A fluid treatment apparatus

Abstract

A fluid treatment apparatus (10) for treating a fluid for subsequent use as a growing medium or water source in agriculture or algaculture, as an electrolyte in an electrolyser in the production of hydrogen, and / or as a hydrocarbon-based fuel in internal combustion engines, the apparatus comprising a coil of electrically conductive material (100); a fluid flow pipe (40) arranged to carry a fluid through a passage through the centre of the coil (100); and an electrical supply (130) configured to supply a time-varying voltage of a given form between a first and a second end of the coil.

Description

A fluid treatment apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a fluid treatment apparatus and a method of treating a fluid and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in improving the efficacy of fluids used in agriculture, in electrolysis and as combustible fuels.

[0002] The treatment of fluids by exposing them to magnetic fields is known for a number of different applications. For example, it has been shown that, in certain cases, treatment of a fluid with a magnetic field can result in changes to the fluid’s pH, heat capacity, surface tension and / or oxidation-reduction potential. Existing methods and devices for treating fluids in this way generally use permanent magnets, which produce permanent, unchanging magnetic fields. However, it has been found that, in the treatment of certain fluids, a more significant change may be achieved by using a pulsed magnetic field, rather than a permanent one.

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus comprising a coil of electrically conductive material, the coil including a passage therethrough; a fluid flow pipe passing through the passage, the fluid flow pipe arranged to carry a fluid to be treated; and an electrical supply configured to provide a time-varying voltage between a first end of the coil and a second end of the coil, the time-varying voltage being described by a function , defined for any time as the greatest value of , and , where

[0004] ;

[0005] ; and

[0006] ,

[0007] and where is a predetermined constant amplitude, is a predetermined constant frequency, has a value between 0.5 and 1.5, has a value between 0.5 and 1.5, has a value between -0.5 and 0.5, has a value between -1 and 1, has a value between -0.5 and 0.5, has a value between 0.274 / and 0.374 / , has a value between 0.630 / and 0.730 / and has a value between -5 and 5, wherein the apparatus is configured to treat the fluid, in use, as it passes through the flow pipe, for subsequent use as a growing medium or water source in agriculture or algaculture, or as an electrolyte in an electrolyser in the production of hydrogen, or as a hydrocarbon-based fuel in internal combustion engines.

[0008] It has been found that water treated by this apparatus and subsequently used in the irrigation of certain crops may result in improved crop yield and / or more rapid plant growth. Similarly, it has been found that fuels, such as diesel and petrol, for use in internal combustion engines may last longer after being treated by the apparatus. Furthermore, it has been found that the efficiency of electrolysis may be improved by using an electrolyte that has been treated by the apparatus.

[0009] The function V(t) may give rise to a waveform comprising a repeating series of curved peaks, each peak being separated from an adjacent peak by a sharply pointed trough at which the gradient dV / dt is discontinuous.

[0010] The series of curved peaks may comprise three peaks. Alternatively, the series of peaks may comprise two sets of three peaks, for example comprising a first set of three peaks, for which the variables a, b, p, q, r, δ1and / or δ2have a first set of values, followed by a second set of peaks, for which the variables a, b, p, q, r, δ1and / or δ2have a second set of values. It is contemplated that the series of peaks may comprise more than two sets of three peaks.

[0011] At least one peak within the series of peaks may have a height (i.e. maximum voltage) different to the height of another peak within the series of peaks. Furthermore, the temporal spacing between at least one pair of adjacent peaks within the series of peaks may be different to the temporal spacing between another pair of adjacent peaks within the series of peak.

[0012] Each peak being asymmetric about a vertical axis passing through the maximum point thereof. This may mean that the absolute value of the gradient dV / dt is greater, on average, on one side of the maximum point than the other, such that the peak appears slanted or skewed. For example, as time t increases, V(t) may increase relatively rapidly to a maximum value and then decrease relatively slowly to produce a peak that appears slanted to the left.

[0013] The shapes, relative heights and the relative temporal spacing of the peaks within the series of peaks may be the same each time the series of peaks is repeated.

