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WO2007129920A2 - Improvements to removing components from fluids - Google Patents

Improvements to removing components from fluids Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007129920A2
WO2007129920A2 PCT/NZ2007/000105 NZ2007000105W WO2007129920A2 WO 2007129920 A2 WO2007129920 A2 WO 2007129920A2 NZ 2007000105 W NZ2007000105 W NZ 2007000105W WO 2007129920 A2 WO2007129920 A2 WO 2007129920A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
pulse control
control apparatus
frequency
waveform
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2007/000105
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007129920A3 (en
Inventor
Alan Teehu Wichman
Original Assignee
Alan Teehu Wichman
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2006/017630 external-priority patent/WO2006121976A2/en
Application filed by Alan Teehu Wichman filed Critical Alan Teehu Wichman
Publication of WO2007129920A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007129920A2/en
Publication of WO2007129920A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007129920A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
    • B01D21/0009—Settling tanks making use of electricity or magnetism
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/008—Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/02—Temperature
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/04—Oxidation reduction potential [ORP]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/05—Conductivity or salinity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/09—Viscosity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to method and apparatus for the removal of targeted components from fluids - particularly aqueous fluids.
  • the primary focus of the invention was for the sterilisation of waste liquids such as sewage, or pathogenically contaminated fluids.
  • the arrangement was optimised to remove pathogenic hazards, the inventor's understanding being that this was at least partially achieved by the production of oxidising radicals such as ozone.
  • the present invention has the potential to be used in any application where the selective or non-selective removal of components from a raw fluid is required. This may be useful in industrial processes, purification steps, product or reagent recovery steps, etc.
  • electrocoagulation which was originally developed for treating bilge water from ships before discharge. This relies on electrically conductive plates acting as anode and cathode to coagulate and precipitate many ionic species and suspended solids.
  • electrocoagulation there are a number of disadvantages associated with electrocoagulation. These include: i) dissolution of sacrificial electrodes into discharge water; ii) the need to regularly replace sacrificial electrodes; iii) the relatively high use of electricity can be expensive; iv) oxide formation on the cathode affects efficiency; v) high conductivity in the waste water is required. It is therefore one object of the present invention to address at least one or more of the aforementioned problems or at least to provide an alternative method for the removal of certain components from fluids..
  • pulse control apparatus for use in the separation of a target component from a fluid, said pulse control apparatus capable of generating a base waveform in at least the range corresponding to the nmr resonant frequency of an element of said target component; said apparatus capable of generating at least a second auxiliary waveform at a frequency above or below said base waveform,. and combining with same; said apparatus comprising an output to allow application of a resulting target component output signal to a radiating device.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which there are at least two auxiliary waveforms combined with said base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a lower frequency modifying waveform at a frequency below that of said base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a higher frequency modifying waveform at a frequency above that of said base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10 ⁇ 5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a higher frequency modifying waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of said base waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of a said lower frequency modifying waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the signal shape of the base waveform is substantially a square wave, and that of one or more auxiliary waveforms are sawtooth waves.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of an auxiliary waveform is less than that of said base waveform.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of either or both of said base and auxiliary waveforms are variable.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the resultant target component output signal is able to be pulsed.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.005Hz to 50OkHz.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.5Hz to 120Hz.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 1% to 99%.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 15% to 85%.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed signal output is able to be varied.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining as an operational parameter the appropriate base waveform frequency.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which said data is accessed on a communications network.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, which takes into account additional selection parameters when determining operational parameters.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which a said radiating device acts upon a fluid containing said target component.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, and temperature of said fluid.
  • additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which at least one selection parameter is monitored and provides feedback to the pulse control apparatus which then alters at least one operational parameter in response.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength. ; .
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, able to act on more than one target component.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which each target component has its own base waveform.
  • each target component can have its own associated auxiliary waveform or waveforms.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the frequency of auxiliary waveforms are chosen so as to not overlap with the target component output signal sideband width of that of another target component, said sideband width being the maximum frequency range covered between the base and auxiliary waveform frequencies associated with a target component.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 12% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 6% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a desired target component comprising two or more elements and the pulse control apparatus is able to determine multiple target components comprising two or more elements within said desired target component.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is able to access stored or networked data to determine the multiple target components.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is able to, by either or both of manual user selection or automated selection, form signal output groups comprising the combined target component signal outputs of different target components or combinations thereof.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the group selection criteria is based on one or more of the following: frequency difference between base waveform frequencies of different target components, possible frequency overlaps (based on sideband width) between target component output signals for different target components, possible signal distortions, harmonic interactions, measured signal distortions, and known or learned grouping incompatibilities.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which each group of combined target component output signals are alternately sent to an output.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the alternating sequence to said output can be manually or automatically chosen or varied.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which there are multiple outputs and each group of combined target component output signals can be alternated, in predetermined or variable sequence patterns, between the outputs.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which there are an even number of outputs which are divided into output sets of two outputs, each output set being associated with a different set of radiators for the treatment of said fluid.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which each group of combined target component output signals, or a combination of groups, is alternated between each output in an output set in a predetermined or variable sequence.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which waveforms are generated digitally.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, which includes a digital to analogue converter for producing analogue signal outputs.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which resultant signal outputs are amplified to the desired amplitude.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the resultant signal outputs are amplified by one or more RF signal amplifiers.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the resultant signal outputs are within the inclusive range of 50V to 1.5kV.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, when connected to a fluid treatment stack comprising at least one set of electrically connected radiators.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is connected to at least two sets of interleaved radiators, said radiators being immersed in the fluid to be treated.
  • pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, in which the radiators and fluid are contained within a vessel providing RF shielding.
