Treatment of water with static and radio frequency electromagnetic fields

A device for purifying water of mineral contaminants, bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungus, and other undesirable impurities, as well as for preventing and removing scale from conduits and containers within which water is maintained, that utilizes an electronic circuit capable of generating a plurality of interacting electromagnetic fields. The circuitry is capable of generating the combination of a first static electromagnetic field of variable offset, a second radio frequency varying electromagnetic field, and a third low frequency varying electromagnetic field with high amplitude, short pulse width, spikes. In addition, the circuitry is capable of inducing a high negative ion concentration in the water within which electrodes connected to the circuitry are immersed. The invention anticipates the use of electrodes suitable not only for the flow of water about the electrodes through a conduit, but the placement of electrodes within a pool of water to be purified.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The apparatus and method of the present invention relate generally to 
devices and methods for purifying water through the use of electromagnetic 
fields. The apparatus and method of the present invention relate more 
specifically to an apparatus and method that utilize a combination of 
static, low frequency, and radio frequency electromagnetic fields, along 
with high negative ion flux to produce a range of purifying effects on 
water. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The use of electromagnetic properties to treat impurities that are commonly 
found in water is an old and well known practice. The basis for most 
devices that use electromagnetic fields and energy to purify or alter the 
characteristics of water is the fact that many impurities in water exist 
in ionic form and are, therefore, significantly affected by 
electromagnetic fields and charges placed in the water. 
These ionic impurities are, of course, most significantly affected by the 
implementation of a static electric field within the water that directs 
ions of one polarity in one direction and ions of the opposite polarity in 
the opposite direction. The establishment of such a static electromagnetic 
field also serves to continuously disrupt the combination of negative and 
positive ions within the solution that tend to form solid precipitates 
that often clog conduits and containers for the water. Unfortunately, a 
typical side effect of the process of establishing a static 
electromagnetic field within a water container or conduit is the 
deposition of the ionic solids on the electrodes used to establish the 
field. After a period of time, the electrodes themselves require cleaning 
as they have attracted the ions of opposite polarity to such an extent 
that they become layered with precipitate and their efficiency is 
significantly reduced. The effect, therefore, is simply the redirection of 
the scaling from the conduit or container carrying the water to the 
electrodes that are placed within it. 
In addition to the drawbacks identified above, the imposition of a static 
electromagnetic field on water is generally not effective against a broad 
spectrum of impurities known to exist in many water streams. Apart from 
the mineral precipitates that create impurity problems, there are 
additionally bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungus, etc., that are detrimental 
impurities in many water streams. For the most part, static electric 
fields have little or no affect on these so called "biological" impurities 
that may exist and may create problems as significant as the mineral 
scaling problems described above. There are devices in the field that have 
been constructed that utilize alternating electric current to create 
electromagnetic fields within a flow of water that are designed to 
selectively destroy bacteria contained within the water. U.S. Pat. No. 
3,753,886, issued to Meyers on Aug. 21, 1973, describes Just such an 
apparatus, but determines the optimum functioning frequency to exist at 60 
cycles per second. The Meyers patent hypothesizes a reason for the greater 
efficiency at low frequency alternating current, but specifically 
indicates a decrease in the efficiency of the device at higher 
frequencies. This leaves a number of forms of bacteria, protozoa, algae, 
fungus, etc., within the water and fails to completely purify the water as 
such. It would be advantageous to create and implement a device that 
incorporates not only a static electromagnetic field capable of handling 
ionic impurities as described above, but also a low frequency varying 
electromagnetic field, and a high frequency varying electromagnetic field, 
all in conjunction with a source for a high output of negative ions into 
the water. This combination of electromagnetic fields and ionic generation 
would be capable of attacking a broad spectrum of impurities commonly 
found in water. If a single circuit and electrode combination could be 
devised to implement this combination of generated electromagnetic fields, 
then a very simple and cost efficient means for a variety for water 
purification applications could be constructed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic 
circuit capable of creating a plurality of electromagnetic fields within a 
water supply or flow that are capable of clarifying the water of a variety 
of impurities and undesirable contaminants. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and 
method for generating a first high voltage static electromagnetic field, a 
second low frequency electromagnetic field, and a third high frequency 
electromagnetic field, that in combination, are capable of clarifying a 
water supply or flow of a broad spectrum of impurities and contaminants. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic 
circuit capable of generating a plurality of static, low frequency, and 
radio frequency electromagnetic fields capable of clarifying a water 
supply or flow of impurities and contaminants, and capable of functioning 
in conjunction with a simple arrangement of one or two electrodes. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for 
generating a plurality of electromagnetic fields and simultaneously 
generating a high concentration of negative ions within a water supply or 
flow, that in combination are capable of clarifying the water of a broad 
spectrum of impurities and contaminants. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and 
apparatus for purifying water of ionic solids that are capable of allowing 
the ionic solids to precipitate of their own accord out of the solution 
and not to be directed to either the conduit or container within which the 
water is flowing or to any electrode of the system generating the 
electromagnetic fields. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic 
circuit that relies upon the use of electrodes whose physical 
configuration is simple and are not dependent upon the shape and/or 
configuration of the conduit or container within which the water flows. 
