Patent Abstract:
A water treatment device for treating water in water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative coolers, swimming pools, fountains, sewage wastewater systems, water troughs for agricultural animals, agricultural runoff, and fisheries is described. The water treatment device utilizes a magnetic field, a catalyst, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to produce a treated gas with increased oxygen radicals to treat a body of water. A mount disposed about a UV lamp may comprise the catalyst material or materials to increase the production of oxygen radicals. The resulting treated gas may be placed in contact with a body of water, for example, to reduce particulate build up, biological matter, and other pollutants.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/091,358 filed Dec. 12, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/052,981 filed Sep. 19, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/054,705 filed Sep. 24, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/056,936 filed Sep. 29, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/060,403 filed Oct. 6, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/495,702, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2012/0261349, 2013/0087504, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,384, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention pertains generally to systems and methods for treating water. More particularly, embodiments of the invention utilize systems that expose an oxygen containing gas to magnetic fields, catalysts, and/or a radiation source to form a treated gas, and then deliver the gas to water in order to treat the water. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Water used in various systems can accumulate undesirable content such as particulate matter, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, and pollutants. Examples of these water systems include cooling towers, evaporative coolers, swimming pools, fountains, sewage wastewater systems, water troughs for agricultural animals, agricultural runoff, and fisheries. If the undesirable content in these water systems is not treated, it can lead to broken devices, waterborne diseases, and other ill effects. 
         [0004]    There are several existing options to treat water systems. For example, chlorination kills biological growth, desalination removes salt, and filtration removes particulate matter. A water system with undesirable content may bleed off water, and the water system is replenished with feed water that does not contain pollution, biological growth, etc. However, the use of chemicals or the constant replenishing of water can substantially increase costs associated with the maintenance of water quality. 
         [0005]    Alternative water treatment options such as ultraviolet (UV) lamps can kill biological growth in water. However, UV lamps generally do not help with hyper-concentration and deposition of water-borne solids. Therefore, there is a need for a water treatment system that can function as a disinfectant and reduce the deposition of water-borne solids, while reducing the costs associated with such water treatment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the invention are directed to solving these and other problems and overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide for the maintenance and improvement of water quality using magnetic fields, catalysts, and radiation to increase oxygen radicals in oxygen containing gas or other gases, and then deliver the treated gas to a body of water or a water containing system. 
         [0007]    In accordance with embodiments of the invention, oxygen containing gas is supplied to a water treatment device having a reaction chamber in which at least one magnet, at least one catalytic mount, and at least one UV lamp are disposed. The gas passes through the magnetic field, over the catalytic mount, and through the UV radiation to increase oxygen radicals in the gas, and to form a treated gas. The treated gas is delivered from the water treatment device and is placed in contact with a body of water or a water containing system. The treated gas can reduce particulate matter and disinfect the water. 
         [0008]    In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a mount may have a particular geometry that provides increased surface area for a catalytic material such as nickel. For example, the mount may have a plurality of vanes extending from a central body of the mount. These vanes may form a sweeping incline relative to a top and/or bottom surface of the mount. In addition, the mount may include additional elements that extend from the individual vanes to further increase the surface area of the mount. In various embodiments, the mount may actively or passively rotate to increase the amount of oxygen containing gas that contacts the surface area of the mount. The geometry of the mount may also serve other purposes beyond increased surface area. In some embodiments of the invention, the geometry of the mount provides a location that can receive other components, such as magnets. 
         [0009]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, magnets may be used to create a magnetic field in a water treatment device. As described above, the mount may comprise a geometry that is adapted to receive magnets. The geometry may be a simple recess in the mount, or the geometry may be more complex such as a protrusion surrounded by an annular recess in the mount. The magnet may be disposed within a recess in the mount. The magnet may also be disposed about a radiation source, for example, a UV lamp. In other words, the magnet may be a ring shape that completely, or partially, encircles the radiation source. Further, more than one magnet may be associated with the mount. 
         [0010]    In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, a mount may be disposed at either end of the radiation source. The mounts may interconnect the radiation source to the water treatment device and/or be concentrically disposed about the radiation source. Once a mount and a magnet are disposed about the radiation source, the magnet may abut the mount such that the magnet is at least partially disposed in a recess of the mount. Further, the mount may have recesses on either side to accommodate magnets disposed on either side of the mount. Accordingly, the polarities of two magnets may be oriented such that the magnets are attracted to each other and are secured to the mount via magnetic attraction. In other embodiments, the polarities of two magnets may be oriented such that the magnets are repelled from each other. In these embodiments, the mount may include additional features such as a bayonet fitting to selectively interconnect the magnets to the mount. Various combinations of magnets, mounts, and radiation sources can be used to increase oxygen radicals in oxygen containing gas using magnetic fields, catalysts, and radiation simultaneously, nearly simultaneously, or in series. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the invention may be disposed in a number of support structures. These structures house the water treatment device, including the pump, the reaction chamber, and other components. In some embodiments the support structure is a cabinet where a user may open a door to access the components of the water treatment device. A pump inside of the cabinet draws oxygen containing gas from outside of the cabinet and expels treated gas outside of the cabinet through a conduit. In other embodiments, the water treatment device may only need to treat a body of water or a water containing system that is in a remote location for a short amount of time, and/or it may be desirable to change the location of the water treatment device periodically. Therefore, in some embodiments, the support structure is a trailer or other mobile support structure. It will be appreciated that the trailer may be cabinet-sized and towable behind a light truck or car. In other embodiments, the trailer may be a semi-truck trailer or an intermodal container. 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the water treatment device may comprise any number of components alone or in combination. For instance, a water treatment device may have a radiation source with a mount-and-magnet combination disposed at either end of the lamp. In alternative embodiments, a mount-and-magnet combination may simply be disposed at midpoint along the length of the UV lamp. Further yet, a given water treatment device may comprise multiple radiation sources, and multiple water treatment devices may be arranged in parallel or in series to meet the requirements of the overall water treatment system. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of the invention is a water treatment device, comprising a reaction chamber at least partially defining an enclosed volume, the reaction chamber having a first end and a second end, wherein an inlet is disposed at the first end of the reaction chamber and an outlet is disposed at the second end of the reaction chamber; a radiation source located within the enclosed volume, the radiation source having a longitudinal length substantially extending from proximate the first end of the reaction chamber to proximate the second end of the reaction chamber; a first mount disposed about the radiation source, the first mount having at least two vanes extending from the first mount, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first mount comprises a catalyst; and a first magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, gas enters the enclosed volume through the inlet, moves through a magnetic field generated by the first magnet, passes over the first mount and past the radiation source, and exits the enclosed volume through the outlet. In various embodiments, a second magnet is disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount, the first magnet having a first polarity and the second magnet having a second polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted to each other. In other embodiments, a second magnet is disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount, the first magnet having a first polarity and the second magnet having a second polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the first magnet and the second magnet are repelled from each other. In some embodiments, a second mount is disposed about the radiation source, the second mount having at least two vanes extending from the second mount, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the second mount comprises a catalyst; a third magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the second mount; a fourth magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the second mount, the third magnet having a third polarity and the fourth magnet having a fourth polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the third magnet and the fourth magnet are attracted to each other. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments of the invention, the first magnet fully encircles a circumference of the radiation source. In certain embodiments of the invention, at least two vanes form a vane angle with a bottom surface of the first mount, wherein the vane angle is between approximately 30° and 60°. In various embodiments, at least one element extends from each vane of the at least two vanes, wherein the at least one element and each vane of the at least two vanes forms a partially enclosed volume. In some embodiments, the first mount comprises an outer portion rotatably disposed about an inner portion, wherein the at least two vanes extend from the outer portion, and wherein the gas impinges the at least two vanes and causes the outer portion to rotate about the inner portion. In various embodiments, an electric motor operably interconnects to the first mount, wherein excitation of the electric motor causes the first mount to rotate about the radiation source. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises at least one of nickel, CaNi 5 , NaTaO 3 :La, K 3 Ta 3 B 2 O 12 , (Ga 0.82 Zn 0.18 )(N 0.82 O 0.18 ), Pt/TiO 2 , cobalt, and bismuth. 