  • fluid treatment apparatus comprising pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, said fluid treatment apparatus comprising also a treatment vessel for containing fluid to be treated and housing also at least one radiator connected to said pulse control apparatus; said vessel allowing for the through flow of fluid such that it passes over or in proximity to said radiator such that the fluid can be affected by a signal from the pulse control generator applied to said radiator.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, including pre-screening apparatus for removing solid material from fluid before it enters a said treatment vessel.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which pre-screening apparatus removes solid material greater than 5mm in average diameter.
  • pre-screening apparatus removes solid material with a 5mm or smaller screen.
  • the treatment vessel comprises a housing and at least two interacting sets of radiator arrays, each radiator array comprising a plurality of radiator elements connected electrically to others within the array, and the elements of each set being interleaved with those of the other set.
  • the treatment vessel comprises a plurality of chambers containing arrays of interleaved conductive elements, the chambers being connected by a manifold system.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the treatment vessel comprises one or more precipitation chambers for the removal of separated components (from the fluid).
  • a radiator comprises a conductive core surrounded by a layer of less conductance.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which said surrounding layer is substantially non-conductive.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the conductive core of an element is metallic.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the conductive core of an element is a stainless steel.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which there are two electrically connected radiator arrays with each array comprising multiple radiator elements and where the elements of each said set being interleaved in an alternating arrangement; and wherein the elements are separated by separator elements.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which a separator element is substantially non-conductive.
  • a separator element contains ferromagnetic material or a material capable of exhibiting magnetic properties.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which a separator element is porous to fluid flow.
  • a separator element is includes cation exchange material.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the average pore size of the separator element is within the range 12 — 50 microns.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the separator element contains one or more apertures passing through the body.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which a magnetic field is created between adjacent radiator elements.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the field strength is 60 kGauss or greater.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which the housing is of metal construction.
  • fluid treatment apparatus including at least one of the following monitoring sensors: pH sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow-rate sensor, turbidity or clarity sensor, conductivity sensor, oxidation potential sensor, ozone sensor.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which outputs from one or more monitoring sensors is fed back to the pulse control apparatus.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which fluid, prior to entering said treatment vessel, is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non- aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which fluid from said treatment vessel is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which a centrifugal separator is used to separate out said solid material.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to treatment in a treatment vessel.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which said treated fluid is treated in a different treatment vessel whose associated pulse control unit provides signals to its associated radiator(s) which target different species to those targeted within the first treatment vessel.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which there is a sequence of more than two treatment vessels through which the fluid successively passes.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which fluid in a treatment vessel is treated such that the pulse control unit in combination with the treatment vessel's radiator(s) targets the production of ozone.
  • fluid treatment apparatus substantially as described above, in which sufficient ozone is produced to sterilise pathogenic organisms in the fluid.
  • a process for the removal of unwanted components from a fluid comprising steps of at least: a) contacting the fluid with a radiator set comprising at least two of either or both of a radiator element and an array of electrically connected radiator elements; b) applying to said radiator set a signal specifically targeting components within the fluid for removal;
  • a process substantially as described above, which includes the additional step of: c) separating solid waste comprising targeted components from the fluid.
  • a signal targeting a component comprises at least a base waveform combined with at least one auxiliary waveform, and wherein the frequency of the base waveform is substantially the nmr resonant frequency of a chemical element of which the targeted component is comprised at the field strength generated by the application of the signal to said radiator set.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which there are two auxiliary forms, one being below and one being above, in frequency, of that of the base waveform.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which signals for different chemical elements can be combined into a more complex signal.
  • the pulse frequency is within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10 ⁇ 5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform of a targeted component.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform or a targeted component.
  • the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves.
  • the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
  • additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
  • additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, temperature of said fluid, the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
  • step (a) there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non-aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
  • step (a) there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the screening of solid material from the fluid.
  • a process substantially as described above, in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to steps (a) and (b) in multiple passes.
  • step (c) is comprises processing by a centrifugal separator.
  • the present invention comprises the use of what shall be, for simplicity of description, described as a pulse control unit (PCU).
  • PCU pulse control unit
  • the PCU in its broadest sense, is able to create and apply a particular output signal comprising a plurality of combined waveforms to one or more radiator elements such as may be used in preferred applications of the present invention.
  • This output signal depends on a variety of parameters, and will be discussed more fully below.
  • the description of a radiator element, and the more preferred arrangements comprising element arrays will be described — the reader may also refer to the inventor's other referenced application.
  • a treatment vessel for use with the present invention comprises apparatus made up of an array of elements.
  • Each element is preferably plate-like, though other configurations may be adopted in different embodiments.
  • the elements of the array are preferably substantially aligned to be coextensive with each other, hi preferred embodiments the shape of each element is identical or similar, though this can vary in other embodiments - though at least part of individual elements in an array should overlie its neighbours (when viewed along the array's longitudinal axis).
  • the elements of the array are ideally separated in distance from each other. This distance is dependent on a number of factors, including plate size, but more particularly operating parameters such as the applied electrical potential in working embodiments. Most working embodiments rely on a preferred electric and/or magnetic field to be produced between plates, and this field is also dependent upon the distance of separation.
  • Each plate ideally comprises a conductive core.
  • this is a metal, with a preferred metal in experimental prototypes being a stainless steel.
  • a preferred metal in experimental prototypes being a stainless steel.
  • other metals, alloys, and sandwich metal construction may be used.
  • Conductive non-metals may also be considered.
  • Ferromagnetic metals such as nickel, and iron (and some of its alloys) may be considered in some embodiments as possibly enhancing the properties of the invention under some working parameters.
  • the elements of the present invention differ from those in electrocoagulation are that they are encapsulated or coated in a material of less conductance.
  • this material is a non-conductor or insulator, though materials of relatively low conductance may be considered in some instances.
  • these materials will not act as a sacrificial electrode as in electrocoagulation apparatus.