In fulfillment of these and other objects, the present invention provides 
an electronic circuit capable of generating a range of radio frequency 
electromagnetic fields through one or more electrodes within water, which 
range of electromagnetic frequencies causes an output electromagnetic wave 
form and field that incorporates a high static offset, a low frequency 
component, a high frequency component, and results in an increase in the 
concentration of negative ions within the water. 
The circuitry of the present invention achieves these objectives by the use 
of a power transistor to oscillate a low voltage iron core transformer at 
a broad range of radio frequencies. At particular intervals in the 
generation of these frequencies, the electromagnetic fields and waves 
reinforce each other and create high voltage spikes of relatively low 
frequency. The high voltage, low frequency spikes occur in a range from 
100 to 10,000 volts and at frequencies from 10 cycles per second to 
several thousand cycles per second. These low frequency, high voltage 
pulses induce the formation of negative ions within the water as a result. 
The underlying radio frequencies in the generated field and wave are 
preferably in the range from 10 to 2,000 kilocycles. Variations in any of 
the particular electromagnetic fields generated by the device can be made 
to specifically stream line the application according to the particular 
needs of the user. Where the primary contaminant and water supply is 
mineral solids, a high static field with a background radio frequency 
electromagnetic field allows for the prevention of scaling and, at the 
same time, eliminates the precipitation and scaling of the minerals on the 
electrodes themselves. Where mineral contaminants are less a concern and 
bacterial, algae, and protozoa contaminants are more of a concern, a 
higher radio frequency component at a lower static electromagnetic field 
might be appropriate. In any event, the apparatus of the present invention 
provides a single circuit that, thorough proper biasing and configuration, 
provides a plurality of static and varying electromagnetic fields capable 
of attacking a broad range of water contaminants and impurities. 
This and other objectives of the present invention will become clear to 
those skilled in the art from the below description of a preferred 
embodiment and from the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 for a detailed description of the 
circuitry of the present invention common to each of the various 
applications that the preferred embodiments envision. The circuit's 
primary components include step down transformer (12), oscillating 
transistor (18), and step up transformer (22). A standard 115 volt AC 
power supply is connected across terminals (10a) and (10b) at the input to 
the circuitry. This powers the primary winding (12a) of step down 
transformer (12). Step down transformer (12) has a secondary winding that 
provides three volts to twelve volts at 0.3 amps. This voltage is then 
provided to the center tap (22a) of step up transformer (22) by way of 
diode (14). In the preferred embodiment, diode (14) is a 500 volt diode 
with a 1 amp rating. Filtering capacitor (16) is a 330 microfarad 
capacitor rated at 25 volts. 
The combination of transistor (18), which is an NPN power transistor rated 
at 30 watts in the preferred embodiment, and step up transformer (22) 
creates an oscillator that puts out a voltage varying in a whole range of 
radio frequencies. Step up transformer (22) has a primary 6 volt center 
tap coil and a secondary coil with a 25 to 1 ratio rated at 1,500 volts at 
10 milliamps. Resistor (20) may be any value from 390 ohms to 9,100 ohms 
and is used to provide the base voltage to transistor (18). 
