Patent Abstract:
Fluid treatment apparatus having an alloy disk assembly comprised of a plurality of disks, each prepared from the metal elements copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and tin, which individually exhibit great propensity for reducing scale formation in flow conduits; particularly when combined together to form the fluid treatment alloy disk assembly of this disclosure. The disk assembly is housed within a suitable enclosure having passageways arranged to effect countercurrent flow through a series of apertured disks. The close proximity of the counterflowing streams within the alloy disk assembly provide unexpected advances in the art of fluid treatment.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     PROVISIONAL APPLICATION Ser. No. 06/534,648 
     APPLICANT: EDWARD HORTON MADDEN 
     FILED: Jan. 5, 2004 
     FOR: “FLUID TREATMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS” 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     NOT APPLICABLE 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     NOT APPLICABLE 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides method and apparatus for treating a fluid by controllably flowing the fluid along a predetermined flow path which forces the fluid into intimate contact respective a special alloy, made in accordance with this invention, thereby advantageously treating the flowing fluid whereby the downstream fluid exhibits improved properties as a result of the recited interaction between the fluid and the alloy. 
     The alloy of this disclosure is prepared from the metal elements copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and tin. These individual metallic elements have been found to exhibit great propensity for reducing scale formation in flow conduits; particularly when all of the recited metal elements are combined together to form the alloy; and the alloy subsequently formed into the novel fluid treatment alloy disk assembly of this invention. This alloy is realized by elevating the temperature of the recited mixed metals until a predetermined eutectic point is achieved. The cooled resultant metal alloy provides the material from which the disk assembly is fabricated. 
     The resultant alloy is configured into geometrical bodies in accordance with the present invention as disclosed herein, and thereby provides a catalytic alloy disk assembly for treating flowing fluids in a new and novel manner. The term “fluid” as used herein is intended to include liquids and gases, as well as a mixture thereof, and hereinafter it will be deemed that the term “liquids” and “gases” are interchangeably included when appropriate to do so. 
     In accordance with this invention, the alloy disks of the disk assembly are housed within a suitable enclosure or container having an inlet and an outlet that facilitates fluid connection into a liquid or gaseous supply system in an arrangement that maximizes contact between the flowing fluid respective the alloy disk assembly of this invention. 
     Hence, there is novelty found in the alloy per se, in the configuration and composition of the alloy, and in the configuration of the combination of the alloy disk assembly and the enclosure therefor. 
     Accordingly the term liquid, water, and fluid, as used herein, are all considered to be improved when treated according to this disclosure, and includes treatment of various different liquids and gases such as, for example, water, hydrocarbons, crude oil, fuel oil, gasoline, natural gas, air, as well as various mixtures thereof. 
     Additionally, the present invention comprehends both method and apparatus related to all of these features of the invention as found in the various embodiments of this disclosure. 
     In the past, others have suggested various alloys, configurations of alloys, as well as alloy housing configurations. Accordingly, further background of this disclosure is incorporated herein by reference to the prior art disclosures set forth as follows: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,071 issued Aug. 10, 1976 to Dunn et al for a “Water Conditioning Device” by which corrosion and lime scale deposits are controlled by incorporation of a copper-nickel alloy apparatus within the cold water flow line to a beverage vending machine, for example. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,873 issued Oct. 8, 1985 to Blake et al to a vessel for an unstable solution of a metal salt or complex and method for sealing such vessel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,828 issued Aug. 19, 1986 to Wells for a scale formation preventer and remover, including method and apparatus for removing calcium and other minerals from water flowing through a conduit having a reduced, rough textured cross-sectional area in an elongated core of a suitable alloy. The reduced cross-section area causes a desirable pressure drop in the flowing water. