Systems and methods for cleaning and sterilizing fluids and articles using electromagnetic waves

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for cleaning and sterilizing fluids and other materials. In one implementation, one or more emitters are submerged within a fluid and emit electromagnetic waves having a variable frequency. The frequency of the electromagnetic waves is swept across a frequency range to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the fluid. The emitters may be submerged within a fluid reservoir and/or within the interior of an enclosed fluidic path (e.g., a pipe). Solid materials may be sterilized by immersing the solid materials within the fluid of such a fluid reservoir. In another implementation, electromagnetic waves may be applied to one or more wires that are wrapped around an exterior wall of a pipe. The frequency of the electromagnetic waves may be varied across a frequency range, resulting in scale and other materials being cleaned from the interior wall of the pipe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.