In combination, this power circuit provides radio frequency oscillations at 
the output of step up transformer (22). This signal is conditioned by 
diode (24), which is a 10,000 volt diode rated at 20 milliamps, and by 
capacitor (26), which is an 800 picofarad capacitor rated at 10,000 volts. 
This provides a radio frequency signal across terminals (28) and (30) that 
is connected to the electrodes of the present invention that are described 
in more detail below. 
The operation of the above described circuitry creates a wave form similar 
to that shown in FIG. 1A. The reference base line shown in FIG. 1A 
(V.sub.os) may be any DC offset desirable for the particular application 
involved. The importance of the output, however, lies in the wave form and 
the spiked pulses that the combination of radio frequencies periodically 
put out. This voltage spike of up to 2,000 volts or more results from the 
positive reinforcement of these radio frequencies on an intermittent 
basis. The frequency of the pulse itself provides the low frequency signal 
necessary for certain types of water purification. At the same time, the 
underlying radio frequencies in the signal provide the necessary 
electromagnetic fluxuations to eliminate other types of impurities in the 
water being treated. The pulse width of the wave form (35) described in 
FIG. 1A is approximately 10 microseconds. This pulse width, however, can 
be controlled by appropriate adjustment of the biasing of transistor (18) 
shown in FIG. 1. All of the characteristics of the output wave form (35) 
shown in FIG. 1A can be modified by appropriate biasing and resistance and 
capacitance changes to the circuitry in FIG. 1. Resistor (20), for 
example, might be replaced by a variable resistor which would allow user 
modification of the output frequencies. The only critical characteristics 
of the wave form is the inclusion of its underlying radio frequency, its 
low frequency pulse structure, the high voltage level of the pulse and the 
short pulse widths of the spikes. It is the combination of all of these 
wave elements that creates the versatility of the circuitry to drive 
electrodes in a number of different applications. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 2 for a brief description of a typical prior 
art electrostatic water purifying unit. The primary distinction between 
the present invention and other previous applications of electromagnetic 
energy to water involves the implementation of a plurality of 
electromagnetic waves and fields within the water rather than simply a 
static field. The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is appropriate for 
establishing a static electromagnetic field between an inner core and an 
outer shell through which water is passed. In FIG. 2 (prior art) power 
unit (48) has an output of anywhere from 1,500 VDC to 10,000 VDC and has a 
positive terminal (46) connected to a central teflon insulated core (42). 
Core (42) is held centered within a water conduit (40) by compression 
fittings (44). The outer conduit (40) is itself conductive and is 
connected to the negative terminal (50) of power unit (48). 
This prior art structure establishes a high voltage static electromagnetic 
field between the outer shell (40) of a conductive pipe and inner core 
(42). Although not shown in FIG. 2, this device could be used either 
within a container through which water is circulated or could be placed in 
line within a conduit through which water flows. In either case, the 
tendency of such devices is to collect the impurities within the device 
itself and to require cleaning and maintenance as a result. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 3 for a detailed description of a cross 
sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Power 
unit (60) is connected to a typical AC power source (62) as described 
above with respect to FIG. 1. Negative output (64) of power unit (60) is 
connected to PVC electrode unit (63) at a first stainless steel bolt 
(66a). Stainless steel bolt (66a) passes through the wall of PVC pipe (74) 
and attaches to stainless steel core electrode (70). Stainless steel core 
electrode (70) is spaced from the interior wall of PVC pipe (74) by way of 
insulating spacer (68). Stainless steel core electrode (70) is itself a 
stainless steel tube of a length appropriate for sufficient contact with 
water within the flow of the pipe. This typically means a length anywhere 
from 8" to 32" in length, depending upon the application. Stainless steel 
electrode (70) is closed at each end within caps (72). A far end of 
stainless steel electrode (70) is also attached and held in place within 
PVC pipe (74) by way of a second stainless steel bolt (66b). This 
attachment is also accomplished with a spacer (68) so as to keep stainless 
steel electrode centered within PVC pipe (74). A flow of water (76) can 
then be passed around and about stainless steel electrode (70), being 
purified as it proceeds along the electrode. It is assumed, although not 