[0014] The amplitude may be in the range 0.5V to 41V and the frequency may be in the range 2kHz to 13.3kHz. This may correspond to an effective frequency (the reciprocal of the average time between successive pulses, as measured from peak voltage to peak voltage, which may be approximately equal to 3f) in the range 6kHz to 40kHz.

[0015] The amplitude and frequency may be determined, by the apparatus, so as to maximise the current delivered. The amplitude and / or frequency may vary over time in order to keep the current at a maximum. The timescale over which the amplitude and / or the frequency may vary may be substantially longer than 1 / f.

[0016] The variable may be equal to -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5. The variable may be equal to -1, -0.9, -0.8, -0.7, -0.6, -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1. In another example, the variable q may be equal to 0.75. The variable may be equal to -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5.

[0017] The variable may be equal to 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.8, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5. In another example, the variable a may be equal to 0.96. The variable may be equal to 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.8, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5. In another example, the variable b may be equal to 0.93.

[0018] The variable may be equal to 0.274 / f, 0.284 / f, 0.294 / f, 0.304 / f, 0.314 / f, 0.324 / , 0.334 / f, 0.344 / f, 0.354 / f, 0.364 / f or 0.374 / f. The variable may be equal to 0.630 / f, 0.640 / f, 0.650 / f, 0.660 / f, 0.670 / f, 0.680 / , 0.690 / f, 0.700 / f, 0.710 / f, 0.720 / f or 0.730 / f.

[0019] The variable may be equal to -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. In another example, the variable k may be equal to 0.82.

[0020] The electricity supplied may have a voltage in the range 0.5V to 41V, a current in the range 150A to 600A and an effective frequency in the range 6kHz to 40kHz.

[0021] The coil of electrically conductive material may comprise a wire and / or a hollow conductive pipe (referred to hereinafter as the coil pipe). The coil may have between 30 and 100 turns; in particular, between 40 and 90 turns; more particularly, between 50 and 80 turns. The wire and / or coil pipe may have an (uncoiled) length of at least 6m. For example, the wire and / or coil pipe may have a length of approximately 10m and may be formed into a coil having 56 turns.

[0022] The coil may be wrapped in a clockwise direction from the first end of the coil to the second end of the coil, as viewed downstream along the fluid flow pipe, in use. Alternatively, the coil may be wrapped in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0023] The wire and / or coil pipe may comprise copper. The wire and / or coil pipe may include an outer coating comprising an electrical insulator, the outer coating configured to prevent short circuits between adjacent coil windings.

[0024] The wire may have a diameter of between 1mm and 10mm; in particular, between 2mm and 8mm; for example, approximately 4mm.

[0025] The coil pipe may have a diameter of between 6mm and 32mm. Here, the diameter of the coil pipe is taken to be the outer diameter of the coil pipe. The coil pipe may have a pipe wall thickness of between 0.2mm and 2mm; in particular, between 0.4mm and 1mm. For example, the coil pipe may have a diameter of 8mm and a pipe wall thickness of 0.6mm.

[0026] A coolant may be circulated through the coil pipe. In this way, the temperature of the coil pipe may be regulated to counter heating caused by the dissipation of electrical power therein. The coolant may be, or may comprise, water. It is to be understood that the fluid treatment apparatus may comprise additional components required to facilitate the circulation of coolant through the coil pipe. For example, the water treatment apparatus may comprise one or more of a coolant tank, a coolant pump, a heat exchanger and coolant hoses for carrying the coolant to a first end of the coil pipe and carrying it away from a second end of the coil pipe.

[0027] The coil pipe may comprise a lining on an inner surface of the pipe wall, the lining comprising an electrical insulator for preventing unwanted conduction of electricity through the coolant.

[0028] For the avoidance of doubt, the coil pipe discussed above is entirely separate from, and not in fluid communication with, the fluid flow pipe.