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,159 issued Dec. 15, 1987 to Truitt et al for a compact and cleanable apparatus for preventing scale formation in a liquid systems. The apparatus for eliminating mineral precipitation within a liquid (water) system includes a container with inlet and outlet pipes. A long treatment bar is attached within the inlet pipe in a removable manner to facilitate cleaning. The apparatus includes a brass extension means and the treatment bar is a metal alloy including copper, tin, iron, lead, zinc and nickel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,325 issued Dec. 29, 1987 to Walker for pollution control through fuel treatment for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel is treated by flowing in intimate contact with a crystalline metal alloy that includes specific percentages of copper, zinc, nickel, lead, tin, iron, antimony sulfur and manganese. According to the disclosure, flowing fuel through a housing thereof containing the metal alloy causes reduced pollution and increased mileage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,031 issued Dec. 6, 1988 to Walker for a gas anchor and treating device. The gas anchor is attached to the end of a downhole pump located in a borehole having a metal rod located in a metal housing, both of which are made of a special metal alloy containing a specific percentage by weight of copper, zinc, nickel, lead, tin, iron, antimony, sulfur and manganese. Bottom hole fluid flowing through ports into contact with the housing and metal rod, then into the pump intake is treated by the action of the special alloy components, thereby causing significant reduction in scale and corrosion of the metal surfaces that come in contact with the produced fluid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,422, issued Apr. 11, 1989 to Spenser comprehends a method for countering scale formation in fluid conduits. The system comprises a casing adapted for connection into a flow system, and a plurality of substantially spherical metallic members, preferably comprised of an alloy of copper zinc, nickel and tin, retained within the casing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,214 issued Apr. 9, 1991 to Burchnell et al for a cathodic protection apparatus for copper water supply pipes includes a pipe section for installing into a water supply line. A sacrificial anode is supported on a rigid conductor and held axially aligned in the center of the pipe section by a pair of electrically conductive support brackets. An electrically conductive bolt passes through the pipe section and attaches an electrical ground conductor to the pipe section. Once connected into the water supply line, the copper pipes of a building are protected from corrosion due to electrolytic action. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,217 issued Oct. 22, 1991 to Arroyo et al for a fluid treating device for gasoline or diesel fuel for vehicles and comprising an elongated housing having fuel line connectors on each end. A central opening in the housing supports a metal bar formed of an alloy composition including copper, nickel, zinc, tin, magnesium and silicon. The fuel flows through the fuel line into the housing where it comes into contact with the metal bar and exits the second fuel line as treated fuel having improved characteristics, substantially free of pollutants. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,006 issued Apr. 20, 1993 to Santoli for a water conditioning apparatus for inhibiting scale formation in water containing devices comprised of a housing containing a sinusoidal shaped core, both of which are comprised of copper, tin, nickel, zinc and lead. The housing is also provided with an electrical ground connection in the form of a fitting and a copper cable attached to a terminal on the housing to dissipate any electrical buildup to the earth ground. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,108 issued Nov. 2, 1993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,705 issued Nov. 29, 1994, both to Cassidy. These Cassidy&#39;s patents concern the conditioning of fluids, such as water, and/or fuel by inserting a housing containing an alloy core comprised of varying percentages of components such as: zinc, manganese, copper, a precious metal, silicon, molybdenum, titanium and tungsten into the fluid flow line. When applied in conditioning fuel, the alloy may be surrounded by one or more magnets to enhance operation. When applying the housing and alloy core in conditioning water, the apparatus can be electrically connected to an earth ground. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,273 issued Sep. 19, 1995 to Howard et al for a cast alloy article and method of making a fuel filter. The fuel filter is comprised of a fluted cylindrical alloy core made of varying percentages of cast copper, zinc, nickel and tin, in combination with a housing suitable for insertion into a fuel line of an internal combustion engine and improves the combustion characteristics and efficiency of a liquid fuel by removing impurities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,462 issued Nov. 28, 1995 to Gauger for an apparatus for preventing scale formation in water systems, including a housing containing an internal member or bar, both comprised of an alloy metal comprised of specific percentages of 68% Copper, 11% Zinc, 10.5% Nickel, 10% Tin and 0.5% lead can be suitably inserted into a water flow line. Water flowing through the housing contacts both the interior wall of the housing and the external area of the internal bar and other flow barriers. This action, and an optional electrical ground wire, conditions and effects the flowing water sufficiently to prevent scale formation. 