  • the elements will be coated in a plastics or ceramic material.
  • the conductance properties referred to are under normal operating parameters in a working embodiment.
  • the elements may be substantially plate-like though may comprise other configurations - for instance, cylindrical (or non-cylindrical) sleeves nested (and separated) one inside another; nested spheres, or other configurations. Multiple arrays may also be assembled into a larger chamber, pipe, or vessel for treating fluid. The scale of the project will influence specific design.
  • the elements of the array are separated by a distance, this distance being at least part influenced by the magnitude of the electric/magnetic field to be produced under normal operating conditions.
  • the separation of the plates is ideally around 10mm, or within the range 3mm to 20mm.
  • the distance is influenced by other parameters, including the applied voltage, current, waveform, and resulting electric and magnetic fields. Hence, adjustment of controllable parameters can allow for different separation distances to be used - particularly for specific applications.
  • separator elements are, preferably, substantially non-conductive though may possess other properties. As these are not generally required for most nonpathogenic applications, we shall not refer to them in any further detail here.
  • an array there is preferably at least one set of elements which are electrically interconnected. These may be interleaved with the other elements, ideally (but not necessarily) in an alternating arrangement.
  • each set is preferably interleaved, and ideally in an alternating arrangement with each other.
  • Operation of the typical 'two set alternating interleaved' embodiment generally requires the connection of each set (of electrically connected elements) to an electric potential. Such connection creates a potential difference between adjacent elements, though these are not electrically connected. This potential difference does create an electric and potentially a magnetic field (under the correct conditions) between the adjacent plates. However, in operation, rather than relying on a static field, the potential is constantly reversed between the two electrically connected sets of elements. This creates a constantly changing electric, and magnetic, field. In effect, one set of plates may act as a 'radiator' and the other as 'reflectors'. This will be discussed in more detail in relation to the PCU below.
  • the array In operation the array is generally immersed in fluid, typically water to be treated. As the elements are insulated with respect to the fluid, standard electrolysis - such as occurs in electrocoagulation - does not typically occur. Typically the array will be in a treatment vessel and ideally as part of an overall configuration allowing the flow processing of fluid, though batch processing may be considered in certain embodiments.
  • the above radiator element arrangements need to be connected to a PCU, which is the most important aspect of the present invention ; for selective component removal. Operation of the array(s) in the desired manner is influenced by the PCU. hi particular it is the nature of the wave form which largely determines the effectiveness, selectiveness, and/or efficiency of any separation process according to the present invention.
  • the PCU of the present invention creates a target component signal output for application to the array - this is typically a complex signal made up of a plurality of components, and typically also pulsed in output. While in the previous invention for waste water sterilisation used a regular wave form of relatively low frequency, the present invention relies on a more complex wave form, and at significantly higher frequencies. The present invention exhibits more specificity, enabling species to be targeted for removal, though this will be discussed in more detail later.
  • a base frequency which is a regular waveform. While this is reasonably effective in its own right, the invention is enhanced by the addition of one, and preferably two, modifying auxiliary waveforms. Additional auxiliary waveforms may be applied, but to simplify the description we shall refer to two modifying auxiliary waveforms - the preference for most embodiments. Two modifying waveforms appear to be effective in the majority of cases — the addition of additional modifying waveforms is envisaged more for optimising the invention for specific applications.
  • the base waveform this shall be selected at a frequency relatively specific to an element to be selectively targeted for removal.
  • a different base -frequency will be used for an element such as Magnesium as would be used for the element cobalt.
  • the preferred base frequency will vary also according to the magnetic field strength generated in the array, which can be influenced not only by the waveform, voltage, current, and stack (array) design but also by the fluid being treated. Accordingly, while the approximate field strength for a particular array with particular applied voltage and current characteristics may be known - typically by initial set-up calibration - in most cases it is desirable to perform some optimisation runs (see later) to optimise the characteristics for a particular application.
  • the field strength is continuously or periodically monitored and this information fed back to the Pulse Control Unit to alter the frequencies of the base, LFM and HFM appropriately. Accordingly feed back control can provide a more optimised solution for many embodiments.
  • the resonant nmr frequencies for a particular element is a good starting point for a base frequency.
  • these frequencies will be used for the base % waveform, with possible optimisation runs optionally adjusting the base frequency (certain physical parameters relating to a particular set-up or run may require some minor optimisation changes).
  • a table of nmr resonant frequencies for different elements, and at some different field strengths appears in this document (table 1).
  • the LFM frequency can be significantly lower than the base frequency.
  • an ideal starting point is at a frequency of approximately 1/6 of the base frequency - this has been used effectively in preliminary trials of the inventor, though it is envisaged that specific 'ideal starting' ratios may be found to differ for different elements.
  • optimisation runs which measure the efficiency at different LFM frequencies may be performed to optimise a system. This data may be stored (either manually, physically within the PCU apparatus, or accessible through a communications network).
  • the HFM frequency is higher than the base frequency.
  • the current ideal starting point in this simple general example with a single target is a frequency of double the base frequency. i ; Again, it is envisaged that specific 'ideal starting' ratios may be found to differ for different elements. Again, optimisation runs which measure the efficiency at different LFM frequencies may be performed to optimise a system.
  • a variable is the nature of the waveform for each of the base, LFM, and HFM frequencies.
  • Each of these waveforms may be of various shapes, some common wave shapes including sine, square, saw tooth (and triangle) waves etc. Operation at different duty cycles to skew the waveforms can further vary the wave-shape. Other wave shapes can be used, but for simplicity we shall refer to these simpler wave shapes to describe the invention.
  • the preferred waveform for the base waveform is a non-sinusoidal wave, such as a square wave or a saw-tooth.
  • a saw tooth wave at 80% duty cycle has been used - this will be illustrated more fully in the accompanying examples and drawings.
