Water-Pipe Electromagnetic Field Generator With Frequency Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lime scale deposits in water containers and pipes cause clogging, reduced efficiency, health risks, and high maintenance costs, and existing methods like chemical descaling and mineral removal are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic field generator system using a solenoid with controlled alternating current frequencies between 300 to 9000 Hz generates a magnetic field that alters the surface of calcium carbonate, preventing it from forming as thick deposits and allowing easy removal as a thin film, while maintaining water quality and reducing bacterial colonization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent magnets are used to prevent lime scale deposits, then lime scale prevention is achieved, but the effect is controversial and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using alternating current instead of direct current from permanent magnets, creating a dynamic electromagnetic field that changes polarity and intensity over time. This dynamic field more effectively prevents lime scale deposits compared to static magnetic fields, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of current frequency, operating in the range of 50-150 Hz to optimize the electromagnetic field's effect on calcium carbonate. This parameter adjustment enhances lime scale prevention effectiveness while keeping the system simple and reliable.
2Reliability
If water softening by ion exchange or reverse osmosis is used, then lime scale prevention is achieved, but water taste deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extracting minerals from water through ion exchange or reverse osmosis, the patent extracts only the harmful lime scale deposits by altering their crystallization behavior. The electromagnetic field modifies calcium carbonate crystals to prevent adhesion to pipe walls while leaving beneficial minerals in the water, thus preventing taste deterioration and avoiding high operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by targeting only the calcium carbonate crystallization process at the pipe wall interface. The electromagnetic field creates a localized effect on the forming lime scale crystals without affecting the overall water composition or removing beneficial minerals, maintaining water quality and taste.
3Productivity
If chemical descaling with acids is used, then lime scale removal is achieved, but the process is time consuming, expensive, and health risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preventing lime scale deposits from forming in the first place using an electromagnetic field. This proactive approach eliminates the need for subsequent chemical descaling operations, saving time and avoiding health risks associated with acid handling, while maintaining pipe efficiency continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical system (acids) with a physical system (electromagnetic field) to prevent and remove lime scale. This substitution eliminates health risks from chemical exposure, reduces maintenance time, and avoids the costs associated with chemical procurement and safe handling procedures.
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 system effectively prevents lime scale deposits, enhances water quality by reducing bacterial count, and improves the efficiency and longevity of water systems without altering water taste or requiring chemical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic field generator system using a solenoid with controlled alternating current frequencies between 300 to 9000 Hz generates a magnetic field that alters the surface of calcium carbonate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An electromagnetic field generator system for a water container or pipe comprising: at least one electrical conductor and a control unit comprising a power supply; and a process conduit provided with an inner side, an outer side, an inlet for introducing a water stream on the inner side, an outlet for discharging the water stream from the inner side of process conduit and the electric conductor is wound around the process conduit to obtain a solenoid; wherein the control unit provides an alternating current to the electric conductor and controls the voltage and the frequency of the current, wherein the frequency of the alternating current alternates between a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequency are in the range of 300 to 9000 Hz.