[0029] The fluid treatment apparatus may further comprise a return loop connected between a second end of the fluid flow pipe and a first end of the fluid flow pipe, the return loop arranged to return the fluid from the second end of the fluid flow pipe back to the first end of the fluid flow pipe for recirculation through the fluid flow pipe.

[0030] In this way, the fluid can be repeatedly passed through the passage through the coil and thereby benefit from a longer treatment time. The fluid may be circulated through the fluid flow pipe and the return loop for a fixed period of time or until a desired change in a measurable property of the fluid is achieved. For example, the fluid may be circulated through the fluid flow pipe and the return loop until its pH reaches a predetermined value. Accordingly, the water treatment apparatus may comprise a timer for controlling the length of time for which the fluid is circulated through the pipe and the return loop and / or a pH sensor for sensing when the pH of the fluid reaches the predetermined value.

[0031] The return loop may not pass through the passage through the coil.

[0032] The return loop may comprise a pump configured to pump the fluid from the second end of the fluid flow pipe to the first end of the fluid flow pipe.

[0033] Either the return loop or the fluid flow pipe may comprise a first valve configured to permit entry of the fluid thereinto prior to the recirculation process. Similarly, the return loop or the fluid flow pipe may comprise a second valve configured to permit exit of the fluid therefrom after the recirculation process has been completed. It is to be appreciated that the first and second valve may be the same valve.

[0034] The fluid flow pipe may be formed of steel, iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or any other suitable material.

[0035] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a fluid for subsequent use as a growing medium or water source in agriculture or algaculture, as an electrolyte in an electrolyser in the production of hydrogen, and / or as a hydrocarbon-based fuel in internal combustion engines, the method comprising the steps of: providing the fluid treatment apparatus of the first aspect; passing the fluid through the fluid flow pipe; and simultaneously applying a time-varying voltage between a first end of the coil and a second end of the coil, the time-varying voltage being described by a function , defined for any time as the greatest value of , and , where

[0036] ;

[0037] ; and

[0038] ,

[0039] and where is a predetermined constant amplitude, is a predetermined constant frequency, has a value between 0.5 and 1.5, has a value between 0.5 and 1.5, has a value between -0.5 and 0.5, has a value between -1 and 1, has a value between -0.5 and 0.5, has a value between 0.274 / and 0.374 / , has a value between 0.630 / and 0.730 / and has a value between -5 and 5.

[0040] The method may further comprise the step of returning the fluid from a second end of the fluid flow pipe back to a first end of the fluid flow pipe for recirculation through the fluid flow pipe.

[0041] The fluid may be continually recirculated through the fluid flow pipe for a predetermined period of time. The period of time may be, for example, 15 seconds.

[0042] Alternatively, or additionally, the fluid may be continually recirculated through the fluid flow pipe until a pH of the fluid reaches a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be in the range 9.2 to 9.5.

[0043] The fluid may be one of water, potassium hydroxide solution, diesel, petrol, and a fluid comprising water and an algal culture. The algal culture may be a spirulina culture. Where the fluid is, or comprises, water (including where water is used as a solvent in an electrolytic solution), the water may be at a temperature of approximately 4 degrees centigrade. It has been found that the improvements in both crop yield and the efficiency of electrolysis are greatest when the water or electrolytic solution are at this temperature during treatment.

[0044] As used herein, the terms petrol and diesel may include, respectively, petrol to which an emission-reducing additive has been added and diesel to which an emission reducing additive has been added. Similarly, the term fuel may include petrol or diesel to which an emission-reducing additive has been added.

[0045] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0046] is schematic representation of a fluid treatment apparatus;

[0047] Figure 2 shows an example waveform of a time-varying voltage ;

[0048] is a bar chart showing experimental data relating to the effect of the fluid treatment apparatus on an electrolytic solution; and

[0049] is a bar chart showing experimental data relating to the effect of the fluid treatment apparatus using diesel.

[0050] is a bar chart showing experimental data relating to the effect of the fluid treatment apparatus using petrol.

[0051] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

[0053] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0054] It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0055] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. For instance, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

[0056] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0057] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0059] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0060] In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0061] The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances.

