Non-Contact Liquid Treatment Device for Scaling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving solute dissolution in water, such as electrolysis, require electrodes that need to be accessed within pipes, leading to maintenance challenges and increased costs, and do not effectively address scaling issues in irrigation and desalination processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid treatment device using two antennae to generate an oscillating electric-field out of phase with each other, in combination with a magnetic field, to change the chemical and physical properties of solutes without direct contact, thereby increasing solubility and mobility of minerals and salts in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrodes are used to improve solute dissolution through electrolysis, then solubility of minerals is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to need for electrode access and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of electrodes from the system by replacing them with antennae that generate electromagnetic fields. The antennae transmit energy through the pipe wall without contacting the liquid, eliminating the need for electrode access points, sealing mechanisms, and periodic replacement procedures while maintaining the solute dissolution effect
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe wall acts as an intermediary medium that allows electromagnetic energy to pass through from the antennae to the liquid without requiring direct contact between the antennae and the liquid. This intermediary approach enables non-contact treatment while maintaining effectiveness
2Quantity of substance
If reverse osmosis membranes are used to remove dissolved salts, then desalination efficiency is improved, but scaling on membrane reduces process efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic field treatment is applied to the feed water before it reaches the reverse osmosis membrane. This preliminary action modifies the physical and chemical properties of dissolved salts and scale-forming minerals, preventing them from precipitating and scaling on the membrane surface during the desalination process
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment applies preliminary anti-action by preventing scale formation before it occurs. The electromagnetic fields alter the behavior of scale-forming minerals in advance, counteracting the natural tendency to precipitate on the membrane and thereby protecting the membrane from scaling throughout operation
3Quantity of substance
If borewater is used for irrigation, then water availability is improved, but mineral precipitation causes scaling and clogging of irrigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic field treatment is applied to borewater before it enters the irrigation system. This preliminary action modifies the physical and chemical properties of dissolved minerals, preventing them from precipitating and forming scale on pipes and infrastructure during irrigation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic fields induce parameter changes in the dissolved minerals by altering their hydration shells and electrostatic properties. These parameter changes prevent the minerals from reaching their solubility product and precipitating as scale, allowing borewater to be used effectively for irrigation without clogging
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 device effectively enhances solute dissolution and mobility in water, reducing scaling issues in irrigation systems and improving desalination efficiency without the need for electrodes, allowing for retrofits on existing pipes and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operatively connected to the two antennae to generate an oscillating voltage in each antenna, wherein each voltage is out of phase with the other to create an oscillating electric-field
Implementation Method 2
the liquid in the enclosure being subjected to the electric-field in the presence of a magnetic field to change the chemical and/or physical properties of the solute
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid treatment device comprising: two antennae; an enclosure for holding a liquid including a solvent and a solute; a generator operatively connected to the two antennae to generate an oscillating voltage in each antenna, wherein each voltage is out of phase with the other to create an oscillating electric-field; and the liquid in the enclosure being subjected to the electric-field in the presence of a magnetic field to change the chemical and/or physical properties of the solute, without the liquid contacting the two antennae.