  • the current preference for the LFM and HFM waves is for a wave shape which differs from the base frequency, and optionally from each other. This will also be illustrated in the accompanying examples and drawings.
  • the preferred base waveform is a square wave while the HFM and LFM wave shapes are sawtooth or triangular.
  • the result for a particular target component is a repeating but complex waveform, which we shall refer to as the Applied Waveform for a Component (AWC) or the target component signal output.
  • the PCU is able to produce this waveform at the desired voltage for the array, or may output the waveform to an amplifier connected thereto.
  • a separate unit may be required to combine the different waveforms into the AWC waveform or to analogue form, though this will depend on the specific design of the hardware adopted - modular or integrated.
  • the preceding general example describes the principle of the PCU in simple and general terms. Quite a wide side-band width (i.e. the frequency difference between the base waveform frequency and the HFM and LFM frequencies respectively) is present in this example.
  • a wide sideband is desirable - when treating sewage (where there are a number of unknowns) then the lesser specificity of a wide sideband may be useful for removing a variety of species in addition to the primary targeted species.
  • some industrial wastes may contain small amounts of metals whose ideal base waveform frequency is similar to that of the primary targeted species.
  • the lesser specificity of wide side-band embodiments may also drop these metals out of solution along with the targeted species.
  • the wide side-band single species model is envisaged to be more useful for relatively simple (non-complex) raw wastes where only a single species is predominantly present, or for water sterilisation applications (where the target species is oxygen to promote the presence of sterilising ozone).
  • the LFM and HFM are preferably within 12 ⁇ 8% of the frequency of the base waveform, or more preferably within 5 ⁇ 1% (particularly for embodiments able to target a significant number of species.
  • a feedback mechanism is used.
  • the complexity of this feedback mechanism is largely one of user choice.
  • a probe able to detect the actual transmitted frequency within the raw fluid within the stack/array may be used - monitoring the signal output prior to it being transmitted within the stack is also an option, though less information is obtained. By monitoring the signal so, a comparison may be made against an ideal so that appropriate changes to signal generation and signal generation techniques may be made.
  • interference effects may be detected in practice which do not match well with the theoretical resultant signal from an AWC or AWCs within a group. The PCU may then alter the grouping of the AWCs to eliminate interference (i.e.
  • -Feedback may also be used to alter or correct other features.
  • the specific nature of a waste stream can affect the signal propagation and travel within the stack/array in the same general manner that atmospheric conditions can interfere with a broadcast signal.
  • feedback can allow the PCU system to alter its output parameters to compensate.
  • the amplitude of specific component frequencies base, LFM, HFM
  • base, LFM, HFM may be altered to compensate, or even the overall amplitude of the AWC or group of AWCs altered.
  • Frequency alterations may also be performed to allow for a self-optimising system.
  • Other feedback monitoring can be performed. For instance measuring parameters such as pH, oxidation potential, turbidity, etc. can be used to indicated that the PCU is triggering the formation of certain conditions within the waste fluid being treated. Some of these may be undesirable and hence the system may be triggered to respond accordingly. For instance if it is known that targeting a particular species can trigger a change in, say, pH under certain conditions then the PCU may stop or reduce its targeting of that species. Alternatively it may trigger other target acquisitions e.g. to promote the formation of species which will counteract the condition.
  • the PCU can be set-up to adapt to (known or expected) changes. Most of this information will be specific to a specific waste material, and hence the solution to such issues will typically be determined manually beforehand (during optimisation) and then instructing the PCU how best to react.
  • the applied AWC waveform is also alternately applied to each of the two sets of plates ⁇ in an array - first to one set, then to the other, then to the first, and so on.
  • the frequency of alternating between sets can vary, though typically is between IKHz and 0.005Hz inclusive.
  • a preferred frequency is within the range 50-150Hz but may vary for different specific embodiments or specific applications. Ideally this frequency can be varied according to need, and may be altered in response to feedback information.
  • the resulting AWC or AWC group may be alternately pulsed to the array/stack.
  • the numerals 1, 2, 3 represent different groups of AWC(s) being alternated through, and where A and B represent the two respective sets of plates that pulses are alternately applied to, then different applied sequences may follow one or more of the following arrangements (including combinations and permutations thereof):
  • Example sequence 1 Al, A2, A3, Al, A2, A3 ...
  • Example sequence 2 Bl, B2, B3, Bl, B2, B3 ...
  • Example sequence 3 Al, B2, A3, Bl, A2, B3, Al, B2 ...
  • Example sequence 4 Al, Bl, A2, B2, A3, B3, Al, Bl ...
  • More complex sequences may be followed, for instance weighting the frequency of a particular AWC(s) group that is expected to be more prevalent in the waste fluid - e.g. where 1 represents the dominant target species present, while 2 and 3 are minor impurities, variations such as the following may be considered:
  • Example sequence 5 Al, B2, Al, B3, Al, B2, Al, B3 ...
  • Standard optimisation runs will comprise running a 'standard' fluid through the system.
  • the composition of the standard may be unknown, though its composition should be constant for each run.
  • subsequent runs are made in which parameters such as wave shape, frequency, and relative frequencies etc. are varied.
  • Each run is analysed to determine the level of remaining component of interest being measured, and the results compared. The analysis may be automatic (if an appropriate sensor exists) or by classical or instrumental analytical and quantitative methods. Gathered data may be used in modifying starting point parameters for comparable systems, or for making more 'intelligent' optimisation runs (and settings selection).
  • Automated feedback systems have previously been mentioned and may supplement starting points obtained from such initial calibration/optimisation runs or indeed optimise the results based on each run. Such data may be stored for access by the system should it wish to look it up at a later date (e.g. comparing feedback data with previously stored optimised results - stored either locally or on a network).
