Device for control of scale formation
OwnerDerek A. Woodhouseinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for countering the deposition of hard water scale comprises a cathode and an anode defining a passage for water passing through the device and connected in an electrical circuit including the water as an electrolyte. The anode is a sacrificial anode which releases salt particles and ions into the water during operation of the device. At least a substantial proportion of such particles and ions are non-adherent to the anode, and thereby form sites for crystal formation in the water and reduce deposition of scale. An external electrical potential may be applied across the circuit to cause an externally generated current to pass through the device. Means may be provided for generating a magnetic field downstream of the anode and cathode.
Claims16
A device for treating hard water to counter the deposition of scale comprising an anode and a cathode spaced apart to define a passage through which water to be treated passes during operation of the device, said anode and cathode being connected in an electrical circuit externally of the water and including the water as an electrolyte, the anode being formed from zinc and the cathode from copper whereby in operation electrolytic action takes place releasing electrically charged ions into the water which affect the stability of scale-forming particles contained in the water and particles of amphoteric zinc oxide and hydroxide are released from the anode forming sites in the water for formation of crystals of scale forming impurities which remain in suspension in the water thereby reducing deposition of scale on the surfaces of vessels, pipes or the like into or through which the water subsequently flows.
A device for treating hard water to counter the deposition of scale comprising means for causing introduction of salt particles and ions of random orientation into water flowing through the device to act as sites for formation of crystals of scale forming impurities in suspension in the water, and means for generating a magnetic field through which the water passes during its travel through the device, whereby to accelerate orientation of the particles and assist coagulation and crystal formation, thereby reducing deposition of scale on the surfaces of vessels, pipes or the like into or through which the water subsequently flows.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.