     The patents to Craft et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,448,034 and to Craft U.S. Pat. No. 3,486,999 are also related to apparatus for preventing scale formation in water systems and are referred to in many of the before mentioned patents. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure teaches a water treatment system having a novel metal alloy of a composition and configuration set forth herein, and the use of such an alloy within a special enclosure for treating fluids. The improved alloy used herein comprises a mixture of metallic compounds, each judiciously selected in accordance with the electro-negatives of selected chemical elements; and, the oxidation potentials of the elements listed in the electro-negativity Scale of the Electromotive Series. Applicant has discovered that such a catalytic alloy conditioner advantageously provides electrons to a flowing stream of water in a catalytic manner to remove electron deficiencies in the water. These properties enable electrochemical changes to occur that inhibit scale and corrosion formation, as well as dissolving existing scale and eliminating corrosion. The apparatus of this disclosure also increases the wetness and cleaning power of water, decreases the gaseous content of water, and further breaks down and leaches away excessive salts from soil. Further, the invention inhibits algae fungus and mildew growth. 
     Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is the provision of method and apparatus for subjecting a flowing liquid to an alloy having characteristics such that electron deficiencies of the liquid is reduced and thereby reduce scale formation. 
     Another object of this invention is the provision of method and apparatus for subjecting a flowing liquid to an alloy selected with high negative characteristics that affect the flowing liquid in such a manner that scale formation is reduced. 
     A still further object of this invention is the provision of an enclosure having passageways formed therein that diverts a flowing stream of fluid to flow in countercurrent relationship through apertures formed within a plurality of alloy disk-like bodies of selected electro-chemical properties such that the quality of the flowing fluid is improved when intimately contacted by the alloy. 
     Still another object of this invention is the provision of a flow system which includes an apparatus for subjecting a flowing liquid to an alloy water conditioner in such a manner that electrons are transferred into the liquid whereupon existing scale downstream of the alloy is dissolved. 
     An additional object of this invention is the provision of a fluid treatment apparatus for subjecting a flowing liquid to a catalytic alloy in such a manner that electrons are translocated from the alloy into the liquid thereby reducing electron deficiency of the liquid, and improving the quality of the liquid. 
     Another and still further object of this invention is the provision of method and apparatus for subjecting a flowing fluid to surfaces of a disk assembly made of a catalytic alloy having a propensity for losing electrons to the flowing fluid in such a manner that inhibition of scale formation is realized downstream of the apparatus. 
     In accordance with the forgoing objects of this invention is the provision of method and apparatus for improving the quality of a fluid by subjecting the flowing fluid to the electro-chemical properties of the novel alloy disclosed herein in such a manner that the molecules of the fluid, when brought into close proximity of the alloy surface by countercurrent flow through a disk assembly made of the novel alloy, exhibit unexpected improvements in a new and improved manner. 
     Accordingly another object of this invention is the provision of method and apparatus for subjecting a fluid to the electro-chemical properties of a catalytic alloy disk assembly, made in accordance with this invention, disposed in the flowing stream that flows countercurrent respective perforations formed in the individual apertures of the disk assembly and thereby interacts with the metal alloy composition thereof in a manner to improve the quality of the fluid while reducing scale formation. 
     The metal alloy components of the disk assembly are: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 copper 
                 60% 
                 by weight 
                 oz. per lb. 
                 9.6 
                   