         [0016]    In embodiment of the invention is a system for treating water, comprising a pump that draws in gas at a first pressure and expels the gas at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure; a first conduit interconnected to the pump, the first conduit channeling the gas from the pump; a first treatment device having an inlet interconnected to the first conduit, the first treatment device comprising a reaction chamber at least partially defining an enclosed volume, the reaction chamber having a first end and a second end, wherein the inlet is disposed at the first end of the reaction chamber and an outlet is disposed at the second end of the treatment chamber; a radiation source located within the enclosed volume, the radiation source having a longitudinal length substantially extending from proximate the first end of the treatment chamber to proximate the second end of the reaction chamber; a first mount disposed about the radiation source, the first mount having at least two vanes extending from the first mount, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first mount comprises a catalyst; and a first magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount. 
         [0017]    In various embodiments of the invention, a second conduit interconnects to the outlet of the first treatment device, the second conduit channeling the gas from the first treatment device to a water source. In certain embodiments of the invention, a second mount disposed about the radiation source, the second mount having at least two vanes extending from the second mount, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the second mount comprises a catalyst; a third magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the second mount; a fourth magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the second mount, the third magnet having a third polarity and the fourth magnet having a fourth polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the third magnet and the fourth magnet are attracted to each other. In various embodiments, a second treatment device has a second inlet interconnected to the first conduit, the second treatment device comprising a second reaction chamber, a second radiation source, a second catalyst, and a fifth magnet. In exemplary embodiments, a second magnet is disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount, the first magnet having a first polarity and the second magnet having a second polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted to each other. In other embodiments, a second magnet is disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount, the first magnet having a first polarity and the second magnet having a second polarity, wherein the polarities are oriented such that the first magnet and the second magnet are repelled from each other. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises at least one of nickel, CaNi 5 , NaTaO 3 :La, K 3 Ta 3 B 2 O 12 , (Ga 0.82 Zn 0.18 )(N 0.82 O 0.18 ), Pt/TiO 2 , cobalt, and bismuth. 
         [0018]    Another embodiment of the invention is a water treatment device, comprising a support structure; a reaction chamber at least partially defining an enclosed volume, the reaction chamber having a first end and a second end, wherein an inlet is disposed at the first end of the reaction chamber and an outlet is disposed at the second end of the reaction chamber; a radiation source located within the enclosed volume, the radiation source having a longitudinal length that extends from proximate the first end of the reaction chamber to proximate the second end of the reaction chamber; a first mount disposed about the radiation source, the first mount having at least two vanes extending from the mount, the at least two vanes and a bottom surface of the first mount forming a first vane angle; a second mount disposed about the radiation source, the second mount having at least two vanes extending from the second mount, the at least two vanes and a bottom surface of the second mount forming a second vane angle; a plurality of magnets, wherein at least a first magnet in the plurality of magnets is a ring magnet that extends around at least a portion of the radiation source and is held by the first mount, and wherein at least a second magnet in the plurality of magnets is a ring magnet that extends around a second portion of the radiation source and is held by the second mount; and wherein gas enters the enclosed volume through the inlet, passes over the first mount, moves past the radiation source, passes over the second mount, and exits the enclosed volume through the outlet. 
         [0019]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method for treating water, comprising providing a reaction chamber at least partially defining an enclosed volume, the reaction chamber having a first end and a second end, wherein the inlet is disposed at the first end of the reaction chamber and an outlet is disposed at the second end of the treatment chamber; providing a radiation source located within the enclosed volume, the radiation source having a longitudinal length substantially extending from proximate the first end of the treatment chamber to proximate the second end of the reaction chamber; providing a first mount disposed about the radiation source, the first mount having at least two vanes extending from the first mount, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first mount comprises a catalyst; providing a first magnet disposed about the radiation source and positioned adjacent to the first mount; supplying oxygen containing gas to the reaction chamber through the inlet; moving the gas through a magnetic field generated by the first magnet, over the first mount, and through radiation generated by the radiation source; and expelling the gas from the reaction chamber through the outlet. 
         [0020]    Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  depicts a water treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-section view of components of a water treatment device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side cross-section view of components of a water treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a water treatment device housed in a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a reaction chamber and associated components according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of a reaction chamber and associated components according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method for treating water according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a catalyst mount according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a catalyst mount according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a catalyst mount according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a catalyst mount according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a catalyst mount according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a water treatment system  100  used to treat water  104  in a body of water or a water containing system. A water treatment device  108  is one component of the system  100 , and the water treatment device  108  is housed in or associated with a support structure  112 , which in this embodiment is a cabinet. The water treatment device  108  draws in an oxygen containing gas, such as ambient air, passes the gas through a reaction chamber to create a treated gas, and supplies the treated gas to an outlet conduit  116 . The oxygen containing gas may be subjected to magnetic fields, catalysts, and/or radiation in a reaction chamber of the water treatment device  108  to form the treated gas. The outlet conduit  116  supplies treated gas to an injection port  120 , which introduces the treated gas to a body of water  104 . In this example, the water  104  is in a swimming pool. However, it will be appreciated that the water treatment system  100  can supply treated gas to water  104  in any body of water or water containing system  124 . 
