RF Fluid Treatment Coils for Uniform Magnetic Field Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating fluids in large diameter pipes using radio-frequency electromagnetic signals face challenges due to rapid decay of the magnetic field, leading to insufficient electric field creation, especially when using multiple ferrite core components, resulting in impractical ferrite weights and limited treatability beyond a certain pipe size.
Innovation Solution
Applying an electric field at multiple points around the core's circumference and extending primary coils along the core's length to maintain a consistent magnetic field, with synchronized radio frequency signals to ensure effective field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cross-sectional area of the magnetic core is increased to reduce field decay, then the magnetic field distribution improves, but the volume and mass of ferrite material becomes impractically large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single primary coil into multiple primary coils distributed around the conduit circumference. Each coil generates a magnetic field that contributes to the overall field distribution, eliminating the need for a single large cross-sectional core while achieving uniform field coverage throughout the conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple primary coils to collectively produce the magnetic field that would otherwise require a single large core. The combined effect of multiple smaller coils distributed around the conduit achieves the same field distribution goal with significantly reduced ferrite material
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate ferrite components are used to form the core, then the core can be assembled around the conduit, but local reductions in permeability occur at component interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places primary coils at specific locations around the conduit circumference rather than relying on continuous core integrity. This localizes the field generation to specific points, making the system insensitive to permeability variations at component interfaces while maintaining overall field effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
By using multiple discrete primary coils instead of a single continuous excitation source, the patent makes the magnetic field generation robust to discontinuities in the ferrite core. Each coil independently contributes to the overall field, compensating for local permeability reductions at component boundaries
3Device complexity
If a single primary coil is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the magnetic field decays exponentially with distance from the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single primary coil into multiple primary coils distributed around the conduit. This segmentation extends the effective range of magnetic field generation, ensuring adequate field coverage throughout the entire conduit cross-section without requiring an overly complex single-coil design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point excitation (one coil) to a distributed excitation pattern (multiple coils around the circumference). This dimensional expansion from 1D to 2D distribution of coils fundamentally changes the field decay characteristics, eliminating exponential decay with distance
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
This approach ensures a sufficient magnetic field is maintained throughout the core, allowing effective treatment of fluids in larger pipes without the need for excessive ferrite material, making the process more practical and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
Each primary coil is electrically energised with radio frequency signals to establish in the core element a magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
in the fluid an electromagnetic field is created having substantially circular magnetic flux lines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7a~7b
AI summary
Apparatus for treating a fluid in a conduit by the application thereto of radio- frequency electro-magnetic signals, comprising a core element of magnetically-permeable material extending around the conduit, and one or more primary coils through which the core element extends and energised with radio frequency electrical signals by at least one signal generator; wherein the or at least one of the primary coils has an extent and/or disposition circumferentially of the core element and conduit such as to establish an effective magnetic field throughout the core element.