               
               
                   
                 zinc 
                 17% 
                   
                   
                 2.72 
               
               
                   
                 nickel 
                 15% 
                   
                   
                 2.40 
               
               
                   
                 silver 
                 2% 
                   
                   
                 .32 
               
               
                   
                 tin 
                 6% 
                   
                   
                 .96 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 1.00 
                 Lb. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above percent composition by weight should be within an approximate range +/−15 percent. 
     Additional objects of this invention will become evident to those skilled in the art as this disclosure is more fully digested. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a part schematical, part diagrammatical illustration of the present invention disclosing one of several intended uses thereof; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged part cross-sectional side view of part of the apparatus disclosed in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged plan view of part of the apparatus disclosed in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged, part cross-sectional, part schematical, part diagrammatical illustration of another embodiment of the present invention disclosing one of several modifications of the apparatus disclosed in  FIGS. 2-5 ; 
         FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  11  are plan views of several modifications of part of the apparatus disclosed in  FIG. 6 ; and; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10 , respectively, are cross-sectional views taken along lines  9 - 9  and  10 - 10 , respectively, of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  diagrammatically discloses a fluid treatment apparatus  10 , made in accordance with this invention. The apparatus  10  is illustrated in the form of a housing or enclosure having an inlet end at adapter  12  opposed to an outlet end at adapter  14 , whereby, flow of fluid that is to be treated is received from a suitable source S, where it is conducted along flow line  16  and enters inlet end  12  of apparatus  10  for treatment thereof as the fluid flows therethrough. The outlet end  14  of fluid treatment apparatus  10  is connected to a suitable flow line  18  which conveys the treated fluid to a facility  20 . Facility  20  can take on any number of different forms that uses the treated fluid, such as, for example, a home, a business, a factory, or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , together with other Figures of the drawings, the novel fluid treatment apparatus  10  is in the form of a main enclosure  22  through which the fluid flows along a meandering path while being subjected to treatment by being forced into intimate contact respective a catalytic alloy assembly  35  ( FIG. 3 ) suspended to be uniquely placed in the flow path for countercurrent flow therethrough, the details of which are more fully described later on herein. 
     The outer surface of main enclosure  22  and inner surfaces  24 ,  25  of treatment apparatus  10  form the illustrated inlet passageway  26  and outlet passageway  26 ′ that preferably is cylindrical in form and divided by diverter  27 ,  28  into the upstream and downstream passageways  26 ,  26 ′. Concave surface  27  diverts fluid flow along a path as indicated by numeral  29 ′, whereby flow from inlet adapter  12  is forced into treatment chamber  29  which is arranged laterally or obliquely to form the illustrated angled hollow sump  23 . The central axis of sump  23  preferably is disposed 120 degrees respective the central axis of passageway  26 ,  26 ′. Sump  23  can be arranged at angles other than 120 degrees respective the central axis of inlet and outlet passageways  26 ,  26 ′, as may be desired, in order to efficiently enhance the countercurrent flow of fluid through the alloy disk assembly  35  of this invention. 
     The interior  23 ′ of sump  23  forms the before mentioned treatment chamber  29  which is disclosed in the form of a hollow blind passageway or sump, having a closure member  32  removably attached to the depending or free end thereof, with a resilient seal (not shown) included. A fluid treatment alloy disk assembly  35  that forms the catalytic alloy fluid conditioner claimed herein is telescopingly received along the central axis of treatment chamber  29 . Disk assembly  35 , the details of which are set forth in  FIG. 3 , is securely mounted by the illustrated axial support member  36  as shown in  FIG. 3 , with the uppermost disk thereof abuttingly engaging face  27 ′ of diverter  27 ,  28 . The alloy disk assembly  35  is comprised of spaced apart, apertured metallic disks  38 ,  40 ,  42  arranged with the apertures  54 ,  56  thereof oriented about a predetermined common axis while the respective apertures of the disks are oriented along the same predetermined axis. However, in some instances it is preferred to misalign the adjacent confronting apertures  54 ,  56  of adjacent disks  38 ,  40 ,  42  where greater turbulence and elongated flow paths are desired, as will be more fully appreciated later on as this disclosure is more fully digested by those skilled in this art. 
