Method and apparatus for generating aqueous silica network particles

An apparatus for generating silica network particles in water, the apparatus comprising:

• a mixing vessel for holding a silicate solution;
• a mixer for agitating the silicate solution, the mixer being located In the mixing vessel;
• a magnetic field generating unit including a plurality of spaced apart magnets and tubing coiled around the magnets;
• and
• a solution circulation system for circulating the silicate solution from the mixing vessel through the tubing and back to the mixing vessel.

A method of generating silica network particles in water, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dissolving sodium silicate in water to form a solution;
• (b) agitating the solution;
• (c) thereafter circulating the solution through an alternating magnetic field greater than the earth's magnetic field;
• (d) thereafter agitating the solution;
• (e) thereafter circulating the solution through the alternating magnetic field;
• and
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution,
• wherein step (b) comprises agitating the solution in an open-air mixing chamber until the solution absorbs sufficient carbon dioxide to lower the pH to between about 9.5 and about 10.5.

A method of generating silica network particles in water, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dissolving sodium silicate in water to form a solution;
• (b) agitating the solution,
• (c) thereafter circulating the solution through an alternating magnetic field greater than the earth's magnetic field;
• (d) thereafter agitating the solution;
• (e) thereafter circulating the solution through the alternating magnetic field;
• and
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution,
• wherein step (f) comprises repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until the solution absorbs sufficient carbon dioxide to lower the pH to between about 8.5 and about 9.6.

A method of generating silica network particles in water, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dissolving sodium silicate in water to form a solution;
• (b) agitating the solution;
• (c) thereafter circulating the solution through an alternating magnetic field greater than the earth's magnetic field;
• (d) thereafter agitating the solution;
• (e) thereafter circulating the solution through the alternating magnetic field;
• and
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution,
• wherein step (f) comprises repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution, the silica network particles having a particle size greater than or equal to 1000 nanometers.

A method of generating silica network particles in water, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dissolving sodium silicate in water to form a solution;
• (b) agitating the solution;
• (c) thereafter circulating the solution through an alternating magnetic field greater than the earth's magnetic field;
• (d) thereafter agitating the solution;
• (e) thereafter circulating the solution through the alternating magnetic field;
• and
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution,
• wherein step (f) comprises repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution, the silica network particles having a particle size greater than or equal to 3000 nanometers, and the silica network particles comprising main particles and bridging particles forming chains between adjacent main particles.

A method of generating silica network particles in water, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dissolving sodium silicate in water to form a solution;
• (b) agitating the solution;
• (c) thereafter circulating the solution through an alternating magnetic field greater than the earth's magnetic field;
• (d) thereafter agitating the solution;
• (e) thereafter circulating the solution through the alternating magnetic field;
• and
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution,
• wherein step (f) comprises repeating steps (d) and (e) a plurality of times until silica network particles are formed in the solution and the solution has a carbonate concentration of about 4 to about 8 millimoles per liter.