Fluid Conduit Cleaning With Magnetic Field and Powder Chemistry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid conduits, particularly those used in food and drink applications, are prone to contamination by bacteria, biofilms, and mineral deposits such as calcium oxalate, which affect the quality and taste of beverages and require frequent cleaning, often involving fluid waste and downtime.

Innovation Solution

A kit comprising a coil and a powder composition is used to generate a varying magnetic field and a disinfecting cleaning solution to reduce microorganism and calcium oxalate formation, using sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and EDTA, with a controller to supply a pulsed DC electrical signal for effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from fluid conduits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid wastage and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfluid wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods (which require draining and refilling) with an electromagnetic field-based cleaning system. The coil generates electromagnetic fields that activate the cleaning solution to remove contaminants in place, eliminating the need to drain and waste the fluid in the conduit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning solution, when activated by the electromagnetic field, performs the cleaning function autonomously within the conduit. The system allows the fluid to remain in the conduit while the electromagnetic activation enables self-cleaning without requiring external mechanical intervention or fluid replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from fluid conduits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic cleaning system allows cleaning to occur continuously while the conduit remains in service. The coil can be activated periodically or continuously to maintain cleanliness without interrupting the overall operation, unlike conventional methods that require complete shutdown and draining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing mechanical draining and refilling operations with electromagnetic field activation, the system eliminates the time required for complete drainage and refilling cycles, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electromagnetic field strength is increased to improve contaminant removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse duration) to achieve effective contaminant removal at minimal energy consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the coil removes contaminants efficiently without requiring excessive energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than applying continuously high electromagnetic field strength, the system uses periodic or pulsed activation at optimized levels. This partial action approach achieves sufficient contaminant removal over time while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces biofilm and mineral buildup, maintaining conduit cleanliness and beverage quality over extended periods without frequent downtime, using eco-friendly chemicals and electromagnetic fields.

Implementation Method 1

a coil configured to be positioned around the fluid conduit; and a controller in electrical connection with the coil, wherein the controller is configured to, in use, supply a varying electrical signal to the coil to generate a corresponding varying strength magnetic field within the fluid conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a powder composition comprising sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the powder composition configured to form a disinfecting and water softening cleaning solution when dissolved in a liquid within the conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS12611701B2Treating a fluid conduit
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 DEMPA HLDG LTD
  • US12611701B2 patent drawing
  • US12611701B2 patent drawing
  • US12611701B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A kit of parts and a method for cleaning a fluid conduit. The kit of parts comprises a device comprising: a coil configured to be positioned around the fluid conduit; and a controller in electrical connection with the coil. The kit of parts also comprises a powder composition comprising sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the powder composition configured to form a disinfecting and water softening cleaning solution when dissolved in a liquid within the conduit. The controller is configured to, in use, supply a varying electrical signal to the coil to generate a corresponding varying strength magnetic field within the fluid conduit having a solution of the powder composition therein for causing cleaning of the fluid conduit.