         [0034]    Now referring to  FIG. 2 , additional components of a water treatment system  100  incorporating a water treatment device  108  in accordance with embodiments of the invention are depicted. In this embodiment, the water treatment device  108  provides treated gas to a water containing system  124  that includes a branch circuit  128  through which water  104  is circulated in the direction of arrow  132 . More specifically, treated gas is supplied from the water treatment device  108  by an outlet conduit  116 . An injection port  120  is disposed at the end of the outlet conduit  116 , and the injection port  120  introduces treated gas to the branch circuit  128  of the water containing system  124 . In general, the water treatment device  108  can supply treated gas to any water  104  that benefits from increased oxygen radicals. Examples of water  104  that can be treated using embodiments of the invention include cooling tower water, recreational water, therapy water, architectural water, and agricultural water. 
         [0035]    The water treatment device  108  includes a reaction chamber  136  that, as described in detail elsewhere herein, contains at least one radiation source, such as a UV lamp, at least one magnet, and/or at least one mount with a catalyst. Oxygen containing gas is introduced to an inlet  140 , for example, by a pump  144  or other source of pressurized gas. The inlet  140  leads to the reaction chamber  136 , and the pump  144  delivers oxygen containing gas under positive pressure to the reaction chamber  136  at a desired flow rate. For example, oxygen containing gas can be provided at a flow rate of equal to or greater than 28 liters per hour (L/hr). Flow rates of 300 L/hr or greater may be required for some applications. The pump  144  has a pump outlet  148  that may interconnect to a common supply conduit  152 . The pressurized gas moves through the common supply conduit  152 , a solenoid  156 , and a supply conduit  160  before reaching the inlet  140  of the reaction chamber  136 . After exposure to the radiation, the magnetic field, and/or the mount with a catalyst, the oxygen containing gas exits the reaction chamber  136  through an outlet  164  as a treated gas, and is introduced to the water  104  in the water containing system  124 . 
         [0036]    The water treatment device  108  also includes various electronic components. For example, a ballast  168  may supply a controlled current to the radiation source within the reaction chamber  136 . In addition, one or more controller boards  172  may be provided. A controller board  172  can include a processor and associated memory to execute software or firmware to control aspects of the operation of the water treatment device  108 . For example, operation of the pump  144 , the solenoid  156 , and the radiation source can be under the control of the controller board  172 . The controller board  172  can also receive control input, for example, from a user through an associated user input device  176  regarding the operation of the water treatment device  108 . Moreover, the controller board  172  can provide output to a user output device  180  concerning the operation of the water treatment device  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, the controller board  172  may comprise a controller device with an integrated processor and memory. Alternatively or in addition, the controller board  172  can include discrete digital logic devices and/or analog devices. Embodiments of a water treatment device  108  may include various gauges and/or indicator lamps  184  to provide an indication of the proper operation of the radiation source, pump, or other components. For example, a gauge can display the amount of current being drawn by one or more of the radiation sources. As a further example, a gauge or indicator lamp  184  can provide an indication of the pressure within the reaction chamber  136 , to provide information regarding the operation of the pump  144 . Further, a gauge or indicator lamp  184  may provide an indication of pressure at any point in the water treatment system  100 . Alternatively or in addition, the pressure within the reaction chamber  136 , or at any point in the system  100 , may be displayed on a pressure gauge  188  disposed on the exterior of the cabinet  112 . 
         [0037]    Additional components may be optionally included in embodiments of the water treatment device  108 . For example, the common supply conduit  152  may include a radiator  192  to reduce the temperature of the pressurized gas. A cooling fan  196  may be disposed on an inner surface of the cabinet  112  to also reduce the temperature of the common supply conduit  152  or any other component of the water treatment device  108 . A filter  200  may be operably connected to the pump  144  or interior of the cabinet  112  to reduce particulate matter from the oxygen containing gas as it is drawn into the pump  144 . 
         [0038]    The reaction chamber  136  can be generally cylindrical in shape, having an outer diameter and a length. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber  136  is comprised of UV resistant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. In other embodiments, the reaction chamber  136  includes materials such as, but not limited to, metal, metal alloys, composites, and natural and synthetic polymers. It will be appreciated that in embodiment with multiple reaction chambers  136 , the reaction chambers  136  may not have identical outer diameters, lengths, or material compositions. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a water treatment device  108  with two reaction chambers  136   a,    136   b.  The water treatment device  108  can include any number of reaction chambers  136 , for example, to scale the water treatment device  108  such that an appropriate amount of treated gas can be provided to the water containing system  124 . The multiple reaction chambers  136   a,    136   b  may be associated with multiple sets of components (e.g., a first ballast  168   a  and a second ballast  168   a ). A pump  144  supplies pressurized gas to inlets  140   a,    140   b  that correspond to each reaction chamber  136   a,    136   b,  respectively. More particularly, pressurized gas moves through the common supply conduit  152  to a Y or T fitting  204  via a solenoid valve  156 . First  160   a  and second  160   b  supply conduits are interconnected to the first  140   a  and second  140   b  inlets of the reaction chambers  136   a  and  136   b,  respectively. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the pump  144  draws oxygen containing gas from the ambient environment, and provides a pressurized supply of such gas to the reaction chambers  136   a,    136   b.  The solenoid valve  156  allows the enclosed volumes of the reaction chambers  136   a,    136   b  to be sealed off while the pump  144  is not supplying pressurized gas, for example, as a result of a planned or inadvertent shutdown of the pump  144 , to prevent a backflow of water into the water treatment device  108 . 
