. The field changes strength in response to
changes in the signal amplitude. Changes in direction respond in the change of
the current flow. The interaction of the fields with the water provides an
effective method of treating the water to neutralize and prevent formation of
calcium-hydrogen carbonate scales.
Once installed, the device continuously
treats the water flowing past the coil without the need for additional parts or
attention. The device has a long useful life.
The
field generated by a variable frequency and amplitude triangular wave current
signal changes direction and strength at varying rates. This field effectively
agitates different size molecules likely to form scale to break bonds between
the molecules and water and prevent scale formation. The variations in field strength
increase the effectiveness in treating different size molecules. The use of a
triangular wave input current signal agitates ionized molecules continuously
with a field direction reversal once each cycle.
Other
objects and features of the invention will become apparent as the description
proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
illustrating the invention, of which there are four sheets and one embodiment.
Description of the Drawings
Figure
1 is a view of the device according to the invention with a coil surrounding a
water conduit.
Figure
2 is a view of an electromagnetic coil adjacent a water conduit.
Figure
3 is a block circuit diagram of the power supply for the device. Figures 4 through 7 are graphs of output signals
illustrating the power supply from a variable frequency oscillator, a
triangular waveform oscillator, and a waveform integrator.
Description of the Preferred Method of
Scale Prevention’s
As
illustrated in Figure 1, descaling device 10 is for neutralizing and preventing
formation of scale in water flowing through a conduit 12. This includes an
electromagnetic coil 14 surrounding water conduit 12, a power supply 16 having
output terminals connected to the ends of coil 14, and source of electrical power
18, which can be a conventional 120 VAC source. A power cord 20 connected is
shown between source 18 and power supply 16. Coil 14 includes two male
connectors 22, and 24, each connected to an end of coil 14 and a plurality of
helical loops 26 surrounding conduit 12. Plug 28 on cord 20 engages source 18.
Power
supply 16 includes a circuit 30, two female output connectors 32 and 34 and a
cord connector 36. Male connectors 22 and 24 are inserted in to female
connectors 32 and 34, respectively.
As
shown in Figure 3, the power supply of circuit 30 that includes a transformer
38, is connected to the cord 20 and receives 120-volt sinusoidal voltage signal
from source 18. Transformer 38 transforms the voltage signal to a 12-volt
sinusoidal output signal at output 42 that is connected to voltage regulator
44. Regulator 44 rectifies signal 42 to form a 12 volt DC regulated signal
output 46 which is connected to waveform integrator 48, frequency oscillator 50
and a triangular waveform oscillator 52.
Frequency
oscillator 50 generates frequency output signals 60 and 61 at output 54.
Waveform oscillator 52 generates amplitude output signals 62 and 63 at output
56. Integrator 48 integrates signals 60, 61, 62 and 63 to generate a current
signal 64 at output 58.
Circuit
30 also includes a terminal block 70 connected between integrator 48 and coil
female connectors 32 and 34. Terminal block 70 applies circuit output signal 64
to coil 14.
As
shown in Figures 4 and 6, frequency signals 60 and 61 are composed of continuous
triangular waveforms that oscillator 50 continuously varies in frequency from
2kHz to 10kHz and back to 2kHz every 0.356 seconds or at a frequency of about
2.8 cycles per second. Signal 61 leads signal 60 by ˝ cycle so that signal 61
appears as an inversion of signal 60. Figure 4 illustrates both signals 60 and
61. Figure 6 illustrates the linear repetitive change in frequency.
As shown in figure 5, amplitude signals 62
and 63 are composed of triangular waveforms with a frequency of 15Hz and peak
amplitude of +/- 500mA. The signals have linear slopes. Signal 63 leads signal
62 by ˝ cycle so that signal 63 appears as an inversion of signal 56.
As
shown in figure 7, the current output signal 64 of waveform integrator 48
varies in frequency and amplitude with the positive and negative amplitude
peaks 65, 66 generally lying on an envelope 67 defined by two interacting
triangular waveforms 68 and 69, which are inversions of each other. Waves 68
and 69 have the shape of signals 62 and 63 shown in figure 5.
The
output signal 64 continuously varies in frequency according to signals 60 and
61. Output signal 64 is a complex waveform that varies in frequency in step with
the frequency change of signals 60 and 61 and varies in peak amplitude in step
with the amplitude change of signals 62 and 63. The waveform of output signal
64 is a generally triangular wave with steep linear slopes extending up to a
positive peak amplitude 65 and then steep linear slopes extending down to a
negative peak amplitude 66. The value of the peak amplitudes 65 and 66 vary
with time and are defines by envelope 67. The value of the slope is constantly
changing due to the constantly changing, the sides of the individual waves may
be slightly bowed up or down between peaks. Figure 7 shows straight wave sides
for convenience.
Alternatively,
signals 60 – 63 may be truncated triangular waveforms and output signal 64 may
be a truncated triangular waveform continuously varying in frequency according
to signals 60 and 61 with a varying peak amplitude defined by signals 62 and
63. The output signal 64 would have a steep linear slope to the positive or
negative peak amplitude and then have a slope of zero for a period of time
before rising or falling to the next peak amplitude.
Signals
60 and 61 may be varied in frequency from 1Hz to 1MHz. Test results have shown
the optimum results are obtained when signals 60 and 61 (and thus output signal
64) vary between 2kHz and 10kHz. Signals 62 and 63 may be varied between 50mA
and 200A. Large commercial applications generally produce best results when the
output signal is varied between 50mA and 10A while residential applications
yield optimum results when varied between 50mA and 500mA. Amplitudes of 200A
have been used effectively on commercial applications.
