Fluid treatment device for fluid activation

A periphery of a fluid passage (1) extended through a casing (10) is enclosed by a conductive metal layer (5) formed from a non-magnetic material. Four permanent magnets (M1 to M4) are arranged along an outside surface of the inside conductive metal layer (5). The individual permanent magnets (M1 to M4) are closely spaced from each other as defining gaps (G) therebetween. The north poles and the south poles of the magnets are closely spaced from each other at a gap (G) between a first permanent magnet (M1) and a second permanent magnet (M2), and a gap (G) between a third permanent magnet (M3) and a fourth permanent magnet (M4). The permanent magnets (M1 to M4) are totally and solidly enclosed by a magnetic material layer (7).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fluid treatment device for magnetically activating fluid such as water.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, water treatment devices for activating water by means of magnetic force and electrons have been proposed. The fluid treatment device for fluid activation operates as follows. When the magnetic force and electrons are applied to water, clusters of water molecules are reduced in size and negatively charged to be rendered faintly alkaline, whereby water is activated.

As shown inFIG. 9, a conventional water treatment device100for activation, for example, includes a first permanent magnet102and a second permanent magnet103facing each other across a water conduit101, and a pair of U-shaped yokes104,105formed from a magnetic metal and encompassing these water conduit101, first permanent magnet102and second permanent magnet103. The paired yokes are accommodated in a casing not shown (see, for example Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-130251).

The paired yokes104,105face each other on recessed sides thereof. Between the opposite ends of the first yoke104and the opposite ends of the second yoke105, there is a predetermined gap X.

The first permanent magnet102has its south pole side bonded to an inside bottom of the first U-shaped yoke104, while the second permanent magnet103has its north pole side bonded to an inside bottom of the second U-shaped yoke105. Accordingly, the north pole of the first permanent magnet102and the south pole of the second permanent magnet103face each other across the water conduit101. In addition, the south pole of the first permanent magnet102is transferred to the opposite ends104aof the first U-shaped yoke104while the north pole of the second permanent magnet103is transferred to the opposite ends105aof the second U-shaped yoke105. The south poles and north poles thus transferred magnetically attract each other thereby forming a magnetic circuit for preventing magnetic flux lines107across the water conduit101from leaking out of the U-shaped yokes104,105.

A conductive metal layer110formed from a non-magnetic material such as copper extends along inside surfaces of the pair of U-shaped yokes104,105as closing the aforementioned gaps X. The non-magnetic material has a higher potential than that of the magnetic metal forming the U-shaped yokes104,105.

According to the water treatment/activation device of the above constitution, water flowing through the water conduit101in a direction of an arrow108intersects with the magnetic flux lines107so as to be activated magnetically. In addition, the water intersecting with the magnetic flux lines107generates electromotive current in a direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the water (direction of an arrow109, for example) so that electrons are released in the water. Hence, the water can be electrochemically activated by the electrons thus released.

Particularly, the magnetic force released from the first permanent magnet102and the second permanent magnet103is biased toward the water conduit101by the conductive metal layer110so that the magnetic fluxes in the water conduit101is increased in density to promote the generation of the electromotive current. In addition, the conductive metal layer110has a higher potential than the magnetic metal forming the U-shaped yokes104,105. Hence, the potential of the conductive metal layer110is further increased by bimetallic cell action so that the electrons are released into the water more efficiently. Thus, the water treatment/activation device100is capable of activating water effectively.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

For achieving a more effective activation of water, however, the above water treatment/activation device must employ such permanent magnets102,103as are capable of generating an even greater magnetic force. Therefore, the permanent magnets102,103are increased not only in cost but also in size. Accordingly, the water treatment/activation device100is also increased in size. In addition, the gaps X need to be provided between the opposite ends104a,105aof the paired U-shaped yokes104,105. This makes it impossible to effectively prevent the magnetic force released from the first permanent magnet102and the second permanent magnet103from partially leaking through the gaps X to the outside of the U-shaped yokes104,105. The device is accordingly reduced in the effect to apply the magnetic force to the water flowing through the water conduit101.

In view of the foregoing problems, the invention seeks to provide a fluid treatment device for fluid activation which is capable of more effectively applying the magnetic force to the fluid without relying on a source of powerful magnetic force, thereby activating the fluid even more effectively.