         [0040]    Each reaction chamber  136   a,    136   b  includes an outlet  164   a,    164   b.  Each outlet  164   a,    164   b  can be interconnected to a corresponding outlet conduit  116   a  or  116   b.  The outlet conduits  116   a  or  116   b  are in turn interconnected to a common outlet conduit  208  by a Y or T fitting  212 . The common outlet conduit  208  is interconnected to the branch circuit  128  at an injection port  120 . Accordingly, treated gas that has passed through reaction chambers  136   a,    136   b  is supplied to the water  104  within the branch circuit  128  via the injection port  120 . In accordance with at least some embodiments, the injection port  120  can comprise a simple T fitting, a bubbler, a venturi, or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the injection port  120  can incorporate or be associated with a one-way valve that allows treated gas to enter the flow of water  104 , but to prevent that water  104  from entering the outlet conduit  208 . Moreover, the injection port  120  can also incorporate or be associated with a viewing port, for example, to allow maintenance personnel to confirm operation of the device by inspection. 
         [0041]    A water treatment device  108  can incorporate more than two reaction chambers  136  through appropriate interconnections of the inlets  140  and outlets  164  of multiple chambers to the pump  144  and the injection port  120 , respectively. Multiple reaction chambers  136  may also be arranged in series. In accordance with still other embodiments, a water treatment device  108  can be provided with multiple reaction chambers  136  in which less than all of the reaction chambers  136  are operated. For example, additional reaction chambers  136  can be incorporated as spares, and can be interconnected to the pump  144  and the injection port  120  selectively, for example, after a failure of another one of the reaction chambers  136 . In accordance with still other embodiments, a water treatment device  108  with multiple reaction chambers  136  can be provided in which all of the included reaction chambers  136  are interconnected to the pump  144  and to the injection port  120 , but in which a selected number of radiation sources associated with reaction chambers  136  are operated at any particular point in time. Such embodiments permit larger amounts of treated gas to be supplied to the injection port  120  when required, by operating all or a greater number of the reaction chambers  136 , for example, upon startup of the water treatment device  108  or when aggressive treatment of the water  104  within the water treatment system  100  is desired. When a steady state or when aggressive treatment of the water  104  is not otherwise required, at least some of the radiation sources can be powered off to conserve electrical power. 
         [0042]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , a water treatment device  108  that utilizes a trailer  216  for a support structure  112  is illustrated. Previous embodiments depict the support structure  112  as a cabinet. However, treatment of a body of water or a water containing system  124  may only be a temporary arrangement, and it may be necessary to periodically move the water treatment device  108  to different locations. As for other examples, the treatment of the water  104  within a water containing system  124  may be at a remote location, or it may simply be more convenient to provide a water treatment device  108  as a portable system. Therefore, in some embodiments, a water treatment device  108  as disclosed herein utilizes a trailer  216 , sled or other easily moveable assembly for a support structure  112  to provide a portable and/or easily deployed water treatment system  100 . The trailer  216  may be similarly sized as a semi-truck trailer or an intermodal container. In other embodiments, the trailer  216  is similarly sized as cabinet embodiments but includes components such as axles, wheels, hitches, etc. to achieve the desired mobility. 
         [0043]    The trailer  216  comprises many or all of the same components as the cabinets described elsewhere herein. In  FIG. 4 , the water treatment device  108  comprises an intake  220  through which oxygen containing gas in the ambient air is drawn from the ambient environment into a pump  144 . The intake  220  may comprise components such as a filter to improve the reliability of the various components within the water treatment device  108  by reducing the particulate matter from the oxygen containing gas. The pump  144  pressurizes the oxygen containing gas, which then moves into a supply conduit  160  and then into a reaction chamber  136  via an inlet  140 . The oxygen containing gas is subjected to a magnetic field, a catalyst, and/or radiation in the reaction chamber  136 . Since the trailer  216  allows for larger scale water treatment devices  108 , the reaction chamber  136  may include a number of lamps. For example, embodiments may include  90  UV lamps. Treated gas exits the reaction chamber  136  via an outlet  164  and into an outlet conduit  116  where the treated gas can be delivered to a body of water or a water containing system. 
         [0044]    The trailer  216  also comprises other components. For example, the trailer  216  depicted in  FIG. 4  comprises a door  224  to allow access inside of the trailer  216  for maintenance and other functions. The trailer  216  also comprises vents  228  that allow for the movement of air between the interior and exterior of the trailer. The vents  228  may be coupled with air blowers to provide an increased movement of air, for example, for cooling and/or the supply of oxygen containing gas to the water treatment device  108 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are detailed views of components of a reaction chamber  136  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an example reaction chamber  136 , and  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber  136  of  FIG. 5 . Referring to both  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the reaction chamber  136  comprises a first end cap  232 , a chamber enclosure  236 , and a second end cap  240 . Oxygen containing gas enters the first end cap  232  through an inlet  140 . The gas flows through an enclosed volume  244  at least partially defined by the chamber enclosure  236 , the first end cap  232 , and the second end cap  240 , and then exits through an outlet  164 , which is disposed in the second end cap  240 . 
         [0046]    The chamber enclosure  236  depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6  has a first end and a second end. The first end cap  232  is selectively interconnected to the chamber enclosure&#39;s  236  first end, and the second end cap  240  is selectively interconnected to the chamber enclosure&#39;s  236  second end. The selective interconnection between these components may be a screw fitting, a latching fitting, a snap fitting, or any other fitting that non-permanently joins two components. In other embodiments, one or both of the first end cap  232  and the second end cap  240  may be permanently joined with the chamber enclosure  236 . Alternatively, the first end cap  232 , second end cap  240 , and the chamber enclosure  236  may be milled from a single piece of material or otherwise formed as a unitary component. 
         [0047]    The first end cap  232  has a conduit aperture  248  for a power conduit  252  to provide power to components located within the enclosed volume  244  of the reaction chamber  136  from an external power source. The power conduit  252  may be any power conduit  252  commonly known in the art. In various embodiments, the power conduit  252  may not require the conduit aperture  248  in the first end cap  232 . For example, the power conduit  252  may utilize coupled inductors to transmit power wirelessly. As another example, the power conduit  252  may comprise or be connected to an electrical socket or connector  256  that is connectible from outside of the enclosed volume  244 . 
         [0048]    The power conduit  252  can pass through the first end cap  232  and can be operably interconnected to an electrical socket  256 . A radiation source  260  such as a UV lamp is selectively interconnected to the electrical socket  256  such that the power conduit  252  supplies power to the radiation source  260 . Wiring of electrically powered components such as the ballast, pump, and radiation source is not necessarily shown in the figures. However, it will be appreciated that the ballast is wired to the radiation source  260 , and that the water treatment device is electrically coupled to a source of electric power in order to operate. Typical electrical coupling includes, but is not limited to, plugging into an electrical outlet or hard-wiring. 