     Still looking at the cross-sectional view seen in  FIG. 3 , a lock or fastener means  44 , which can take on any desired form, abuttingly engages each side  46 ,  48  of each disk  38 ,  40 ,  42  and thereby removably secures each disk respective the axial support  36  which in turn is suitably affixed to and supported from the structure associated with the before mentioned diverter  27 ,  28 . The support  36  is illustrated herein as an elongated rod having a threaded area along the surface thereof which forms a connection at each end thereof. 
     In the assembled configuration of  FIG. 2 , together with  FIG. 3 , the outer periphery of the spaced alloy disks  38 ,  40 ,  42  preferably have a small annular area formed relative the inner surface  23 ′ of sump  23  to bring part of the fluid undergoing treatment into close proximity respective to the rim or outside diameter edge  50  of the alloy disk assembly  35 , also appropriately noted as being an annulus  31 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , together with other figures of the drawing, the central aperture  53  of a disk  38 ,  40 ,  42  receives axial support  36  therethrough for each of the disks. Additional apertures  54 ,  56 ,  58 , respectively, are positioned in a circumferentially extending area that lays along spaced intervals from the central axis of support member  36 . Therefore, these additional apertures are referenced as inner, middle, and outer circles of apertures. Each aperture is considered to be a flow path and is formed during the casting of the individual disk, or alternatively can be drilled using known procedures. Numeral  46  indicates one of the opposed faces of disk  38 . Numeral  59  of  FIG. 5  indicates one selected thickness of the disks which can be other than disclosed herein as may be desired. 
     Still looking at  FIG. 2 , it should be noted that the alloy assembly  35  is arranged for countercurrent flow therethrough whereby the untreated fluid, as indicated by numeral  29 ′ exits the upstream chamber  26  at openings  30  which are aligned respective sump  23  to form an inlet (also indicated by the arrow at numeral  29 ′) where fluid is forced to flow through the apertures aligned in underlying relationship respective the flow path seen between curved surface  27  of the diverter and the opening extending from  30  to  30 ′ outlet  28 ′,and a downstream concave face  28 . The upper disk together with the diverter and sump walls therefore induce fluid flow in countercurrent relationship relative to the alloy disk assembly which enhances the efficiency of treatment apparatus  10 . 
     Looking now to the liquid conditioner  110  seen in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , together with  FIGS. 7-11 , there is illustrated a second preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein like or similar numerals refer to like or similar corresponding parts previously mentioned in conjunction with the foregoing Figures. 
     The alloy disk assembly  135  is seen to incorporate pairs of a crescent half disk  70  for use in various embodiments of the invention. 
     In  FIG. 6 , numerals  127 ,  128  indicate opposed faces of a combination baffle and support having a lower end  136  depending therefrom while numeral  129  indicates the flow inlet directed into treatment chamber  130  which has been formed through a lower surface of interior wall  125 ,  126  of enclosure parts or surfaces  112  and  114 . 
     Still looking at  FIG. 6 , numeral  132  indicates a compression spring that urges the various disks  138 ,  140 ,  142  into properly assembled relationship respective one another by urging the disks against one another and against the annular shoulder  129  that is formed by opening  129 ,  130  formed through the lower surface  125 ,  125 ′ of passageway  126 ,  126 ′ through which the lower end  136  of the diverter extends. It will be noted that the diverter member  127 ,  128  conforms to the inside configuration  124  of inlet passageway  126  and is reduced at  136 ′ to form the marginal lower end thereof for fluid flow control into and return flow from chamber  130  which is bisected by the diverter to form countercurrent flow passageways positioned on either side  127  and  128  of the lower part of diverter member  136 . Hence, the plurality of apertured alloy disks of the alloy disk assembly  135  are maintained properly aligned by member  136  and thereby also provides for the desirable countercurrent flow of fluid respective the disk assembly. 
     Numerals  138 ,  140 ,  142  of  FIG. 6  broadly illustrate one arrangement of the a disk assembly which is comprised of multiple pairs of the semi-circular disks illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 ; while numerals  338 ,  338 ′ are alternate pairs of half or crescent shaped disks for use as one of the alloy disk assemblies enclosed within the sump  123 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , each of the disk halves  70 ,  72  is provided, with lips  74 ,  75  that confront the faces  127 ,  128  of the diverter  136  which extends between adjacent vertical lip spacers  74 ,  75  of the two different confronting half moon or crescent shaped disk  70 ,  75  and are spaced from one another by the lower marginal end  136  of the diverter, with adjacent confronting edges  74 ,  75  bearing against opposed sides of the diverter lower end as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 7 , note that a pair of half disk  70  is separated from an adjacent pair of disk by the provision of the illustrated upwardly extending lip  74 ,  76  that circumferentially extends thereabout and forms half the outer periphery thereof, with lip part  74  extending parallel to the disk diameter, actually more properly referred to as “the chord” of the disk. Hence the half moon disk  70  is in the form of a cup that can be mounted upwardly or downwardly opening as may be desired. 