According to the invention for achieving the above object, a fluid treatment device for fluid activation including at least a pair of permanent magnets arranged around a fluid passage extended through a casing and using a magnetic force of the permanent magnets for activating fluid flowing through the fluid passage, the treatment device comprises: a conductive metal layer interposed between the fluid passage and the permanent magnets and formed from a non-magnetic material enclosing the fluid passage; and a tubular magnetic material layer totally and solidly enclosing the permanent magnets thereby preventing the magnetic force of the permanent magnets from leaking out of the casing, and is characterized in that the paired permanent magnets are closely spaced from each other in a predetermined angular relation and define a gap therebetween and that one of the permanent magnets presents its north pole to the fluid passage while the other permanent magnet presents its south pole to the fluid passage.

According to the fluid treatment device for fluid activation, the paired permanent magnets are allowed to generate magnetic flux lines therebetween so as to apply the magnetic force thereof to the conductive metal layer enclosing the fluid passage and to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage. Particularly, the device is adapted to generate extremely dense magnetic flux lines in the vicinity of the gap where the south and north poles are closest to each other, so that a more intensive magnetic force can be applied to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage. Furthermore, the permanent magnets are totally and solidly enclosed by the tubular magnetic material layer, which can effectively prevent the magnetic force of the permanent magnets from leaking out of the casing. What is more, the conductive metal layer is interposed between the permanent magnets and the fluid passage. Namely, the conductive metal layer is located at a place closer to the fluid passage so as to be able to bias the magnetic flux lines toward the center of the fluid passage more effectively. Thus, the fluid passage is further increased in the magnetic flux density for effectively generating electromotive force, whereby electron release is further increased while the leakage of electrons is minimized.

It is preferred in the above fluid treatment device for fluid activation that the permanent magnets are provided in two pairs and are arranged in closely spaced relation to define a quadrangular space as defining gaps therebetween.

In this case, the device is adapted to increase the magnetic flux density at least at two areas near the gap between one pair of permanent magnets and near the gap between another pair of permanent magnets. Hence, the device is capable of more effectively applying the magnetic force to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

It is preferred that the fluid passage has a quadrangular cross section conforming to the quadrangular space. This permits the fluid to flow closer to the above areas having the high magnetic flux density so that the magnetic force may be even more effectively applied to the fluid.

The magnetic material layer may also comprise a part of the casing. In this case, the device may be simplified in construction because the device does not require a tubular component to constitute the magnetic material layer.

In the above fluid treatment device for fluid activation, the conductive metal layer, the permanent magnets and the magnetic material layer may be integrated into a single unit. In this case, a fluid treatment/activation device capable of treating a large volume of fluid can be fabricated easily by two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally combining together the above units and accommodating the combined units in the casing.

The conductive metal layer may also be formed on a surface of the permanent magnet. This provides for an easy fabrication of the device because the conductive metal layer can be formed by merely arranging the permanent magnets.

According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid treatment device for fluid activation which includes at least a pair of permanent magnets having the north pole and the south pole thereof opposed to each other across a fluid passage extended through a casing and which uses a magnetic force of the permanent magnets for activating fluid flowing through the fluid passage, the treatment device comprises: a conductive metal layer interposed between the fluid passage and the permanent magnets and formed from a non-magnetic material enclosing the fluid passage; a tubular magnetic material layer totally and solidly enclosing the permanent magnets thereby preventing the magnetic force of the permanent magnets from leaking out of the casing; and at least a pair of yokes comprising magnetic bodies which discretely and magnetically make contact with one of the paired permanent magnets, which are arranged along an outside surface of the conductive metal layer as defining gaps therebetween and one of which has the north pole closely spaced from the south pole of the other magnetic body via the gap.

According to the fluid treatment device for fluid activation, the paired permanent magnets are allowed to generate the magnetic flux lines therebetween so as to apply the magnetic force thereof to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage. Particularly, the device is adapted to generate the extremely dense magnetic flux lines in the vicinity of the gap between the pair of yokes where the south and north poles are closest to each other, so that a more intensive magnetic force can be applied to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage. Further, the permanent magnets are totally and solidly enclosed by the tubular magnetic material layer so that the magnetic force of the permanent magnets is effectively prevented from leaking out of the casing. In addition, the conductive metal layer is interposed between the permanent magnets and the fluid passage. That is, the conductive metal layer is located at a place closer to the fluid passage so as to be able to bias the magnetic flux lines toward the center of the fluid passage more effectively. Thus, the fluid passage is further increased in the magnetic flux density for effectively generating the electromotive force, whereby the electron release is increased further and the electron leakage is minimized.

