Method and apparatus for treating fluid with radio frequency signals

Apparatus for treating a fluid contained in a conduit extending along an axis, comprising:

• a) a primary coil constituting a primary winding of electrical wire mounted exteriorly of the conduit;
• b) means connected to the primary winding for energizing the primary coil to generate a succession of radio frequency signals;
• c) means responsive to the generation of the radio frequency signals, for generating in the fluid to be treated an electromagnetic field having generally circular flux lines in generally co-axial relation with the axis of the conduit, and for propagating the field along the axis to treat the fluid upstream and downstream of the primary coil, said generating means including a core extending around the conduit and through the primary winding;
• and
• d) a housing having respective parts each containing a core part, said housing parts being connectable together to embrace the conduit, and said core parts defining the core extending around the conduit.