[0062] Where a variable is described as having a value between x and y (x and y being a lower bound and an upper bound respectively), it is to be understood that that variable may in fact have a value falling within a narrower range of values completely encompassed by the range of values between x and y. In particular, reference herein to a variable having a value between x and y, where x and y are given to a certain number of decimal places, may mean that the variable has a value between w and z, where w and z are any two numbers having the same number of decimal places as x and y and satisfying the inequality . For example, if x and y are integers, w and z may be any two integers satisfying the inequality. Alternatively, if x and y are given to one decimal place, w and z may be any two integer multiples of 0.1 satisfying the inequality.

[0063] For the avoidance of doubt, reference herein to a variable having a value between x and y may mean that the variable may take the value x or y; that is, the upper and lower bound are included in the range.

[0064] The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0065] is schematic representation of a fluid treatment apparatus 10. The fluid treatment apparatus 10 includes a fluid flow system comprising a fluid inlet 20, a fluid flow pipe 40 and a fluid outlet 60. The fluid inlet 20 is connected to a first end of the fluid flow pipe 40 via a first three-way valve 30. A second end of the fluid flow pipe 40 is connected to the fluid outlet 60 via a second three-way valve 50. A return loop 70 is connected between the third port of the second three-way valve 50 and the third port of the first three-way valve 30. The direction of fluid flow in each part of the fluid flow system, in use, is indicated by the solid arrows 90.

[0066] A coil 100 of conductive copper pipe is arranged around the fluid flow pipe 40 such that the fluid flow pipe 40 passes through a passage through the centre of the coil 100. Electrical connections 110, 120 connect the two ends of the coil 100 to an electrical supply 130. It is to be appreciated that, while the coil 100 inis formed of copper pipe, the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention may use a coil formed of any suitable conductive material.

[0067] In use, a fluid to be treated enters the fluid flow system via fluid inlet 20 and the first three-way valve 30. The fluid then flows along the fluid flow pipe 40, passing through the coil 100 as it does so, until it reaches the second three-way valve 50. Initially, the second three-way valve 50 is arranged to direct the fluid into the return loop 70 to be recirculated back towards the first three-way valve. Once a predetermined amount of fluid has entered the fluid flow system, the first three-way valve may be actuated to close the fluid inlet 20 and direct the fluid from the return loop 70 back along the fluid flow pipe 40 so that the fluid repeatedly passes through the coil 100. A pump 80 pumps the fluid round the return loop 70 to ensure continuous circulation of the fluid through the fluid flow pipe 40 and return loop 70.

[0068] The electrical supply 130 supplies a time-varying voltage between the two ends of the coil 100 of the form , as described above in the summary of the invention. The time-varying voltage across the coil results in a time-varying magnetic field within the passage through the centre of the coil 100 and the fluid is exposed to this magnetic field each time it passes along the fluid flow pipe 40.

[0069] At the end of the treatment process, the second three-way valve 50 is actuated so that fluid is directed from the fluid flow pipe 40 to the fluid outlet 60, rather than into the return loop 70. The treated fluid may be collected from the fluid outlet 60 in a container (not shown) for storage and / or subsequent use.

[0070] The treatment process may end after a predetermined period of time and / or when a measurable property of the fluid reaches a predetermined value. The actuation of the first and second three-way valves may be controlled by a control system (not shown), which may comprise a timer circuit and / or a sensing circuit for sensing when a measurable property of the fluid reaches a predetermined value. A sensing circuit may comprise at least one sensor, such as a pH sensor, within the control pipe 40 or the return loop 70.

[0071] In order to regulate the temperature of the coil 100, a coolant may be circulated through the copper pipe forming the coil 100. The coolant may be circulated through the coil 100 by a coolant system 140, connected to the coil 100 via coolant hoses 150. The coolant system 140 may comprise a coolant pump for pumping the coolant through the coil 100 and the coolant hoses 150, and a heat exchanger for transferring heat away from the coolant as it passes through the coolant system 140.