Each of the above fluid treatment devices for fluid activation may further comprise a conductive metal layer formed from a tubular non-magnetic material and extending along an inside surface of the magnetic material layer for totally and solidly enclosing the permanent magnets. In this case, the magnetic flux lines can be biased toward the center of the fluid passage by means of the conductive metal layer extended along the inside surface of the magnetic material layer. Hence, the fluid passage is further increased in the magnetic flux density at the central area thereof so as to be capable of effectively generating the electromotive force. Thus, the electron release is increased further.

The fluid treatment device for fluid activation according to the invention is adapted for effective application of the magnetic force and the electrons to the fluid. Therefore, the device can more effectively activate the fluid without using powerful magnets.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention will hereinbelow be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a fluid treatment device for fluid activation according to one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2is a sectional view of the device taken in the axial direction thereof. A fluid treatment device for fluid activation A shown in the figures includes in a casing10: a fluid passage1allowing a fluid such as water to flow therethrough; an inside conductive metal layer5enclosing the fluid passage1; a first permanent magnet M1, a second permanent magnet M2, a third permanent magnet M3and a fourth permanent magnet M4which are arranged along an outside surface of the inside conductive metal layer5; an outside conductive metal layer6totally enclosing these permanent magnets M1to M4; and a magnetic material layer7encompassing an outside surface of the outside conductive metal layer6.

The whole body of the casing10is formed from white copper, stainless steel, a synthetic resin or the like. The casing includes: a peripheral wall portion10ashaped like a short tube having a square or circular cross section; and tapered end wall portions10bhermetically closing the opposite ends of the peripheral wall portion.

The fluid passage1is constituted by a pipe member1awhich is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or copper or a synthetic resin and which has a quadrangular (square) cross section. The fluid passage1is disposed in the center of the casing10. The pipe member1ahas opposite ends projected from the end wall portions10bof the casing10and connected with piping such as water pipe such that the fluid can flow through the fluid passage1.

The inside conductive metal layer5is formed from a metal such as copper or silver which is a non-magnetic, electrically conductive metal. In the arrangement shown in the figure, the inside conductive metal layer5is constituted by a square pipe formed from the above metal and having the quadrangular (square) cross section. The inside conductive metal layer5solidly encloses the overall periphery of the pipe member1aas making contact with the pipe member1aconstituting the fluid passage1.

Of the permanent magnets M1to M4, the first permanent magnet M1is paired with the second permanent magnet M2, while the third permanent magnet M3is paired with the fourth permanent magnet M4. These permanent magnets M1to M4are formed from neodymium, alnico, ferrite or the like and shaped like a flat plate. The magnets have a widthwise dimension (transverse dimension of the first permanent magnet M1) slightly shorter than each side of the inside conductive metal layer5.

The first permanent magnet M1and the second permanent magnet M2are arranged in a manner to define a gap G therebetween as extending along outside surfaces of adjoining sides of the inside conductive metal layer5and to have inside corners at respective ends thereof closely spaced from each other. Further, the third permanent magnet M3and the fourth permanent magnet M4are arranged in a manner to define a gap G therebetween as extending along outside surfaces of adjoining sides of the inside conductive metal layer5and to have inside corners at respective ends thereof closely spaced from each other. Furthermore, gaps G are also defined between the first permanent magnet M1and the fourth permanent magnet M4adjoining thereto, and between the second permanent magnet M2and the third permanent magnet M3. That is, the two pairs of permanent magnets M1to M4are arranged at right angles to each other so as to form a frame pattern defining a quadrangular space and are in a relation to define the gap G therebetween on their sides abutting on the inside conductive metal layer5. The individual gaps G have a substantially equal dimension g which is designed to range from 0.2 to 2 mm, for example.

According to the embodiment, the first permanent magnet M1and the second permanent magnet M2present the north pole and the south pole to the fluid passage1, respectively. The third permanent magnet M3and the fourth permanent magnet M4present the south pole and the north pole to the fluid passage1, respectively. Therefore, the south pole and the north pole are opposed to each other as most closely spaced from each other at the respective gaps G between the first permanent magnet M1and the second permanent magnet M2and between the third permanent magnet M3and the fourth permanent magnet M4.