  • the PCU uses chemical elements for determining base waveforms (either through a manual or automatic process)
  • some decisions may need to be made in order to remove certain components.
  • a soluble nickel compound e.g. nickel nitrate
  • the target component may be nickel alone.
  • other by-products may be produced which are not precipitated or converted to a removable solid form - e.g. various nitrates, nitrates, and oxy-nitrogen species. These may be unwanted in the treated fluid in some situations. Hence, their removal may also be necessitated.
  • the use can select certain compounds for removal, and the system can determine which elements should be selected for most efficient removal.
  • This may comprise stored or otherwise accessible data, and may be updated as further optimisation and calibration data becomes available from experience. This data can become more useful for organic components.
  • sterilisation parameters may be used for pathogens of different types. Using ozone production (by targeting oxygen and/or hydrogen) for sterilisation, most pathogens are sterilised. However different pathogens may require different ozone levels for the process to be effective. Again, consulting known or stored data about suspected pathogens can help optimise operational parameters for the system.
  • This target selection process may take into account certain other selection criteria relating to a particular installation and run.
  • additional selection parameters may comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
  • nominal field strength of said radiating device measured field strength of said radiating device
  • measured signal degradation from a said radiating device measured signal distortion
  • measured radiated signal strength measured radiated signal strength.
  • selection parameters may comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid, and the temperature of said fluid. Again these parameters can affect performance.
  • This data may be used in different ways. For instance one or more selection parameters may be continuously monitored and fed back into the pulse control unit to optimise the AWCs or components thereof.
  • the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength. This may comprise either or both of the base and auxiliary waveforms.
  • the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
  • the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
  • practice fluid treatment apparatus will comprise the combination of a pulse control unit, such as described above, in combination with at least one radiator element and ideally a plurality of radiator arrays.
  • a pulse control unit such as described above
  • at least one radiator element and ideally a plurality of radiator arrays.
  • radiator elements For simplicity we shall refer to the preferred arrangement of a set of two arrays of radiator elements, each array comprising multiple elements interleaved with those of the other array, within a treatment vessel. Multiple sets may exist within one treatment vessel (each set may target different components or groups of target components) though for simplicity we shall consider just one set.
  • the housing of the treatment vessel is not only resistant to the environment and fluids being treated (as well as by-products) but also should provide RF shielding due to the nature of the invention - which generates and radiates large amounts of RF frequency signals. This may be achieved by using a grounded metal housing, though other known solutions may be exercised in various embodiments.
  • Raw waste fluid should ideally be pre-treated and hence a preferred first step is screening or other solid removal.
  • the extent of screening will depend on a particular installation though ideally particles with larger average diameters than 5mm will be removed. Screens of 5mm or less aperture size may be considered.
  • centrifugal based separation systems such as manufactured by Alfa Laval
  • various centrifugal based systems may be used - particularly those designed for in-line (rather than batch) use.
  • Many of the centrifugal techniques can also remove additional solid matter, which can be useful as well.
  • the fluid entering a treatment vessel may only comprise a small amount of solid matter, depending of the pre-treatment steps and equipment chosen.
  • the pre-treated waste then enters the treatment vessel where it interacts with the radiator elements connected to the pulse control unit.
  • Targeted species tend to be removed from solution and these may be separated after the fluid exists the treatment vessel.
  • a treatment vessel may include baffles or settling chambers allowing some of the fluid flow rich in sediments to be removed for further separation.
  • the combined fluid and sediment is removed in a single output stream allowing the subsequent removal of the sediment and solid material. Again centrifugal techniques (as opposed to settling techniques) may be considered.
  • the treated fluid stream may be reprocessed in certain situations. Such situations may occur where high concentrations of target species exist, where there are interfering species present, and/or where it is desired to remove components sequentially in different treatment vessels (e.g. for recovery of solid portions rich in certain species).
  • the system of the present invention may comprise multiple treatment and/or separation stages.
  • the fluid may comprise multiple problems — e.g. dissolved minerals as well as pathogenic species, and perhaps also organotoxins. In such cases it may considered to address each issue in a separate sequential treatment step/vessel. Water quality can be monitored at different steps, and if necessary either fed back into the pulse control unit (or to an operator) to enable changes to the operational parameters of the system to be effected.
  • problems e.g. dissolved minerals as well as pathogenic species, and perhaps also organotoxins.
  • Water quality can be monitored at different steps, and if necessary either fed back into the pulse control unit (or to an operator) to enable changes to the operational parameters of the system to be effected.
  • the PCU may include one or a plurality of any one or more of: processors, signal generators, input devices, signal amplifiers, data storage, sensors and/or inputs therefor, monitoring devices and/or inputs therefor, power supply connections, etc.
  • PCU may be remotely controllable, whether by dedicated connection, internet connection, or any other communication means.
  • the entire water treatment system is ideally able to be monitored, altered, and/or run remotely. This also opens the possibility of a plurality of smaller treatment systems closer to where needed than one larger treatment station.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional diagrammatic view of elements forming a preferred embodiment of an array according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cylindrical type element array according to the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of figure 2
  • Figure 4 is a perspective cut away view of a manifold arrangement comprising a plurality of the arrays of figures 2 and 3,
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart for the operation of an embodiment of a pulse control unit according to the present invention
  • FIGS 6-9 are pictures of different waveforms used in various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart for the operation of water treatment apparatus utilising a pulse control unit according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • figure 1 illustrates part of a preferred embodiment of an array (1) according to the present invention. For simplicity only a few of the elements of the array (1) are shown.
  • a first conductive element (2) is connected to a first electrical circuit A.
  • the element comprises a central conductive disc (3) of a marine grade stainless steel.
  • a central aperture (4) allows for increased water flow, though water also flows past the circumferential edges of the disc (3).