[0072] It is to be appreciated that the return loop 70, the pump 80 and the first and second three-way valves 30, 50 are optional features and may not be present. Rather, the fluid may flow straight from the fluid inlet 20 into the fluid flow pipe 40 and out the fluid outlet 60, passing only once through the coil 100.

[0073] Similarly, the coolant system 140, including coolant hoses 150, is an optional feature that may not be present.

[0074] Figure 2 shows an example waveform of the voltage , applied between a first end of the coil and a second end of the coil, as a function of time . In this example, the amplitude is 3.12V and the frequency is 2105Hz. The values of the other parameters are 0.96, 0.93, 0.2, 0.75, -0.5, 0.324 / , 0.680 / and 0.82.

[0075] As can be seen in, the waveform comprises a repeating series of three peaks, the series of peaks comprising a first peak 210, a second peak 220 and a third peak 230, each peak being smoothly curved and approximately sinusoidal in form. Each first peak 210 is separated from an adjacent second peak 220 by a first trough 250; each second peak 220 is separated from an adjacent third peak 230 by a second trough 260; and each third peak 230 is separated from an adjacent first peak 210 by a third trough 270. Unlike the peaks, the troughs are sharply pointed and the gradient of the waveform is discontinuous at the troughs.

[0076] Within each series of peaks, the first peak 210 is the highest; the second peak 220 is lower; and the third peak 230 is lower again. The first trough 250 is the shallowest (i.e. has the highest minimum point); the second trough 260 is the deepest; and the third trough 270 is slightly deeper than the first trough 250 but shallower than the second trough 260.

[0077] Between each pair of adjacent troughs, the value of initially increases rapidly, reaching a peak at a time less than half the time between the adjacent troughs, before decreasing again at a slower rate. That is, the peaks do not appear centrally between the troughs, but instead appear shifted (tilted, slanted) so that they occur to the left of the midpoint between the troughs.

[0078] The variable determines the relative height of the second peak 220 compared with the first peak 210. Similarly, the variable determines the relative height of the third peak 230 compared with the first peak 210. If is set to equal 1, the first and second peaks will be the same height; if is set to equal 1, the first and third peaks will be the same height; and if is set to be equal to , the second and third peaks will be the same height.

[0079] The variable determines the horizontal spacing between the first peak 210 and the second peak 220, and consequently affects the depth of the first trough 250. Similarly, the variable determines the horizontal spacing between the first peak 210 and the third peak 230, and consequently affects the depth of the third trough 270. It follows that the spacing between the second peak 220 and the third peak 230 (and the consequent depth of the second trough 260) is determined by the difference between and . If is set to equal 1 / (3 ) and is set to equal 2 / (3 ), the horizontal spacing between all peaks will be consistent and the troughs will all have the same depth.

[0080] The variable , and determine the shape of each peak. If is set to equal zero, each peak will have a shape that is symmetric about a vertical axis passing through the maximum point of the peak. The first peak 210, second peak 220 and third peak 230 will all have the same shape, regardless of the values of , and .

[0081] The variable determines the vertical displacement of the waveform relative to the V=0 axis. If the value of is increased, the entire waveform will be shifted “down”, while if the value of is decreased, the entire waveform will be shifted “up”.

[0082] Applications of the fluid having been treated by the fluid treatment apparatus will be described below by way of examples.

[0083] Example 1: treatment of water.

[0084] Two hundred and twenty tomato plants were planted in seed trays using Westland John Innes Peat Free Seed Sowing Compost. These were placed in a heated propagator at 24 degrees centigrade and exposed to artificial light for eighteen hours per day. After two weeks, the plants were split into two equal groups and planted, one group on either side of a polytunnel, in an 8cm deep layer of Levington Organic Peat Free Farmyard Manure. The polytunnel was aligned along a North-South axis and used a light diffusing polythene film to ensure that both groups of plants received an equal amount of light. Both groups of plants were watered using an automatic drip feed irrigation system, with one group being watered with untreated water and the other group being watered with water that had first been treated using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention. Each plant received between 0.71 and 1.20 litres of water per day, depending on temperatures. Both groups were provided with nutrients in the form of organic liquid seaweed diluted at a concentration of 22ml per 5 litres of water.