         [0049]    The radiation source  260 , in some embodiments, can produce UV radiation in a range between approximately 40 nm and 400 nm, wherein “approximately” implies a variation up to +/−10%. For example, the radiation source  260  can comprise a low pressure mercury lamp that produces light at germicidal (e.g., about 254 nm) and ozone producing (e.g., about 185 nm) wavelengths. In at least some embodiments, the radiation source  260  is in the form of a longitudinal tube with first and second ends associated with first and second mounts  264 ,  268 , respectively. The radiation source  260  can be a single ended device in which electrical contacts are provided at one end, or a double ended design, in which electrical contacts are provided at each end. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the inlet  140  is coaxial with the radiation source  260 . In other embodiments, the inlet  140  is not coaxial with the radiation source  260 . The distance between the axis of the radiation source  260  and an axis of the inlet  140  is the inlet offset. The outlet  164  may be coaxial with the radiation source  260 , or the outlet  164  may comprise an outlet offset similar to the inlet offset described herein. 
         [0051]    In the example embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a first mount  264  is adjacent a first end of the radiation source  260  that is selectively interconnected to or that locks to the electrical socket  256 , and a second mount  268  is disposed adjacent a second end of the radiation source  260  where the radiation source  260  has electrical contacts at each end so the second mount  268  may also be associated with the electrical socket  256 . In some embodiments, one or both of the first mount  264  and the second mount  268  can be nickel plated. The nickel plated first  264  and second  268  mounts function as a catalyst, more particularly a catalyst for forming oxygen radicals. In embodiments of the water treatment device  108  having multiple radiation sources  260  within a reaction chamber  136 , multiple pairs of first and second mounts  264 ,  268  can be provided, and/or each pair of mounts  264 ,  268  can be associated with multiple radiation sources  260 . 
         [0052]    The reaction chamber  136  can also include one or more magnets. A first magnet  272  and a second magnet  276  may be disposed about, adjacent, or within the first mount  264  and have their polarities oriented such that the magnets  272 ,  276  are attracted to each other. Similarly, a third magnet  280  and a fourth magnet  284  may be disposed about, adjacent, or within the second mount  268  and have their polarities oriented such that the magnets  280 ,  284  are attracted to each other. As a result, magnetic fields that traverse at least some or a substantial portion of the enclosed volume  244  of the reaction chamber  136  are created. Accordingly, oxygen containing gas introduced at the inlet  140  is passed through one or more magnetic fields, as well as being exposed to electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source  260 . In accordance with alternative embodiments, the first and second magnets  272 ,  276  can be arranged such that they repel one another, and the third and fourth magnets  280 ,  284  can be arranged such that they repel one another. The magnets can comprise permanent magnets, including but not limited to high strength permanent magnets such as neodymium (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) grade N52. Alternatively or in addition, the magnets can comprise electromagnets. In accordance with still other embodiments, magnets can be located outside of the reaction chamber  136 , but positioned such that the magnetic field or fields produced by the magnets intersect gas that will be provided to the water. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  depicts a process  288  for treating water in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In step  292 , oxygen containing gas is pumped to a reaction chamber  136 . The gas can be derived from any source such as, without limitation, the surrounding atmosphere, a compressor, an air pump, or a gas cylinder containing pressurized air to name a few. In some configurations, the gas can comprise an oxygen fortified air or a super-atmospheric oxygen gas stream. Oxygen fortified air generally refers to a gas stream containing more than about 21.1% oxygen (O 2 ) (according to the 1976 Standard Atmosphere) and nitrogen (N 2 ), argon (Ar) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in volume ratio of about 78:1:0.04. At least some of the oxygen contained in the oxygen fortified air can be derived from an oxygen concentrator, oxygen-generator, and/or oxygen source (such as without limitation, bottled oxygen gas or liquid oxygen source). A super-atmospheric oxygen gas stream generally refers a gas stream having a partial pressure of oxygen greater than the ambient oxygen partial pressure. The super-atmospheric oxygen gas stream may or may contain one or more of nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide and may have a nitrogen:argon:carbon dioxide volume ratio of about 78:1:0.04. 
         [0054]    Next, in step  296 , the oxygen containing gas passes through a magnetic field generated by a first pair of magnets. The magnets may be permanent magnets, but in some configurations can be electromagnets. In some embodiments of the invention, the magnets in the first pair of magnets are oriented such that the magnets are attracted to each other. In yet further embodiments, the magnets in the first pair of magnets are oriented such that the magnets are attracted to each other. In alternative embodiments, magnets are arranged to the form a linear array with each magnet in the array repelling its nearest neighbors. Stated another way, like magnetic polls positioned adjacent to one another, such as for example (NS) (SN) (NS) (SN). 
         [0055]    In step  300  the gas passes over a first catalytic mount, through radiation, and over a second catalytic mount. Embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more mounts to increase the production of oxygen radicals, for example ozone. The mounts have a surface area at least partially comprising a catalyst such as nickel to promote the production of oxygen radicals. As discussed in greater detail below, the geometry of the mounts can enhance the catalytic effect. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation is UV radiation, which can be derived from any process and/or device generating UV radiation such as UV lamps. The gas may absorb at least some the UV radiation to form oxygen radicals. In some configurations, the gas is contacted with the UV radiation in the presence of a magnetic field. In still other embodiments, the gas is contact with the UV radiation in the presence of a magnetic field and in the presence of a catalyst. The UV radiation may comprise radiation having a wavelength of about 185 nm, about 254 nm, or a mixture of 185 and 254 nm wavelengths. As used herein, even lasers and diodes can emit radiation having spectral peaks, although the spectrum or spectrums of radiation may be very narrow. It will be appreciated that even radiation referred to as monochromatic usually emits wavelengths across a spectrum, albeit a very narrow one. Where an electromagnetic radiation source is described as emitting radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelengths, is should be understood that the specific wavelength or wavelengths is considered a spectral peak for the purposes of this specification and appended claims. 
         [0056]    The gas also passes over or past a second catalytic mount in step  300 . Like the first catalytic mount, the second catalytic mount is at least partially coated or plated with a catalyst such as nickel. However, the gas&#39;s composition may change as it passes through the reaction chamber. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to have a second catalytic mount with a different geometry, different type of catalyst, different area coated or plated with the catalyst, etc. to optimize production of oxygen radicals in the presence of a different gas composition. It will be appreciated that the two catalysts in this embodiment may also be identical. 