The permanent magnets M1to M4arranged in this manner constitute a first magnetic circuit J1wherein a magnetic force from the first permanent magnet M1passes through the fluid passage1and returns to the first permanent magnet M1via the second permanent magnet M2and the magnetic material layer7, and a second magnetic circuit J2wherein a magnetic force from the fourth permanent magnet M4passes through the fluid passage1and returns to the fourth permanent magnet M4via the third permanent magnet M3and the magnetic material layer7.

Similarly to the inside conductive metal layer5, the outside conductive metal layer6is formed from a metal such as copper or silver which is a non-magnetic, electrically conductive material. In the arrangement shown in the figure, the outside conductive metal layer6is constituted by a square pipe formed from the above metal and having the quadrangular (square) cross section. The outside conductive metal layer6totally and solidly encloses the permanent magnets M1to M4. The outside conductive metal layer6is formed from the metal having a higher potential than the magnetic material layer7. Hence, the outside conductive metal layer6can be further increased in internal potential due to the bimetallic cell action.

The magnetic material layer7is constituted by a tubular body formed from a magnetic material and having a quadrangular cross section. The magnetic material layer7totally and solidly encloses the permanent magnets M1to M4so as to prevent the magnetic force of the permanent magnets M1to M4from leaking out of the casing10. A ferromagnetic material such as permalloy or soft iron may preferably be used as the magnetic material from the viewpoint of more effectively preventing the magnetic force from leaking out of the casing10. The magnetic material layer7is in close contact with the outside surface of the outside conductive metal layer6.

The inside conductive metal layer5, the permanent magnets M1to M4, the outside conductive metal layer6and the magnetic material layer7have an axial length substantially equal to an axial length of the peripheral wall portion10aof the casing10(seeFIG. 2).

In the fluid treatment device for fluid activation A of the above construction, the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1intersects with the two magnetic circuits J1, J2(magnetic flux lines) so that the fluid can be activated by the magnetic force thereof. Further, the electromotive current is generated in a direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the fluid, so that electrons are released in the fluid, thus electrochemically activating the fluid.

In this process, the magnetic flux density can be notably increased in the vicinity of the gap G between the pair of first permanent magnet M1and second permanent magnet M2and of the gap G between the other pair of third permanent magnet M3and fourth permanent magnet M4because the south poles and the north poles are closest to each other at these gaps G. Thus, the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1can be subjected to an intensive magnetic force. It is confirmed that the surface magnetic flux density in the vicinity of the gap G is about twice as high as the inherent surface magnetic flux density of the individual permanent magnets M1to M4. Therefore, the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1can be more effectively activated. It is noted that the surface magnetic flux density is increased with the decrease of the gap G. It is also inferred that the inside conductive metal layer enclosing the fluid passage1is subjected to the magnetic force which magnetically and electrically induces changes in the inside conductive metal layer5. This is also thought to contribute to the activation of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1.

Furthermore, the above-described embodiment has the following features for more effectively activating the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1.(1) The cylindrical magnetic material layer7totally and solidly encloses the permanent magnets M1to M4so that the magnetic force of the individual permanent magnets M1to M4may effectively be prevented from leaking out of the casing10.(2) The inside conductive metal layer5formed from the non-magnetic material is located at a place closer to the fluid passage1, so that the magnetic flux lines may be more effectively biased toward the center of the fluid passage1by the conductive metal layer5. Thus, the fluid passage1is increased in the magnetic flux density for effectively generating the electromotive force, such that the release of electrons is further promoted thereby permitting the fluid to include the electrons therein more effectively and minimizing the leakage of the electrons.(3) Since the outside conductive metal layer6is also capable of biasing the magnetic flux lines toward the center of the fluid passage1, the fluid passage1is further increased in the magnetic flux density for effectively generating the electromotive force. Hence, the release of electrons is further increased thereby permitting the fluid to include the electrons therein more effectively and minimizing the leakage of the electrons.(4) Since the outside conductive metal layer6has the higher potential than the magnetic material layer7, the outside conductive metal layer6is further increased in the internal potential due to the bimetallic cell action. Thus, the generated electrons can be more effectively released into the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1.(5) The fluid passage1has the quadrangular cross section conforming to the square frame-like space defined by the permanent magnets M1to M4. Therefore, the fluid passage allows the fluid to flow closer to the gap G areas having the high surface magnetic flux density as compared with a fluid passage having a circular cross section. Thus, the fluid passage is capable of applying the magnetic force to the fluid even more effectively.