[0085] Over a period of four months, the plants that were watered with untreated water produced a combined yield of 720kg of tomatoes, while the plants were watered with treated water produced a combined yield of 1,715.5kg of tomatoes.

[0086] Example 2: treatment of an electrolytic solution.

[0087] A potassium hydroxide solution was formed by first passing UK tap water through an activated charcoal filter to remove chlorine and then adding 90% pure potassium hydroxide flakes to water at a concentration of 200g per litre of water. The potassium hydroxide solution was then used as an electrolyte for electrolysis in a dry cell HHO generator with a fixed 12V power supply. The current flowing in the solution was measured at the start of the electrolysis process and then at 1 minute intervals for the first 3 minutes.

[0088] The process was then repeated but the potassium hydroxide solution was treated using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention before being introduced into the HHO generator. In this example, the solution was recirculated through the fluid flow pipe and the return loop for a period of 15 seconds. Once again, the current flowing in the solution was measured at the start of the electrolysis process and then at 1 minute intervals for the first 3 minutes.

[0089] The results are plotted in a bar chart in. As can be seen, the initial current at the start of the electrolysis process was significantly higher in the treated solution than in the untreated solution. Throughout the electrolysis process, the current in both solutions increased but the difference between the current in the treated solution and the current in the untreated solution remained roughly constant.

[0090] The greater current in the treated solution, relative to the untreated solution, is indicative of an increased electrical conductivity, and results in an increased mass of hydrogen produced.

[0091] Example 3: treatment of fuels.

[0092] A Senci SC6000C single phase diesel generator with a rated power of 5.0kW was run on a measured amount of 50ml of untreated diesel, following an initial 15 minute warm up period. The time taken for the generator to burn the 50ml of untreated diesel was measured. The fuel tank was then disconnected and a separate fuel tank containing diesel that had been treated using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention was connected.

[0093] During treatment, the diesel had been passed through the coil once. The fuel lines were then flushed through with 50ml of the treated diesel and then the time taken for the generator to burn a further 50ml of the treated fuel was measured.

[0094] The test was then repeated, using diesel that had been treated by two passes through the coil of the fluid treatment apparatus, rather than once.

[0095] Both tests were conducted with no electrical load on the generator, and repeated with a 1kW load in the form of a bar heater.

[0096] The results of the test with no load are plotted in a bar chart in. As can be seen, the untreated diesel consistently gave a run time of 240 seconds for 50ml of fuel. The diesel treated by a single pass through the coil gave a run time of 320 seconds per 50ml of fuel, while a slight improvement to 330 seconds per 50ml of fuel was achieved with the diesel that had been treated by two passes through the coil. A similar result was obtained in the test with the 1kW load.

[0097] A similar test was carried out using petrol instead of diesel. In this test, the generator used was a 1.0kW P1000i inverter generator with no load. 1 litre of petrol was treated using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention. The treatment involved the petrol being passed through the coil four times. Thereafter, the procedure followed was the same as for the above-described tests with diesel.

[0098] The results are plotted in. As can be seen, the generator ran for longer on the treated petrol than on the untreated petrol but the fractional increase in the run time was smaller than was observed in any of the tests using diesel.

[0099] Example 4: treatment of water containing spirulina culture.

[0100] 1 litre of water, sourced from a borehole, was filtered through a Daro UV SS30DE Eco water filter. Carbon dioxide nanobubbles were introduced to the filtered water during a 1 minute period in which the filtered water was circulated through a nano bubbler. 400ml of spirulina culture was then added, along with 3ml of F / 2 Medium nutrient solution and 0.1ml of a second solution comprising 8mg of urea, 3mg of triple superphosphate (46% phosphorus pentoxide by weight) and 14mg of iron from ferrous fumarate dissolved in 300ml water.