         [0057]    In step  304 , the gas passes through a second magnetic field generated by a second pair of magnets. In some embodiments, the second pair of magnets is functionally identical to the first pair of magnets. As noted above, however, in some embodiments in may be advantageous to have a second pair of magnets that are different than the first pair of magnets because the gas may change in composition as in steps  296  and  300 . Therefore, weaker magnets, stronger magnets, magnets in different combinations, magnets in different locations, etc. may be advantageous. The treated gas exits the reaction chamber into the outlet conduits. 
         [0058]    In step  308 , the treated gas moves through the outlet conduits and is introduced to a body of water or a water containing system. In some configurations, the water has a first concentration of bacteria and the treated water has a second concentration of bacteria. In some embodiments, the second concentration is no more than the first concentration. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 8-12  depict some embodiments of a catalyst plated or coated mount  264  with a shape and surface composition that enhances the production of oxygen radicals such as ozone. For example, the catalyst may be nickel. The mount  264  has a central body  312  surrounded by first and second vanes  316 ,  320  and first and second elements  324 ,  328 . The central body  312  defines a partially enclosed volume that is generally cylindrical in shape and has an inner diameter. The radiation source  260 , or other electromagnetic source, is configured to pass through the partially enclosed volume such that the mount  264  is disposed about the radiation source  260 . 
         [0060]    A first recess  332  is disposed on one end of the central body  312 , and a second recess  336  is disposed on the other end of the central body  312 . These recesses  332 ,  336  have a larger inner diameter than the portion of the central body  312  that partially defines the enclosed volume. The magnets  272 ,  276 ,  280 ,  284  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) are configured to be at least partially disposed in the recesses  332 ,  336  in some embodiments. The magnets  272 ,  276 ,  280 ,  284  are ring shaped so that the magnets  272 ,  276 ,  280 ,  284  and the mount  264  may be disposed about the radiation source  260 . Then the magnets  272 ,  276 ,  280 ,  284  may be disposed in the recesses  332 ,  336  and abut the central body  312  of the mount  264 . 
         [0061]    The magnets  272 ,  276 ,  280 ,  284  may be arranged in two pairs, and magnets may be disposed on either side of the mount  264 . For example, the first and second magnets  272 ,  276  may be disposed on either side of the mount  264  such that the first magnet is at least partially disposed within the first recess  332 , and the second magnet is at least partially disposed within the second recess  336 . Furthermore, the first and second magnets  272 ,  276  may have their polarities oriented such that the magnets  272 ,  276  are attracted to each other, and thus the first and second magnets  272 ,  276  are secured to the mount  264  via magnetic attraction. In alternative embodiments, the first and second magnets  272 ,  276  may have their polarities oriented such that the magnets  272 ,  276  are repelled from each other. In these embodiments, the magnets  272 ,  276  may be selectively interconnected to the mount  264  via, e.g., a screw fitting, a bayonet fitting, a latch, etc., to resist the repulsion force. 
         [0062]    Next, first and second vanes  316 ,  320  extend from the outer surface of the central body  312 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the vanes  316 ,  320  form a sweeping incline relative to a horizontal or lateral plane. In some embodiments of the invention, the inclined surface of the vanes  316 ,  320  allow the mount  264  to rotate about or relative to the radiation source  260 . For example, the mount  264  may be disposed about a bearing device at an end of the radiation source  260  that allows the mount  264  to rotate freely about an axis corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the radiation source  260 . Thus, when gas enters the reaction chamber through the inlet, the gas impinges upon the inclined surface of one or more vanes  316 ,  320  which causes the mount  264  to rotate. The rotation aids in mixing the gas of the reaction chamber to more evenly distribute the oxygen radicals. Further, the mixing aspect of this embodiment allows more gas to interact with the catalytic area of the mount  264 , which increases the production of oxygen radicals. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the mount  264  may comprise electric contacts to energize the radiation source  260 . In further embodiments, the mount  264  uses electric energy to mix the gas in the reaction chamber  136 . The mount  264  may be a two piece design where a bearing device and an electric motor allow an outer concentric portion of the mount  264  to actively rotate about an inner portion of the mount  264 . This is opposed to other passive embodiments that rely on gas impingement or thermal convection to rotate the mount  264 . As the outer portion rotates, the mount  264  arms agitate the gas inside of the reaction chamber  136 , which increases the amount of the gas that contacts the mount  264  and is exposed to the radiation source  260 . 
         [0064]    First and second elements  324 ,  328  extend from the first and second vanes  316 ,  320 , respectively, and the first and second elements  324 ,  328  form partially enclosed volumes with the first and second vanes  316 ,  320 , respectively. The additional elements  324 ,  328  provide more surface area for the mount  264  to interact with the gas, and thus increase production of oxygen radicals. 
         [0065]    The surface composition of the mount  264  can enhance the production of oxygen radicals in the gas. As mentioned above, the mounts  264  may be comprised of, or coated with, a material such as nickel. Other catalytic materials include, but are not limited to, CaNi 5 , NaTaO 3 :La, K 3 Ta 3 B 2 O 12 , (Ga 0.82 Zn 0.18 )(N 0.82 O 0.18 ), Pt/TiO 2 , Cobalt-based systems, and Bismuth-based systems. In addition to the mount  264 , the reaction chamber  136  or other components of the system  100  may be comprised of, or coated with, a catalytic material to induce the production of the oxygen radicals in the gas. 
         [0066]    It will be appreciated that a variety of shapes can be used to increase the surface area of the mount  264  and surface composition that is exposed to gas in the reaction chamber. For example, more than two vanes may be disposed about the central body  312  of the mount  264  where each additional vane increases the surface area of the mount  264 . In addition, finned surfaces may be employed to further increase the surface area of the mount  264 . Fins may be arrayed in a simple grid-like fashion with longitudinal rows and lateral rows oriented perpendicular to each other, in a more complex three-dimensional pattern, or any other pattern that is commonly known in the art. 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the mount  264  with four vanes  316 ,  320 ,  340 ,  344  disposed about the central body  312 . The inner surface of each vane is connected to the central body  312  along the entire length of the vane. The ends of the vanes  316 ,  320 ,  340 ,  344  terminate at the top and bottom surface of the central body  312 . However, it will be appreciated that the ends of the vanes  316 ,  320 ,  340 ,  344  may run shorter or longer than the surfaces of the central body  312 . 