As shown inFIG. 3, the above fluid treatment/activation device A may also have an arrangement wherein the peripheral wall portion10aof the casing10, the pipe member1a, the inside conductive metal layer5and the magnetic material layer7are individually increased in the axial lengths from those of the corresponding components ofFIG. 1and wherein plural sets of permanent magnets M1to M4are arranged in the axial direction of the fluid passage1.

This embodiment is adapted to apply a sufficient magnetic force to the fluid even in a case where a large volume of fluid flows through the fluid passage1at a high fluid velocity (the throughput is great).

FIG. 4is a sectional view showing still another embodiment of the invention. This fluid treatment device for fluid activation is basically constructed the same way as the fluid treatment/activation device A shown inFIG. 1. The fluid treatment/activation device A shown inFIG. 4differs from the device A shown inFIG. 1in that the inside conductive metal layer5is formed on each of the permanent magnets M1to M4at least on its side facing the fluid passage1and that the fluid passage1is formed without using the pipe member1aand is defined by the a space enclosed by the permanent magnets M1to M4.

The outside conductive metal layer6is formed by covering each of the permanent magnets M1to M4with a metal sheet formed from a metal such as copper or silver which is a non-magnetic, electrically conductive material. The figure shows the permanent magnets M1to M4the overall surfaces of which are covered with the above metal sheet. The surface of the inside conductive metal layer5is further covered with a rust preventive layer of stainless steel, silicone resin or the like.

This fluid treatment/activation device A also permits the fluid to flow through rectangular spaces1bdefined between the four corners of the outside conductive metal layer6and the permanent magnets M1to M4. Each of the gaps formed between the magnetic material layer7and the peripheral wall portion10aof the casing10is provided with a seal as needed such as to block the passage of the fluid. In this embodiment, pipe lines for flowing the fluid through the fluid passage1are connected to openings at distal ends of the opposite end wall portions10bof the casing10.

The embodiment provides a notably simplified construction because the fluid passage1and the inside conductive metal layer5can be formed simply by mounting the permanent magnets M1to M4to places in the casing10.

According to the embodiment, each adjoining pair of inside conductive metal layers5on the permanent magnets M1to M4may be in contact with each other. In this case, the inside conductive metal layers5may function as spacers for setting the dimension g of the gap G.

FIG. 5is a sectional view showing an essential part of still another embodiment of the invention. This fluid treatment device A for fluid activation is basically constructed the same way as the device A shown inFIG. 1. The fluid treatment/activation device A shown inFIG. 5differs from the device A shown inFIG. 1in that the yokes4formed from a magnetic material are interposed between each of the permanent magnets M1to M4and the inside conductive metal layer5, that the fluid passage1and the inside conductive metal layer5have circular cross sections, and that the first permanent magnet M1and the third permanent magnet M3as well as the second permanent magnet M2and the fourth permanent magnet M4present the same polarity at the mutually opposed surfaces thereof.

The yokes4are so disposed as to define gaps having the same dimension as the gaps G defined between respective pairs of permanent magnets M1to M4. Each of the yokes4has an arcuate inside surface which is in contact with the inside conductive metal layer5. Thus, the inside conductive metal layer5is substantially enclosed by the yokes4. The individual yokes4are in contact with the respective permanent magnets M1to M4at the outside surfaces thereof. The yokes4are formed from a ferromagnetic material such as permalloy and soft iron.

The individual permanent magnets M1to M4mutually cooperate to constitute respective magnetic circuits J1to J4between the first permanent magnet M1and the second permanent magnet M2, between the first permanent magnet M1and the fourth permanent magnet M4, between the third permanent magnet M3and the second permanent magnet M2and between the third permanent magnet M3and the fourth permanent magnet M4.

This fluid treatment device for fluid activation A is capable of even more effectively preventing the magnetic force from leaking out of the yokes4because the outside conductive metal layer6and the fluid passage1are enclosed by the yokes4.

FIG. 6is a partly cut-away perspective view showing still another embodiment of the invention. In the figure, like reference characters are inserted as that of the corresponding components of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. This fluid treatment/activation device A includes an axially elongated, cylindrical casing10which contains therein: a fluid passage1similarly elongated in the axial direction; an inside conductive metal layer5formed from a non-magnetic material; first yoke Y1, second yoke Y2, third yoke Y3and fourth yoke Y4which are formed from a magnetic body; The pairs of first permanent magnets M1and second permanent magnets M2; an outside conductive metal layer6formed from the non-magnetic material; and a magnetic material layer7.