[0101] The resultant fluid was treated using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention. The treatment involved the fluid being passed through the coil four times.

[0102] A similar fluid was prepared, following the same process but without the final step of treating the fluid using the fluid treatment apparatus of the present invention. Both fluids were left for 24 hours at a temperature of 32 degrees centigrade. At the end of the 24 hour period, the spirulina that had grown was harvested and weighed.

[0103] A wet mass of 9.4g spirulina was harvested from the treated fluid, while a wet mass of only 1.2g spirulina was harvested from the untreated fluid.

Claims

A fluid treatment apparatus comprising a coil of electrically conductive material, the coil including a passage therethrough; a fluid flow pipe passing through the passage, the fluid flow pipe arranged to carry a fluid to be treated; and an electrical supply configured to provide a time-varying voltage between a first end of the coil and a second end of the coil, the time-varying voltage being described by a function, defined for any timeas the greatest value of,and, where;; and,and whereis a predetermined constant amplitude,is a predetermined constant frequency,has a value between 0.5 and 1.5,has a value between 0.5 and 1.5,has a value between -0.5 and 0.5,has a value between -1 and 1,has a value between -0.5 and 0.5,has a value between 0.274 / and 0.374 / ,has a value between 0.630 / and 0.730 / andhas a value between -5 and 5,wherein the apparatus is configured to treat the fluid, in use, as it passes through the fluid flow pipe, for subsequent use as a growing medium or water source in agriculture or algaculture, or as an electrolyte in an electrolyser in the production of hydrogen, or as a hydrocarbon-based fuel in internal combustion engines.The fluid treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein0.2,0.75 and-0.5.The fluid treatment apparatus according to either one of claim 1 and claim 2, wherein0.96 and0.93.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any preceding claim, whereinand.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein0.82.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the coil of electrically conductive material comprises a wire.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the coil of electrically conductive material comprises a hollow conductive pipe.The fluid treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the coil of electrically conductive material comprises copper.The fluid treatment apparatus according to either one of claim 7 and claim 8, wherein the hollow conductive pipe has a diameter of between 6mm and 32mm.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a coolant is circulated through the hollow conductive pipe.The fluid treatment apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a return loop connected between a second end of the fluid flow pipe and a first end of the fluid flow pipe, the return loop arranged to return the fluid from the second end of the fluid flow pipe back to the first end of the fluid flow pipe for recirculation through the fluid flow pipe.The fluid treatment apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the return loop comprises a pump configured to pump the fluid from the second end of the fluid flow pipe to the first end of the fluid flow pipe.A method of treating a fluid for subsequent use as a growing medium or water source in agriculture or algaculture, as an electrolyte in an electrolyser in the production of hydrogen, and / or as a hydrocarbon-based fuel in internal combustion engines, the method comprising the steps of: providing the fluid treatment apparatus of claim 1, passing the fluid through the fluid flow pipe; and simultaneously applying a time-varying voltage between a first end of the coil and a second end of the coil, the time-varying voltage being described by a function, defined for any timeas the greatest value of,and, where;; and,and whereis a predetermined constant amplitude,is a predetermined constant frequency,has a value between 0.5 and 1.5,has a value between 0.5 and 1.5,has a value between -0.5 and 0.5,has a value between -1 and 1,has a value between -0.5 and 0.5,has a value between 0.274 / and 0.374 / ,has a value between 0.630 / and 0.730 / andhas a value between -5 and 5.The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of returning the fluid from a second end of the fluid flow pipe back to a first end of the fluid flow pipe for recirculation through the fluid flow pipe.The method according to claim 14, wherein the fluid is continually recirculated through the fluid flow pipe for a predetermined period of time.The method according to claim 14, wherein the fluid is continually recirculated through the fluid flow pipe until a pH of the fluid reaches a predetermined value.The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the fluid is one of water, potassium hydroxide solution, diesel, petrol, and a fluid comprising water and an algal culture.

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