     Another alternate form of a disk spacer is seen illustrated at crescent shaped disk  72  of  FIG. 7  and disk  138 ′ of  FIG. 9 , which uses multiple upstanding spaced parallel pins  82  as a spacer, while the example seen in  FIG. 11  uses cylindrical spacers having inner and outer wall surfaces  90 ,  92  by which the disks  338  and  338 ′ are mounted in spaced relationship respective one another. 
     Looking again now to  FIG. 7 , the straight edge lip  74 ,  75  of the crescent disks  70 ,  72  abuts opposed faces  127 ,  128  of the lower marginal length of the downwardly extending diverter member  136 . Hence, the lip spacer of disks  70 ,  72  has an inner surface  78  and outer surface  76  that form an outer rim about the disk as seen illustrated at  74 ,  75 , 76 , and  78 . Numeral  80  indicates the corner formed by the joinder of lip parts  74 ,  76 . The various aperture configurations allow for different fluid flow characteristics through the disks. 
       FIGS. 8 and 10 , together with other figures of the drawing, disclose other possible variations of the flow apertures  82 ,  84 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  184  formed through the disks. 
     IN OPERATION 
     In operation, the alloy disks of the disk assemblies of this invention are housed within a suitable container or enclosure having an inlet end and an outlet end that facilitates fluid connection into a liquid supply system in a manner to maximize contact between the flowing liquid and the alloy disk components of this disclosure in order to treat or neutralize various flowing liquids. 
     As previously noted, the term liquid includes but is not limited to water and other fluids, as for example hydrocarbons such as crude oil, fuel oil, gasoline, and various mixtures thereof. Contact of the flowing fluid with the alloy components disclosed herein treats, removes, or neutralizes certain undesirable properties of the various fluids flowing along the countercurrent path through the alloy assembly contained within the sump or treatment chamber of the disclosed flow system. The sump inlet preferably is angled toward the inlet adapter as disclosed in  FIG. 2 , with the apertures of the disks being of a number and size to effect minimum pressure drop across the entire apparatus  10  of this disclosure. 
     The frequency of opening the sump and cleaning the alloy assembly of accumulated undesirable matter is a measure of the efficiency of operation because the accumulated solids that precipitate from the flowing fluid is a measure of the conversion of undesirable chemical elements that the system has converted into insoluble particles. Hence, the more solids that result from the treatment is the result of the desirable catalytic action thereof. 
     The unexpected results attained with this novel fluid treatment apparatus is found in the alloy composition along with the unusual combination diverter and support  27 ,  28  which enable counter current flow to be achieved through the plurality of alloy disk of disk assembly  35 . It should now be appreciated that untreated fluid flows from adapter inlet end  12  of  FIG. 2 , for example, where the direction of flow is diverted about 120 degrees by the concave diverter flow control surface at  27 , whereby the flow path indicated by the arrow at numeral  29  (which also indicates the inlet into the alloy disk assembly housing  23 ) is aligned with disk apertures oriented towards inlet  29  and thereby forms a path of least resistance through the upstream half of the nearest disk apertures. The flow diminishes step-wise as portions of the total flow proceeds through each disk and cross over to the outlet or downstream side provided by the other half of each of the disks and progressively changes velocity on its journey towards the sump outlet or discharge  30 ′, with the lowermost or last disk receiving a reduced flow therethrough compared to the first disk. The arrow at numeral  30 ′ indicates the opposite or countercurrent flow path that achieves the unexpected high efficiency of contact between the fluid flow and the disk assembly and increases the effect derived from the alloy metal of the disk assembly. The treated water discharges into the downstream part of the passageway and exits the process at adapter outlet  14  where it provides treated water at flow line  18 . 
     The conditioner also removes electrons from some negative ions, and also provides for a significant increase of electrons for the ions and colloids in the water solution, resulting in inhibition of undesirable oxidation reaction, and, avoiding rust or corrosion particles in colloidal suspension by providing them with negative charges. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 CATALOG OF PARTS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 water treatment apparatus 
               