The opposite ends of the casing10are hermetically closed with the end wall portions10bshaped like a disc. The fluid passage1is constituted by the pipe member1ahaving a circular cross section. The opposite ends of the pipe member project from the end wall portions10bof the casing10.

The inside conductive metal layer5is constituted by a pipe having a circular cross section. The layer5is in contact with the pipe member1aconstituting the fluid passage1, thus solidly enclosing the overall periphery of the pipe member1a. The inside conductive metal layer5extends along the overall length of the fluid passage1through the casing10.

The paired first permanent magnet M1and second permanent magnet M2are opposed to each other as sandwiching the yokes Y1to Y4therebetween. The plural sets of first permanent magnets M1and second permanent magnets M2are respectively arranged in the axial direction of the casing10at predetermined space intervals. The first permanent magnet M1and the second permanent magnet M2are disposed in a manner to present the mutually opposite polarities at the mutually opposed surfaces thereof. In the figure, the north pole of the first permanent magnet M1and the south pole of the second permanent magnet M2face each other.

The yokes Y1to Y4have an arcuate cross section so as to be arranged along the overall outer periphery of the conductive metal layer5. Of the yokes Y1to Y4, the first yoke Y1is paired with the second yoke Y2and the third yoke Y3is paired with the fourth yoke Y4. The yokes Y1to Y4define respective gaps G therebetween. The dimension of the gap G is designed to range from 0.2 to 2 mm.

The first yoke Y1and the third yoke Y3are in contact with the north pole of the first permanent magnet M1, while the second yoke Y2and the fourth yoke Y4are in contact with the south pole of the second permanent magnet M2. Therefore, the north pole of the first permanent magnet M1is transferred to an end of the first yoke Y1adjacent to the second yoke Y2and to an end of the third yoke Y3adjacent to the fourth yoke Y4. Further, the south pole of the second permanent magnet M2is transferred to an end of the second yoke Y2adjacent to the first yoke Y1and to an end of the fourth yoke Y4adjacent to the third yoke Y3.

The outside conductive metal layer6and the magnetic material layer7are individually constituted by cylindrical bodies, totally and solidly covering the first permanent magnets M1, the second permanent magnets M2and the yokes Y1to Y4.

The fluid treatment/activation device A of the above constitution is adapted to generate the magnetic flux lines between the first permanent magnets M1and second permanent magnets M2in paired relation and to apply the magnetic force to the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1. The device is capable of generating extremely dense magnetic flux lines particularly in the vicinity of the gaps G where the south poles and the north poles are closest to each other. Therefore, the device can apply the intensive magnetic force to the fluid flowing near the gaps G, effectively activating the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1. According to the embodiment, even the fluid flowing through the fluid passage1at a high flow rate, in particular, can be subjected to the intensive magnetic force because the plural pairs of first permanent magnets M1and second permanent magnets M2are arranged in the axial direction of the casing10.

It is noted that the individual yokes Y1to Y4may be spaced away from the corresponding permanent magnets M1, M2. What is required is that the yokes are magnetically in contact with the permanent magnets so as to present the south pole opposite to the north pole or vice versa at the gap G.

The following test was conducted on the fluid treatment/activation device of the invention for verifying the effectiveness of fluid activation.

A device having the same construction as that of the fluid treatment/activation device A shown inFIG. 3was prepared as an example hereof. The device employed two sets or eight neodymium magnets in total as the permanent magnets which had dimensions of 25 mm×25 mm×10 mm and a remanent magnetic flux density of 12300 Gs. The two sets of permanent magnets were arranged in the axial direction.

A device having the same basic construction as that of the fluid treatment/activation device100shown inFIG. 9was prepared as a comparative example hereof. The device employed, as the conductive metal layer110, plate-like copper sheets facing each other across the water conduit101. The device also used two sets or eight magnets in total as the permanent magnets which were the same as those of the above example. The two sets of permanent magnets were arranged in the axial direction.

(1) Temperature: room temperature substantially maintained constant(2) Humidity: substantially maintained constant(3) Measuring instrument: air-ionometer (American product IC-1000), Spray pump (No. 4130 commercially available from FURUPLA Co. Ltd)(4) Measuring method: The respective devices were operated under the same conditions of the above-described temperature and humidity for taking measurements in 10 cycles. In each measurement cycle, water passed each of the fluid treatment/activation devices was sprayed from the above-described spray pump for 60 seconds. An average of the maximum value and a numerical value determined at the end of the spraying process was used as a measured value.