  • the disc (3) is typically around 2mm thickness and dimensioned to fit into a 100mm diameter pipe acting as a chamber for the array. However the size and dimensions can be varied according to the scale of the apparatus being constructed.
  • An insulative coating (5) totally covers and insulates the conductive disc (3).
  • a resin coating such as an epoxy, is applied for convenience.
  • Other insulating materials will likely be used in commercial embodiments.
  • a second conductive element (10) is also shown. This is of identical construction to element (2) though is connected to a second electrical circuit B. These elements (2, 10) are repeated in the array, in the preferred arrangement ABABAB... where the A and B represents the electrical circuit to which the elements (2, 10) are connected.
  • separator elements (20) Positioned between the conductive elements (2, 10) are separator elements (20). These are configured so that the conductive elements (2, 10) are able to partially locate and nest in upper (21) and lower (22) recesses respectively.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the components in a spaced apart arrangement — in practice the separator elements (20) contact the conductive elements (2, 10).
  • the separator elements is formed of a cast and bonded aggregate of coarse sands, and iron sands, with an average pore size of 20 microns to provide for water flow.
  • a central aperture (24) also provides for additional water flow.
  • a resin bonding agent may be used, rather than a cementitious mix, to prolong the life of the separator.
  • Various sintered, ceramic, composite, and plastics materials may also be considered for use.
  • the array is typically housed in a chamber comprising a pipe, for which plumbing fittings for connection are readily available.
  • a chamber comprising a pipe, for which plumbing fittings for connection are readily available.
  • other embodiments may be constructed differently.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate another arrangement of an array of elements which may be preferred in some installations, such as (for instance) the manifold arrangement of figure 4.
  • an array made up of two sets of cylindrical elements (labelled 62 and 63 respectively). These elements are formed of an open stainless steel mesh, coated with an insulating plastic or resin layer which is resistant to attack from the type of fluids to be treated. The elements of each set are connected, in the same manner as for the embodiment of figure 1.
  • FIG 4 a manifold arrangement (50) having an inlet (64) connected to a first manifold (58a) comprising a plurality of pipes with connections (56a) for array assemblies (60) such as illustrated in figures 2 and 3.
  • Fluid enters (64) the first closed manifold (58a) and can only exit by passing through the plurality of arrays (60 - not shown in the first manifold).
  • Targeted components in the fluid will tend to precipitate or separate out of solution and be carried by the fluid.
  • the fluid will fill the first chamber 52a, to the level of the first precipitate trap 54a. In most cases, the precipitate type matter in the fluid will float to the surface of the fluid in the chamber 52a and cascade into the first precipitate trap 54a, along with some of the fluid.
  • the balance of the fluid will flow through the first set of bypass pipes 59a, from the first chamber 52a to the second chamber 52b, bypassing the first precipitate trap 54a.
  • the fluid will fill the second chamber 52b to the level of the second precipitate trap 54b, along with some of the fluid as well.
  • the balance of the fluid will flow through the second set of bypass pipes 59b from the second chamber 59b to the third chamber 59c, bypassing the second precipitate trap 54b.
  • Figure 5 shows schematically a preferred arrangement for generating a waveform to be applied to a set of elements in an array.
  • a base wave form (70a) to which are added an LFM waveform (70b) and an HFM waveform (70c). These are summed into a single waveform which is alternately applied to the two sets of elements (16, 18) in an array structure.
  • the frequency of alternation between the element sets may vary, though will typically fall within the range of IkHz to 0.005Hz, with a preferred range being 60Hz through 0.03Hz - all ranges being inclusive.
  • the other set is maintained at ground potential, though this could vary in alternative embodiments. Additionally, one set may be maintained at ground potential, while the signal is periodically applied to the other set - typically for on/off durations represented by the frequencies defined in the preceding paragraph.
  • a plurality of waveforms may be combined to allow multiple targeting of components in the fluid.
  • fluid may pass through sequential arrays, each array in the sequence being fed a different signal (which may also be a multiple signal for multiple targeted components), to sequentially remove components.
  • the arrangement of figure 4 would lend itself to this readily, with the arrays within each chamber being fed a different signal or set of signals.
  • Table 1 represents a set of nmr resonant frequencies at differing field strengths. It is envisaged that these will be used as a best starting point for the base frequency of particular targeted components. As these frequencies vary with field strength, an idea of the field strength in the region between elements of two sets of array is ideally known. An approximate value may be obtained i.for a particular type of array construction by lab testing. Further testing under field conditions can refine this, though running a series of optimisation runs can also be performed (see earlier in the specification).
  • the LFM and HFM (assuming both are applied, though preferably they are) may be calculated according to the formula for a best starting point, described earlier in this specification.
  • the Output DC Voltage is 23OVoItS
  • the Square wave is high for only 80% of the time and low 20% of the time
  • the Voltage in this example is 240 Volts AC in and 215 Volts DC
  • the Objective is to generate a modified Square Wave and mix two other Channels
  • CH2 Square Wave @ 120MHz / 215V DC @ 80 Duty Cycle
  • Figure 7 illustrates the two saw tooth waveforms.
  • Figure 8 is the SUM of CH1+CH3 two Saw tooth waveforms combined.
  • Figure 9 is the Output SUM of CHl + CH2 + CH3
  • a preferred embodiment of a pulse controller is a device which consists of four main portions, which may be modular or integrated. Following is one preferred arrangement which can be constructed using currently available equipment.
  • the wave form generator needs to be able to produce harmonics or primary frequencies with sidebands that could be any of the waveforms - square, saw, sine etc .
  • the wave form generator needs to be able to output multiple harmonic waveforms simultaneously.
  • the waveform generator comprise multi channel interface card(s) that is connected to a computer or a industrial computer chassis.
