Alternating magnetic field systems and methods for generating nanobubbles
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJames C. Earthman, Chuck Wagner, Ruqian Wu
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Abstract
Alternating magnetic field (AMF) systems and devices and methods for producing nanobubbles said methods and devices. The AMF systems and devices of the present invention may feature sets of magnets configured to expose a flowing liquid to an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field destabilizes dissolved gas molecules to produce nanobubbles. The methods, systems, and devices of the present invention may be used to treat solution, for reducing fouling or corrosion in a tube system or pipe system, methods for increasing water porosity of soil, methods for treating thromboembolic disease, etc.
Claims20
An alternating magnetic field (AMF) system (100) for producing nanobubbles comprising a pipe (110) with an enclosed core (120) mounted within the pipe, the core (120) extends along a length of the pipe (11) while allowing a liquid to flow through the pipe (110) and around the core (120) without entering the core (120), wherein a plurality of magnets (130) is housed in the core (120) oriented north end-to-north end and south end-to-south end, the magnets (130) expose the liquid to an alternating magnetic field, wherein the core (120) is shaped such that the liquid flows straight through the pipe (110).
A method of producing nanobubbles, said method comprising:
- subjecting a solution to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) system comprising:
- a pipe (110) with an enclosed core (120) mounted within the pipe, the core (120) extends along a length of the pipe (110) while allowing the solution to flow through the pipe (110) and around the core (120) without entering the core (120), wherein a plurality of magnets (130) is housed in the core (120) oriented north end-to-north end and south end-to-south end, the magnets (130) expose the solution to an alternating magnetic field;
- wherein the core (120) is shaped such that the liquid flows straight through the pipe (110);
- wherein the AMF system destabilizes gas molecules having been dissolved in the solution to precipitate nanobubbles comprising the gas molecules.
A method of reducing fouling or corrosion in a tube or pipe system with flowing liquid, said method comprising:
- subjecting a solution to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) system to produce nanobubbles in the solution, the AMF system comprising:
- a pipe (110) with an enclosed core (120) mounted within the pipe, the core (120) extends along a length of the pipe (110) while allowing the solution to flow through the pipe (110) and around the core (120) without entering the core (120), wherein a plurality of magnets (130) is housed in the core (120) oriented north end-to-north end and south end-to-south end, the magnets (130) expose the solution to an alternating magnetic field;
- wherein the AMF system produces nanobubbles in the solution;
- wherein the core (120) is shaped such that the liquid flows straight through the pipe (110);
- and
- introducing the nanobubbles of the solution to the liquid in the tube or pipe system, wherein the nanobubbles bind or cluster nanoparticles so the nanoparticles do not foul or corrode the tube or pipe system or induce the dissolution of larger solids in the liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.