shown in FIG. 3, that the water within the flow of PVC electrode unit (63) 
is at a ground potential from the grounded metal piping that the water is 
typically flowing through. It is understood that the PVC electrostatic 
unit described in FIG. 3 could be connected to any of a number of 
different standard PVC couplings and plumbing fixtures. The diameter of 
PVC pipe (74) is variable according to the type of fixture involved. In a 
preferred embodiment, the PVC pipe (74) utilized is a standard 4" schedule 
40 PVC and the stainless steel core electrode (70) is a standard 3/4" or 
1" stainless steel pipe. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 4 for an alternative preferred embodiment of 
the electrode structure of the present invention. Like the embodiment 
shown in FIG. 3, PVC electrode unit (83) shown in FIG. 4 is connected to 
power unit (80) which is itself connected to a standard AC power source 
(82). In this case, however, the negative terminal (84) of power unit (80) 
is connected to centered electrode (90) and a grounded terminal (85) is 
connected to a surrounding electrode (98) to provide the ground potential 
in completely ungrounded systems such as PVC irrigation systems. Negative 
terminal (84) is connected to stainless steel centered electrode (90) just 
as in the previous embodiment. This connection is made by way of stainless 
steel bolt (86a) through the use of spacer (88) and is accomplished much 
in the same way as described above. Stainless steel electrode (90) is 
capped on each end within plugs (92). 
In addition, however, the second preferred embodiment includes a 
surrounding ground electrode (98) that is placed within PVC pipe (94). The 
ground output (85) from power unit (80) is connected through the wall of 
PVC pipe (94) by way of stainless steel bolt (87). Stainless steel bolt 
(87) is attached to stainless steel inner liner (98) which surrounds, but 
is not in contact with stainless steel electrode (90). Water flow (96) 
passes within and between stainless steel inner liner (98) and stainless 
steel electrode (90). 
As with the embodiment described in FIG. 3, the device showing in FIG. 4 
can easily be connected to any of a number of PVC plumbing fixtures 
through standard PVC couplings, adapters, etc. Again, the dimensions of 
the device are similar to those described with FIG. 3 and are adaptable 
for various applications from small PVC fixtures (on the order of 1" to 
2") to very large (4" to 24"). 
The embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 are suitable primarily for 
installations where a constant flow of water past the electrodes is 
anticipated. These embodiments, however, are easily adaptable to 
containers that are typically used in conjunction with electrostatic water 
purifying units. One such canister type unit is described generally in 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,206, wherein two electrodes are immersed in water 
contained within a canister that circulates by turbulent flow. It is 
expected that any number of electrode configurations could be conceived 
according to a particular application that the unit is intended for. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 on the other hand are directed to a larger scale application, 
wherein the electrodes are installed within large industrial operations 
such as cooling towers for power plants and the like. 
In a typical cooling tower installation, the water being circulated resides 
primarily in a shallow pool at the base of the cooling tower. Through 
various means, the water is raised and lowered and is cooled in the 
process. The electrodes shown in FIG. 5 are designed to be placed within 
the pool of water at the base of the cooling tower and to impart the 
necessary electromagnetic fields to the water to carry out the 
purification and decontamination process. The electrodes (100a) and (100b) 
shown in FIG. 5 are of fairly simple construction and are primarily 
comprised of rolled stainless steel sheets (102a) and (102b). These rolled 
stainless steel sheets (102a) and (102b) could simply be large stainless 
steel cylinders on the order of 8" to 18" in diameter. The cross sectional 
configuration of these electrodes (100a) and (100b) is not so important as 
is their outer surface area that comes in contact with the water. Plastic 
bases (104a) and (104b) are provided to stainless steel rolled cylinders 
(102a) and (102 b) for the purpose of elevating the cylinders to an 
appropriate level within the water pool. Plastic caps (106a) and (106b) 
are used to prevent the presence of stagnate water within the center of 
electrodes (100a) and (100b). In the preferred embodiment, electrode 
(100a) is connected to the negative terminal of the power unit described 
above by way insulated electrical conductor (108a). Likewise, a second 
electrode (100b) is connected to the ground output of the power unit 
described above by way of insulated electrical conductor (108b). 