  • the National Instrument PXI 1024 is an example of a Industrial Computer system with multiple I/O (Input Output) interface ports for cards that perform specific functions, such as wave form generation.
  • I/O Input Output
  • the National Instrument PXI 1024 was chosen as it was an off the shelf item to enable one to customize the hardware and software required to perform the task of a Pulse controller.
  • a Tektronix AWG 710B was used to create a suitable analogue signal suitable for the RF amplifier.
  • the RF amplifier takes the waveforms generated and outputs a high voltage RF equivalent - low voltage waveform (RF) input to a High powered Waveform (RF) output.
  • RF RF equivalent - low voltage waveform
  • the Amplifier - would have a power output that is variable from 1 volt to thousands of volts and a variable current of 1 Amp up to 100 Amps.
  • Our system examples to follow would be 240 Volts @ 10 Amps (2.4 KW) output RF power.
  • RF or Power Amplifiers are available off the shelf though manufacturers can produce custom configurations for the required power output and frequency ranges.
  • radiator also known as a RF radiator, antenna, standing wave antenna , plate radiator, plate dipole, plate quadropole, stack radiator/ reflector - any RF or EM radiating device or apparatus.
  • the radiator is the radiator element(s) of the treatment vessel.
  • pulse controllers may be implemented.
  • This comprises various data enabling the targeting and operational parameters required for a particular implementation of the invention.
  • the use of stored data has been previously discussed within this specification.
  • this data enables the ideal wave forms to be selected based on entered target species data. Details of the specific installation and other data (e.g. field strength, etc.) may be entered to enable preferred frequency determination for base and auxiliary waveforms.
  • the software is accessible to the user on a control computer.
  • Target components and species may be entered along with other selection parameters.
  • the nominal base and auxiliary waveforms are then calculated, along with any groupings of the resulting AWCs (multiple target systems), pulse modulation and duty cycle, amplified signal amplitude, etc.. .
  • the computer controls the NI-Labview (brand) PXI- 1024 to generate the desired waveforms which are subsequently converted into the pulsed analogue form by the Tektronix AWG 710B.
  • the resulting signals are fed to a 2.4kW RF amplifier (for example) connected to the radiator plates in the treatment vessel.
  • Each array of radiators may have their own RF amplifier or the output can be switched (to alternate between each array in a set of two).
  • Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart for a sophisticated embodiment of a pulse control unit of the present invention. Not all steps need be present for all pulse control embodiments of the present invention, though this example illustrates the process for one currently preferred embodiment of the present invention with automated or semi- automated features.
  • data relating to components to be removed from the waste fluid are entered. This may comprise the entry of one or more of: specific elements of the periodic table, chemical names, empirical formulas of specific compounds, functional groups, structural formulas of specific compounds, empirical data on fragments of compound groups or families, structural data on fragments of compound groups or families, species to be removed, pre-saved preference files (containing info about one or more of the aforesaid members of this group).
  • This data may be entered manually, or calculated from analytical data from pre-analysis or monitoring of the waste fluid.
  • step (202) complex data (i.e. anything entered not corresponding to a specific element of the periodic chart) is analysed so that the ideal target elements (of the periodic chart) are chosen.
  • This can access stored or networked data (217), and may include previously saved operator preference files.
  • step (203) the base and auxiliary waveform frequencies are calculated, ideally using stored or networked data (218). Consideration may be given to the sideband width of the base with auxiliary waveform combinations, depending on the number of target elements to be selected. Also to be considered are the duty cycles for each waveform, and in particular for the base waveform, and particularly also when it constitutes a square wave.
  • Step (204) considers possible grouping patterns when more than one target element is present.
  • a logical process may be used to calculate the best grouping pattern, though reference may be made to stored or networked data (219).
  • Step (205) may consider earlier in the process, though can work ideally here.
  • selection data including field strength, is taken into account so that changes to the exact frequencies of the base and auxiliary frequencies may be made for each target element.
  • finding a corrected frequency is a straight forward process. Accordingly, this step may rely on feedback data indicating true field strength in the treatment vessel, so that corrections may be constantly or periodically made to the generated frequencies associated with each target element.
  • Step (206) may take into account other selection parameters entered, or feedback from the treatment vessel - e.g. if there is interference in the signals, or partial attenuation, occurring. Changes may be made to optimise the frequencies associated with different target elements. As a variation, interference feedback may be fed back to step (204) so that corrections may be made at that stage. Another variation is to obtain feedback after step (207) to see also if there are any unwanted cancellation or interference effects occurring. Again, this information may be fed back to step (204) or (205) or (206).
  • the desired signal combining all the component frequencies for target elements within a group is generated.
  • the signals may be generated independently and subsequently combined, though this will depend on the specific hardware installation chosen. Where multiple groups exist, then the signal generator may alternate between each group in a predetermined, or variable, pattern. Alternating between groups ideally relies on some synchronisation with the pulse generating step (208).
  • Step (208) creates a pulse comprising the combined signal generated at step (207).
  • the duty cycle may be manually or automatically selected, and may take into account feedback data. As the signal generator may create consecutive alternating sequences of different signals (corresponding to different groups of target elements) then there should be some synchronisation between steps (207) and (208) so that the signal does not normally change during the 'on' period of the duty cycle. As the equipment for steps (207) and (208) are likely to be the same, then this should not represent any particular difficulty — i.e. switch to the next target group signal at the next 'on' stage of the duty cycle.
  • the pulsed signal is amplified to the necessary degree and to generate a field strength (in the array) of approximately the desired amount. Its output is then distributed (210) between the arrays - for instance, treatment chambers with multiple radiator array sets are known and disclosed herein. Also, most embodiments also rely on alternating the output pulses between one or the other of two arrays in each array set. A switching unit may be used, though separate amplifiers may be used for each array (or bank of arrays) of a set. This is possibly a preferred option when higher pulse frequencies are used, and that it is generally more cost effective to switch lower voltage signals than high voltage signals.