Coil
14 is preferably wound from insulated number fourteen AWG wire and connectors
22,24 and 32,34 are preferably conventional banana plug connectors. Connectors
22 and 24 are preferably crimped on the ends of coil 14 and connectors 32 and
34 are preferably fastened to power supply 16.
As
shown in figure 2, coil loops 26 may be located adjacent conduit 12 as opposed
to around the conduit. Loops 26 must be located within a distance to conduit.
Loops 26 must be located within a distance to conduit 12 such that the field
produced by device 10 intersects water flowing in conduit 12.
Coil
14 is wound around water conduit 12 in helical loops 26. For each 0.25 inches
of diameter of non-ferris conduit 12, five loops 26 are formed in coil 14. If
conduit 12 is of a ferris material, additional 1.25 loops are formed for every
0.25 inches of diameter is required.
After
winding coil 14 on conduit 12, connectors 22 and 24 are inserted into
connectors 32 and 34, respectively. Plug 28 is inserted into source 18
energizing circuit 30.
Frequency
oscillator 50, powered by signal 46, generates frequency output signals 60 and
61. As shown in figure 4, signals 60 and 61 are two triangular waveforms that
continuously vary in frequency from 2,000 to 10,000 Hz. By varying the
frequency between a minimum and maximum, device 10 can effectively treat the
water without regard to nearby electromagnetic sources that might otherwise
interfere with improves the effectiveness of descaling.
Figure
4 shows signals 60 and 61 with respect to a tie axis and voltage axis. At point
70, the time is 0 seconds and signals 60 and 61 have a frequency of 2000Hz.
Signal 60 rises to a peak voltage of –0.1 volts while signal 55 rises to
voltage 0.1 volts. At point 76, the time is 0.089 seconds and signals 54 and 55
are at a frequency of 6000Hz. At point 82, the time is 0.178 seconds and
signals 54 and 55 are at a frequency of 10000Hz.
Waveform
oscillator 52 generates amplitude output signals 62 and 63. As shown in figure
5, signals 62 and 63 are two triangular waveforms that forma diamond shaped
wave and continuously vary in peak amplitude from 0mA to 500mA back to 0mA in
one cycle with a frequency of 30 cycles per second.
By using signals 62 and 63 to vary the
amplitude of the figure 7 output signal between a minimum and maximum, device
10 can effectively treats a variety of molecules in the water. Different size
molecules react differently to various field strengths. Varying the amplitude
of the signal output varies the strength of the field, which improves the
effectiveness of the descaling operation allowing treatment of a variety of
impurities.
Figure
5 shows signals 62 and 63 with respect to a time axis and current axis. At 0
seconds, signals 62 and 63 have amplitude of 0mA. Signal 62 rises to peak
amplitude of -500mA. Signals 62 and 63 reach amplitude +/-500mA at 0.0166
seconds. Signal 62 falls towards amplitude –500mA while signal 63 rises to
amplitude 500mA. Both signals reach amplitude 0mA at point 72 where time is
0.0333 seconds. At 0.04999 seconds and signal 62 is at amplitude –500mA while
signal63 is at amplitude 500mA.
Waveform
integrator 48, powered by signal 46, integrates signals 60 – 63 generating
circuits output signal 64. As shown in figure 7, output signal 64 is a complex
triangular waveform signal continuously varying in frequency form 2,000Hz to
10,000Hz back to 2,000Hz and peak amplitude from 50mA to +/-500mA back to 50mA.
Output
current signal 64 is applied across ends of coil 14 causing a time varying
current to flow in loops 26. The time varying current causes loops 26 to act as
a solenoid and generate a magnetic field. Ampere’s law describes the magnetic
field with the right hand rule determining the direction of the field and the
strength of the field defined by
B=monI
Where B = Magnetic
field vector
mo= Permeability of empty space
n = Number of coils
26
I = Current vector
As
indicated by the formula above, the strength of the magnetic field varies with
time when the current varies with time. The time varying magnetic field induces
a current inside the conduit 12 and a resultant electric field. The electric
field is described by Faraday’s law of induction with the strength of the field
defined by
|E
s ds = j/jt|B s dA
Where E = induced electric field vector
B = magnetic field vector
A = induced current vector
The
magnetic and electric fields produced by output signal 64 permeate conduit 12
and interact with the water flowing in conduit 12. Calcium and bicarbonate
molecules each contain a charge q. When the molecules with charge 1 move
through the electric and magnetic fields, the molecules experience a force
vector. The force vector is a result of the Lorentz force described by:
F=
qE + q(V x B)
Where: F = Lorentz force vector
q = charge on the molecule
E = induced electric field vector
V = molecule velocity vector
B = magnetic field vector
Because
the induced current changes magnitude and direction when the output signal 58
varies in frequency and amplitude, the calcium and bicarbonate molecules
experience mechanical agitation when passing through the field. The mechanical
agitation causes nucleation of the calcium and bicarbonate ions and formation
of calcium carbonate crystals. The newly formed crystals are electrically
neutral and do not adhere to calcium-hydrogen carbonate scales already adhered
as they flow along conduit 12. The water molecules then bond with
calcium-hydrogen carbonate scale returning the scale to solution in the water
and forming calcium and bicarbonate ions. When the ions pass through the field,
neutral calcium carbonate scales are formed as described above.
Abstract
of the Disclosure
A
descaling device for neutralizing and preventing formation of calcium carbonate
or other scaled in a water conduit includes an electromagnetic coil adjacent
the conduit and a power supply for the coil. The power supply generates a
complex triangular waveform output signal that varies continuously in frequency
and amplitude. The output is applied across the ends of the coil creating time
varying magnetic and electric fields. The fields physically interact with
molecules in water flowing in the conduit to neutralize existing scale and
prevent formation of new scale.
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