Magnetizing Chamber for Scale Prevention in Water Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration and softening systems are ineffective in preventing scale deposition, particularly in systems with intermittent water flow, such as ice makers and dishwashers, where scale can form during periods of inactivity.
Innovation Solution
A water scale prevention device that exposes the water flow to a strong magnetic field by incorporating at least one permanent rod/bar magnet within the water flow path, with the magnet's axis extending between its poles perpendicular to the water flow, thereby exerting a magnetic force on suspended scale to prevent deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If reverse osmosis or ultra-filtration systems are used to reduce ion concentration, then scale formation is reduced, but maintenance cost increases and capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filtration systems (reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration) with a simple magnetic field application system. By placing permanent magnets around the water flow path, the system uses magnetic forces to prevent scale formation without requiring complex membranes or high-pressure mechanical systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining scale prevention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of scale particles through magnetic field exposure. The magnetic field alters the behavior of calcium and magnesium ions in water, preventing them from forming deposits without changing the chemical composition or requiring complex separation processes
2Device complexity
If ordinary filtration or softening systems are used, then device complexity is low, but scale deposition is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between the water flow and scale particles. The permanent magnets create a magnetic field that acts as a mediator to influence the behavior of scale-forming ions, preventing them from depositing on surfaces while keeping the system structure simple and close to ordinary filtration systems
3Loss of energy
If water flow is interrupted in ice makers, then energy consumption is reduced, but scale readily forms in tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic field treatment to water before it enters the ice maker tubing. By pre-treating the water with permanent magnets positioned around the water supply line, the scale prevention action occurs in advance, protecting the tubing from scale formation during periods when water flow is interrupted or stopped
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 magnetic field effectively reduces or eliminates scale deposits in water delivery and recirculating systems by keeping suspended scale in suspension, thereby preventing limescale and phosphate compound deposition in pipes and internal components of appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet has an axis extending between the poles thereof in a direction perpendicular to the flow, so that the magnetizing chamber exerts a magnetic force on scale suspended within the inlet water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A water processing system provides prevention of scale formation in both interrupted and recirculating flow operations. The system includes an inlet for receiving an inlet water flow, a magnetizing chamber, and an outlet for providing an outlet water flow. The magnetizing chamber is included in a device that has at least one permanent rod/bar magnet at least partially disposed within the water flow. The magnet has an axis extending between the poles thereof in a direction perpendicular to the flow, so that the magnetizing chamber exerts a magnetic force on scale suspended within the inlet water flow, and so that the suspended scale remains in suspension in the outlet water flow.