The example and the comparative example were each determined for the negative ion production under the above-described test conditions. The results are listed in the following table 1. A measured value of raw water not subjected to the fluid treatment/activation device is shown as a reference value.

As apparent from Table 1, the fluid subjected to the fluid treatment/activation device of the example can produce negative ions about 1.5 times as much as the fluid subjected to the device of the comparative example.

The following test was conducted on the fluid treatment/activation device of the invention for further verifying its effectiveness of fluid activation.

The same fluid treatment/activation device as that used in the above verification test 1 was prepared as an example hereof.

The same fluid treatment/activation device as that used in the above verification test 1 was prepared as a comparative example hereof.

Measuring method: Measurement was taken on the redox potential of water passed the fluid treatment/activation devices. The results are listed in the following table 2. It is noted that each water samples were at the same temperature.

As apparent from Table 2, the fluid subjected to the fluid treatment/activation device of the example exhibits the lower redox potential than that of the fluid subjected to the device of the comparative example. This suggests that the fluid subjected to the fluid treatment/activation device of the invention absorbs more electrons so as to be increased in the reducing power and dipolarity.

Each of the above fluid treatment/activation devices A may include a plurality of fluid passages1in the casing10according to the fluid throughput. In this case, the following modification may be made as shown inFIG. 7for example. In the Figure, the individual components including the inside conductive metal layer5, the permanent magnets M1to M4, the magnetic material layer7and the like but excluding the casing10are assembled into one unit U using a bond or by resin molding process. Further, the plural units U are combined in parallel relation such that the axes of the fluid passages1thereof extend in parallel. These units U are totally accommodated in the casing10. In this case, the fluid treatment/activation device A may be applied to a large diameter pipe for supplying a large volume of fluid such as industrial water because the device is capable of effectively activating a large volume of fluid. The unitized design also provides for easy fabrication of a fluid treatment/activation device capable of producing a required magnetic force according to a fluid throughput.

Another embodiment including the plural fluid passages1may be made as shown inFIG. 8. The permanent magnets M1to M4individually covered with the inside conductive metal layers5are arranged in a frame pattern to define square spaces provided with the gaps G thereby to form the plural fluid passages1. The permanent magnets M1to M4are totally and solidly enclosed by the outside conductive metal layer6and the magnetic material layer7. In this case, the fluid passages1in adjacent relation can share the permanent magnet disposed therebetween.

The fluid treatment device for fluid activation according to the invention is not limited to the forgoing embodiments but various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. In the above embodiments, the magnetic material layer7is composed of a single tubular body. However, an alternative constitution may be made, for example, wherein at least the peripheral wall portion10aof the casing10is formed from the magnetic material such as iron or permalloy so that the peripheral wall portion10aper se constitutes the magnetic material layer7. In this case, the casing10can also serve as the magnetic material layer7and hence, the device has a more simplified construction as compared with the case where the magnetic material layer7is formed independently. It is preferred in this case that at least an outside surface of the peripheral wall portion10ais coated with a rust preventive layer of stainless steel, silicone resin or the like.

The inside conductive metal layer5and the outside conductive metal layer6may be formed from a metal sheet of copper, silver or the like. Further, these metal layers may also be formed from a composite laminate of a metal such as copper or silver and another metal having a different potential from the above metal, or formed from an alloy sheet containing a metal such as copper or silver. In a case where the inside conductive metal layer5is overlaid on the permanent magnet, the layer may be formed by plating the permanent magnet with a metal such as copper, silver or gold or by applying powder of any of the above metals. Further, the outside conductive metal layer6may also be formed by plating the inside surface of the magnetic material layer7with any of the above metals or by applying thereto any of the above metals. The inside conductive metal layer5may also be formed by tightly winding a wire of the above metal around the pipe member1a, tightly winding a tape of the above metal around the pipe member1aor spirally winding the tape around the pipe member1a.

According to the invention, what is required is to provide at least a pair of permanent magnets. However, another permanent magnet may be added to the paired permanent magnets such that these permanent magnets are arranged to define a triangular space. The quadrangular space defined by the permanent magnets is not limited to the aforementioned square shape but may also be a rectangular shape, a rhombic shape or the like. The outside conductive metal layer6is provided as required.