It is possible to operate the system of the present invention with only a 
single negative electrode, as long as the water flows through grounded 
piping and conduits within the water cooling tower. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 6 for a modification of the embodiment shown 
in FIG. 5, wherein a single electrode unit is used in place of the double 
electrodes described above. In FIG. 6, a cross sectional view is shown of 
a dual plate electrode (110) that is used in applications similar to that 
as shown in FIG. 5. The dual plate electrodes (112) and (114) are mounted 
on plastic base (116) which again serves to raise electrodes (112) and 
(114) appropriately above the pool floor of the cooling tower unit. A 
first stainless steel plate (112) is connected to plastic base (116) by 
way of stainless steel bolt (120). The negative output of the power unit 
is connected to stainless steel plate (112) at stainless steel bolt (120) 
by way of electrical conductor (124). Likewise, a second stainless steel 
plate (114) is connected to an opposite side of plastic base (116) by way 
of stainless steel bolt (118). The ground output of the power unit is 
connected to second stainless steel plate (114) at stainless steel bolt 
(118) by way of electrical conductor (122). Electrode plates (112) and 
(114) may be generally rectangular in structure and base (116) may be 
suitably shaped to hold plates (112) and (114) in an orientation 
perpendicular to the pool floor of the cooling tower unit. 
There are some instances when the spacing between the electrodes dictates 
that the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 be utilized and some instances where 
the proximity of the electrodes to each other, as shown in FIG. 6, is of 
greater benefit. This depends on the size of the pool, the magnitude of 
the static voltage, and the availability of grounding locations. 
As described previously, the power unit of the present invention can be 
used in different modes depending upon the particular application. 
Adjustments to the power unit to emphasize a static electromagnetic field 
offset or a particular combination of radio frequency and low frequency 
pulses can be made. In general, it is the radio frequency components of 
the output signal that prevents the buildup of scaling deposits directly 
on the electrodes themselves. In the embodiment described in FIG. 5, for 
example, it has been found that not only is the formation of scale within 
the cooling tower unit reduced, the electrodes themselves do not require 
cleaning and the mineral content of the water eventually precipitates out 
as a fine silt in the base of the cooling tower pool. The present systems 
also, because of the radio frequency signals, start breaking up scale that 
has accumulated within a water conduit or container and will eventually 
remove such scale to again be silted out in a fine powder form. 
The radio frequencies also contribute to the effectiveness of the system in 
sterilizing and decontaminating water containing bacteria, amoeba, 
protozoa, algae, fungus, etc. Critical to this "biological" contaminant 
purification is the fast rising spike in the signal as opposed to merely 
the implementation of low amplitude radio frequency waves. This low 
frequency spike appears to act as a shock to the bacteria, amoeba, 
protozoa, etc., within the water and to break down their protective 
mechanisms. 
When the power unit is used primarily as a high static high voltage 
generator, as in descaling applications, the preferred voltage output is 
generally between 2,000 and 5,000 volts. The system can function with as 
low as a 1,000 volt and as high as a 10,000 volt static field. No 
improvement appears in operation, however, above 3,000 volts. 
When the unit is used as a combination static high voltage generator and a 
high negative ion generator, the preferred output voltage is generally 
between 3,500 and 5,000 volts static field. When the power unit is used 
strictly as a negative ion generator, the preferred voltage output is 
1,500 to 3,000 volts static field with a resultant negative ion output of 
approximately 100 to 2,000 volts. 
When the power unit is used to control bacteria, ameba, protozoa, algae, 
fungus, etc., the power unit pulse rate frequency is set to coincide with 
generally accepted frequencies that controls particular types of 
organisms. For example, the control frequency for E. Coli bacteria is 
generally known to be 802 cycles per second. The voltage output on such 
frequencies is preferably between 2,000 and 5,000 volts. 
While the above is a description of the construction and operation of a 
number of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the below 
appended claims are anticipated as encompassing all modifications and 
equivalents that do not depart from the scope of the invention as 
described.