Method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid

Abstract

An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, T c at or above a critical magnetic field strength, H c , the period T c and the field strength H c determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.

1 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid including a plurality of electromagnets spaced along a pipe or conduit transporting the fluid, each of the devices producing at least one magnetic field for a period of time, T c  at or above a critical magnetic field strength, H c , the period T c  and the field strength H c  determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the critical magnetic field strength, H c  applied by each of the electromagnets is calculated according to the formula:
     H   c   =[k   B   T /( nμ   f )] 1/2 (μ p +2μ f )/[α 3 (μ p −μ f )]
 
 and wherein the period, T c  is equal to τ calculated according to the formula:
   τ= n   −1/3   /v=πη   0 (μ p +2μ f ) 2 /[μ f   n   5/3   a   5 (μ p +μ f ) 2   H   2 ]=πη 0   a /( n   2/3   k   B   T α)
 
 
 in which 
 n is the particle number density of notional particles in a base fluid; v is a notional particle average velocity; η 0  is the viscosity of the base fluid; μ p  is the magnetic susceptibility of the notional particles; μ f  is the magnetic susceptibility of the base fluid; a is the radius of a spheroidal particle; H is calculated according to the formulae above; k B  is Boltzmann's constant; T is absolute temperature; and α is calculated according to the formula:
   α=μ f   m   2   n /( k   B   T )
 
 
 in which 
 m is the dipole moment between the particle and the base fluid and the separation distance of the devices determined according to the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe or conduit and a breakdown time, T b , which is proportional to the period T c , and the field strength H c . 
 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein production of the magnetic field is achieved using one or more magnetic means. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid including at least one apparatus according to  claim 1  peripherally arranged about a conduit through which the fluid flows. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid as claimed in  claim 4  wherein a portion of the electromagnet in contact with an exterior wall of the conduit has a profile which approximates a profile of the exterior wall of the conduit. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the portion of the electromagnet in contact with the exterior wall has an arcuate profile which corresponds to an exterior radius of the conduit. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid as claimed in  claim 4  further including appropriate mechanical means chosen from the group containing clamps, brackets, bands, straps, housing devices having spaces for retaining the electromagnets magnets therein, chemical means such as adhering the electromagnets to the exterior wall of the conduit is used to mount the electromagnets to the exterior wall of the conduit. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the electromagnets are placed on the interior wall of the pipe or conduit.