               
                 S 
                 source of flowing fluid 
               
               
                 12 
                 inlet end adapter 
               
               
                 14 
                 outlet end adapter 
               
               
                 16 
                 flow line inlet pipe 
               
               
                 18 
                 flow line outlet pipe 
               
               
                 20 
                 facility--house, office, factory et cetera 
               
               
                 22 
                 enclosure or housing 
               
               
                 23 
                 angled blind leg forming a sump 
               
               
                 24 
                 upper inner surface of enclosure 22 
               
               
                 25′ 
                 lower inner surface of enclosure 22 
               
               
                 26 
                 inlet passageway of 22 
               
               
                 26′ 
                 outlet passageway of 22 
               
               
                 27 
                 inlet diverter 
               
               
                 28 
                 outlet diverter 
               
               
                 29′ 
                 flow path--diverted into sump inlet 
               
               
                 29 
                 inner surface of sump 
               
               
                 30 
                 treatment chamber for containing the alloy assembly 
               
               
                 30′ 
                 sump flow outlet 
               
               
                 31 
                 annulus 
               
               
                 32 and 132 
                 closure member 
               
               
                 35 
                 alloy disk assembly for fluid treatment 
               
               
                 36 
                 axial support member 
               
               
                 38, 40, 42 
                 disks of the alloy assembly 
               
               
                 44 
                 lock or fastener device 
               
               
                 46 
                 upper face of disk 
               
               
                 48 
                 lower face of disk 
               
               
                 50 
                 outer periphery of alloy disk 
               
               
                 52 
                 aperture of disk 
               
               
                 53 
                 central axis of a disk 
               
               
                 54, 56, 58 
                 respectively, are inner, middle, outer 
               
               
                   
                 aperture circles 
               
               
                 59 
                 thickness of disk 
               
               
                 70 
                 crescent or half disk of second embodiment 
               
               
                 72 
                 crescent or half disk of another embodiment 
               
               
                 74, 75, 76 
                 lip spacer lies adjacent 127 or 128 
               
               
                 76 
                 lip spacer forms outer rim 
               
               
                 78 
                 lip spacer forms inner rim 
               
               
                 80 
                 joinder of 74, 76 
               
               
                 82 
                 small apertures 
               
               
                 84, 84′ 
                 aperture for fluid flow disk 70 
               
               
                 90 
                 spacer id (FIG. 11) 
               
               
                 92 
                 spacer od 
               
               
                 123 
               
               
                 127, 128 
                 opposed faces of baffle plate support (FIGS. 6, 9 &amp; 10) 
               
               
                 129 
                 inlet of sump 
               
               
                 129′ 
                 chamber interior wall 
               
               
                 130 
                 sump discharge 
               
               
                 132 
                 closure member 
               
               
                 132′ 
                 compression spring 
               
               
                 134 
                 seal resilient 
               
               
                 135 
                 disk assembly 
               
               
                 136 
                 axial support member for fluid treatment alloy 
               
               
                   
                 disk assembly 
               
               
                 136′ 
                 Central axis (FIG. 11) 
               
               
                 138, 140, 142 
                 semi-circular disk assembly (FIG. 6) 
               
               
                 154, 156 
                 aperture for fluid flow (FIG. 11) 
               
               
                 158 
                 aperture (FIG. 9) 
               
               
                 190 
                 spacer pins (FIG. 9) 
               
               
                 238, 238′ 
                 half disks of the alloy conditioner 135

Technology Classification (CPC): 2