         [0068]    The vanes  316 ,  320 ,  340 ,  344  in  FIG. 9  generally have an angle relative to the central body  312  of the mount  264 .  FIG. 9  also shows that when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the mount  264 , the vanes slightly overlap each other such that there are no gaps between the vanes. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may comprise gaps between the vanes when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the mount  264 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 10-12  show other embodiments of a mount  264 .  FIG. 10  shows a mount  264  with two vanes  316 ,  320  that extend outward and curl around a central body  312  of the mount  264  in opposing directions. The vanes  316 ,  320  in this embodiment are not inclined relative to a horizontal plane, a lateral plane, a top surface of the central body  312 , or a bottom surface of the central body  312 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 11  shows a mount  264  that is taller in the longitudinal direction of the radiation source than the mount  264  depicted in  FIG. 10 . This elongation of the mount  264  further increases its surface area, particularly in the direction of the gas flow.  FIG. 11  also shows that the ends of the mount  264  vanes are not perpendicular to the top and/or bottom surfaces of the mount  264 . Instead, the ends of the vanes taper to a point, which exposes more surface area toward the radiation source for increased production of oxygen radicals. 
         [0071]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of the mount  264  of  FIG. 11  taken along a longitudinal plane. This cross-section view shows that the inner surfaces of the vanes also comprise a taper or angle that increases the surface area of the mount  264  that is exposed to the moving gas for increased production of oxygen radicals. 
         [0072]    It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not limited to particular dimensions. However, dimensions of some exemplary water treatment system components are provided. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber&#39;s outer diameter is between approximately 2.5 cm and 31 cm. In various embodiments, the reaction chamber&#39;s outer diameter is between approximately 3.5 cm and 9.0 cm. In a certain embodiment, the reaction chamber&#39;s outer diameter is approximately 3.8 cm, and in another embodiment, the reaction chamber&#39;s outer diameter is approximately 8.9 cm. Further, the reaction chamber&#39;s length is between approximately 30 cm and 178 cm. In various embodiments, the reaction chamber&#39;s length is between approximately 66 cm and 102 cm. In certain embodiments, the reaction chamber&#39;s length is approximately 66 cm, 76 cm, 91.5 cm, 96.5 cm, or 101.5 cm. 
         [0073]    Exemplary arrangements or orientations of various components are also provided. In various embodiments, the inlet offset between the inlet to the reaction chamber and the radiation source is between approximately 0.25 cm and 30.5 cm. In other embodiments, the inlet offset is between approximately 0.5 cm and 15.5 cm. In certain embodiments, the inlet offset is between approximately 1 cm and 5.5 cm. In some embodiments, the inlet offset is approximately 1.2 cm. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, this vane angle between the vane and one of the top or bottom surface of the central body of the mount is between approximately 5° and 60°. In various embodiments, the vane angle is between approximately 15° and 45°. In some embodiments, the vane angle is approximately 30°. In other embodiments, this vane angle is between approximately 30° and 60° from the bottom surface of the mount  264 . In a further embodiment, the vane angle is approximately 45° from the bottom surface of the central body. In some embodiments, the vanes taper at a vane angle between approximately 30° and 60° from the bottom surface of the mount. In a further embodiment, the vane angle is approximately 45° from the bottom surface of the mount. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the vanes are angled between approximately 60° and 90° from the bottom surface of the mount. In a further embodiment, the inner surface is angled approximately 75° from the bottom surface of the mount. 
         [0075]    In addition to exemplary dimensions and orientations, exemplary components are provided. As an example, without limitation, the pump  144  may be a Tetra Whisper® 150 aquarium air pump. In addition, a non-limiting example of a ring magnet is a 1.9 cm×1.3 cm×3.2 cm neodymium ring magnet. The ring magnets comprising each pair of magnets are placed about 0.6 cm apart with poles opposing each other. A magnetic field perpendicular to the lamp is generated by the opposing poles of each pair of magnets. Moreover, the magnetic field generated by each pair of magnets passes directly across the corona of the lamp positioned with the void of the ring magnets. 
         [0076]    The neodymium magnets have a residual induction (Br) from about 12.9 to about 13.3 KGauss and about 1.29 to about 1.33 Tesla, a minimum coercive force from about 1.5 to about 12.4 K-Oersted and from about 915 to about 987 kA/m, a minimum intrinsic coercive force Hci from about 12 to about 25 K-Oersted and from about 955 to about 1,592 kA/M, and maximum energy product (BH) max from about 40 to about 43 MGOe and from about 318 to about 342 kJ/m3 
         [0077]    In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, a radiation source such as a UV lamp can produce UV radiation with multiple wavelengths in a water treatment device. The UV lamp may produce a first wavelength that is within a range of from about 178 nm to about 187 nm to produce oxygen radicals such as ozone gas, and the UV lamp may produce a second wavelength that is within a range from about 252 nm to about 256 nm, which is highly antimicrobial. The radiation source  260  may also be a G36T5VH/4P (manufactured by USHIO America, Inc., a subsidiary of USHIO Inc. of Japan) ozone producing quartz UV lamp, with a main spectral peak at approximately 253.7 nm and another spectral peak at approximately 185 nm. The G36T5VH/4P ozone producing quartz UV lamp is generally elongate and cylindrical, having a length of about 84 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm. It uses a universal B224PWUV-C ballast. The G36T5VH/4P lamp consumes approximately 40 watts power and emits approximately 14 watts power in the form of UV radiation. 
         [0078]    Other embodiments comprise other radiation sources, including, but not limited to, other UV lamps, lasers, or diodes adapted to emit radiation in the UV range. Some embodiments do not require a ballast, or use a different ballast than the B224PWUV-C. Non-limiting examples of suitable lamps include arc, discharge (including noble gas, sodium vapor, mercury vapor, metal-halide vapor or xenon vapor), induction, plasma, low-pressure, high-pressure, incandescent and discharge lamps emitting UV radiation having suitable wavelengths. Examples of suitable lasers, without limitation, include gas, chemical, excimer, solid-state, fiber, photonic, semi-conductor, dye or free-electron laser operate in one of continuous or pulsed form. Furthermore, suitable diodes include without limitation are diamond, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, aluminum gallium nitride, and aluminum gallium, indium nitride. 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, the radiation source or the magnets reside outside the reaction chamber. In these embodiments, the chamber enclosure  236  permits transmission of substantial amounts of radiation from the radiation source  260  into a reaction chamber  136 . For example, a glass tube comprising GE Type  214  fused quartz glass is an appropriate chamber enclosure  236  where the radiation source resides outside the reaction chamber  136 . 
         [0080]    Moreover, the radiation source  260  can, in an exemplary embodiment, but without limitation, comprise a four pin single ended device with pins or electrical contacts. It will be appreciated that in a single-ended lamp, the power is supplied to an electrode or electrodes at one end of the radiation source  260  by wires that extend from the first end to the second end of the radiation source  260 . In accordance with a further example embodiment, the radiation source  260  can be a double ended device, with electrical contacts at each end. In accordance with still other embodiments, the radiation source  260  can comprise any source of radiation at the desired wavelength or wavelengths. For example, a radiation source  260  can comprise one or more lasers tuned or otherwise configured to output a desired wavelength or wavelengths. 
         [0081]    Next, embodiments with exemplary performance results are provided. In at least some embodiments, the nickel plated mounts  264 ,  268  can improve the efficiency of forming oxygen radicals by at least about 10%, more commonly by at least about 25%, or even more commonly by at least about 50%. Moreover, the nickel plated mounts  264 ,  268  typically improve the effectiveness of the treated gas used to treat water by at least about 10%, more typically by at least about 25%, or even more typically by at least about 50%. Moisture (characterized as relative humidity “RH” in Table I below) in the gas can affect the catalytic process. The first  264  and second  268  mounts may be nickel plated by an electroless plating process. The nickel plating may be nickel phosphorous alloy having from about 4 to about 7 wt % phosphorous. The nickel plating has a thickness from about 7.62 micro meters to about 12.7 micro meters. 
         [0082]    Table I below summarizes the improvement realized by moving the gas over a nickel plated mount in the reaction chamber. The scenarios where the mount was nickel plated realized an increase in production of oxygen radicals, as measured by an ozone meter. Furthermore, the level of water vapor in the gas can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the conversion of oxygen containing gas to treated gas with addition oxygen radicals. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 PPM Oxygen Radicals Produced* 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Without Ni 
                 Without Ni 
                 With Ni 
                 With Ni 
               
               
                 Feed Gas 
                 Catalyst 
                 Catalyst 
                 Catalyst 
                 Catalyst 
               
               
                 Liters/Min 
                 (15% RH) 
                 (40% RH) 
                 (15% RH) 
                 (40% RH) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 5 
                 14.2 
                 14.3 
                 16.9 
                 18.8 
               
               
                 10 
                 12.3 
                 12.6 
                 14.4 
                 17.2 
               
               
                 15 
                 9.1 
                 9.1 
                 10 
                 10.7 
               
               
                 20 
                 5.4 
                 5.4 
                 6 
                 6.3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *as measured by an ozone meter. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0083]    Embodiments of the invention comprise water treatment devices that utilize a magnetic field, a mount having a catalyst, radiation, and/or oxygen containing gas to produce gas that can be used to treat water, including but not limited to solute-laden water, highly alkaline water, and biologically contaminated water, or water that will likely become highly alkaline or biologically contaminated in the absence of treatment. An example of such water is cooling tower water. Other examples include, but are not limited to oil or gas well by-product water and other contaminated water generated as a by-product of an industrial process or processes. Embodiments of the invention are also effective at treating swimming pool water and spa or hot tub water, where the water treatment devices typically stabilize chlorine concentration, and reduce the need for chlorine in the water. 
         [0084]    By use of the water treatment device, the pH of solute laden water such as cooling tower water can be modulated, and biological contamination is highly controlled without the use of, or with substantially reduced use of, chemical agents. Water treatment costs are therefore reduced by use of the water treatment device over chemical treatment alone. Embodiments of the invention effectively treat cooling tower water by preventing or eliminating biological contamination of the water, and by lowering pH about 0.2 units, or maintaining cooling tower water pH 0.2 units below what the pH would be if the cooling tower water were untreated. 
         [0085]    Embodiments of the water treatment device disclosed herein can mitigate total alkalinity such that alkalinity does not concentrate as fast as calcium ions, water hardness, chloride ions, conductivity, or other indices of cycles of concentration. In a typical installation, total alkalinity is 50%-75% of expected based on cycles of concentration indicated by an increase in chloride ion concentration. The reduced alkalinity can be highly beneficial, with deposition of scale and other mineral deposits on cooling tower parts being greatly reduced or eliminated completely. Embodiments of the water treatment device disclosed herein can operate to decrease calcium concentration where the water treatment device is installed on a cooling water system that has incurred substantial mineral deposits. In many cases, the substantial mineral deposits can be substantially or completely eliminated. The substantial mineral deposits are typically eliminated within a year of installing the water treatment device. 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, the water treatment device includes a glass media filter. The filter can remove or reduce suspended solids, including dead bacteria, and may help prevent infestation of water with  Legionella  bacteria. 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is cooling tower water. The cooling tower water may be a re-circulated cooling tower water, typically referred to as a closed dry cooling tower water. While not wanting to be limited by example, the cooling tower water may be a component of an oil refinery, a petrochemical and/or other chemical plant, a power station or a heating, ventilation and air condition system. The water treatment device can be configured to introduce treated gas at any location in the cooling water system. The treated gas may be contacted with water that is injected in the cooling tower header line and/or side stream line interconnected to the cooling tower header line. 
         [0088]    In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is one of recreational, therapy and architectural water. The recreational, therapy and/or architectural waters may comprise a re-circulating water system. Non-limiting examples of recreational waters include swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Non-limiting examples of therapy pools include hydrotherapy pools, injury (such as, burn, skeletal, and/or muscular) recovery/rehab pools, low impact exercise pools and such. Architectural waters include without limitation water fountains, water walls, reflective pools and the like. The water re-circulating system for recreational, therapy and architectural waters typically include one or more of the following unit operations: balance tank unit; flocculation process; filtration unit; aeration unit; antimicrobial treatment unit; and sorbent treatment unit. The water treatment device can be configured to contact treated gas with the recreational, therapy and/or architectural water at any location in the re-circulating water system. The water treatment device can replace one or more of the unit operations, such as but not limited to the aeration and antimicrobial units. 
         [0089]    In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is agricultural water. The water may contain an adjuvant being applied to animal and/or plant to treat the animal and/or plant. In some embodiments, the adjuvant is formulated with water treated by the water treatment device. In some embodiments, the water containing the adjuvant is treated by the water treatment device prior to being applied to the animal and/or plant. 
         [0090]    The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or in other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2