  • the treatment vessel is monitored for a variety of factors which may include signal attenuation, interference, field strength, etc. This data may be feed back as discussed above and shown in the figure.
  • the fluid stream output from the treatment vessel may also be monitored (step (212) and data fed back as discussed for step (211).
  • changes in certain physical parameters may require decisions to be made - step (213) — on how best to proceed.
  • a logic process and/or stored data may be used to decide what to do next. This may result in sounding an alarm (215) for operator intervention, or shutting down the process or part thereof (214), or another result (216) or a combination of the foregoing.
  • a choice (213) which can interact directly with any of steps (203) through (209) may be made, it is envisaged that it is also possible for the system to change the targeted species (216), particularly if certain monitored components are detected in the output stream.
  • step (216) could additionally or alternatively be fed to the process (as per figure 10) associated with a subsequent or prior treatment vessel:
  • Figure 11 illustrates a possible process for the processing of raw fluid or waste (230). This preferred embodiment may be altered according to user choice, though this arrangement illustrates one preferred sophisticated embodiment of the present invention suitable for producing a high quality fluid output (244, 245). It is assumed that the waste fluid is water based, though this process may be applied to other fluids.
  • a preferred first step (231) is to pre-screen the waste (230). Typically a screen of around 3-5mm aperture size is used, though this can be varied according to the specific application.
  • the screened fluid is either filtered (232) to remove more solid material, or put through a separation process (233) such as centrifugal separation (hydrofuse). While both steps may be performed sequentially, they are also optional and generally only one or the other is chosen, and when needed. Centrifugal techniques can also remove nonaqueous fluids (234) as well as solids (235).
  • the pre-cleaned fluid is then fed into a treatment vessel (236) which may be such as shown in figure 5.
  • a Pulse control unit (242) interacts with radiator elements within the treatment vessel (236). After treatment, which is a flow process, treated output fluid is separated from the solids and precipitate - this may be facilitated by the design of the treatment vessel itself.
  • a purity check (238) may be performed, and if sufficiently pure the treated fluid (245) may be output from the system.
  • a consideration (which may be a logical process and/or consultation of accessible data) may be made about how to best treat the fluid.
  • This embodiment allows for the use of subsequent and traditional chemical or physical purification steps (240), or the fluid may be fed into another treatment vessel (236) and steps (237) through (239) repeated.
  • chemical or physical purification (240) the quality may again be assessed (241) and impure fluid either subject to further additional chemical or physical purification, or fed into another treatment vessel. Pure fluid (244) may be output from the system.
  • the two groups of signals can be generated and then applied alternately (in a variety of patterns) to each radiator array in a set of two radiator arrays.
  • the preferred pattern for this example is: Al, A2, Bl, B2, Al, A2, Bl, B2 ... - where 1 and 2 represent each of the radiator arrays in a set.
  • any installation maybe enhanced by including a frequency which disrupts or disassociates water molecules - in such instances it is envisaged that this lessens the ability of contained components to be attracted to, bind to, or otherwise interact with water molecules.
  • Targeting hydrogen, or oxygen is envisaged as a potential method of disrupting water, and wave forms based around these elements may be used - this appears in example 5.

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pulse control unit for generating a signal comprising a base waveform in combination with one or more auxiliary waveforms and combining these into a single output. The frequencies are determined by a specific targeted component to be removed from a fluid. More sophisticated pulse control units can deal with multiple targets, either or both grouping and alternating the signal combinations for each target component to reduce signal interference. The output can be fed to a radiator set in a vessel through which fluid passes so that the fluid is subjected to a radiated field based on the output from the pulse control unit. The result is the promoted or enhanced precipitation or coagulation of target components from the fluid. The invention extends to fluid treatment apparatus comprising such a pulse control unit, and methods of fluid treatment. A preferred fluid for treatment is water.

Description

MPRO VEMENTS TO REMOVING COMPONENTS FROM FLUIDS
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for the removal of targeted components from fluids - particularly aqueous fluids.
BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION
The inventor has described, in another patent application - international publication WO2006/121348 A3, an array of insulation coated conductors to be immersed in a fluid to be treated. By the application of a regular waveform at a relatively low frequency, and alternating between separate connected arrays of plates, the apparatus could be used to treat and purify water.
While it was envisaged that this method could have further applications, the primary focus of the invention was for the sterilisation of waste liquids such as sewage, or pathogenically contaminated fluids. The arrangement was optimised to remove pathogenic hazards, the inventor's understanding being that this was at least partially achieved by the production of oxidising radicals such as ozone.
However, while it was recognised that the field of the previous invention had the potential to touch into other areas, it exhibited only limited effectiveness in removing non-pathogenic material such as suspended mineral particulates, dissolved and complexed metal ions, organic chemicals, and other moieties and species which may exist in a fluid to be treated. As a consequence the inventor has identified a need for an improved system to remove additional components from fluids.
The ability to remove a variety of different types of components from a raw solution opens up a number of possibilities for the present invention. For instance, many sources of drinking water are contaminated not only with pathogenic material, but other types of toxic materials - including, but not limited to, metal ions, various anionic species, organic chemicals, etc. The previous invention had only limited effectiveness against these types of species, and any additional purification for the removal of such species would need to be performed by traditional methods such as exchange columns, chemical reaction or precipitation, flocculation, filtration methods, etc. Unfortunately, this can make the overall treatment cost too high, and therefore unattractive. Also, in developing countries, where most of the world's potable water problems lie, access to these techniques is limited, if non-existent, where it is needed. Hence there is a need for an effective alternative for removing additional components which may contaminate water.
However, the problem extends beyond water treatment for sewage and drinking water. Many industries expend significant amounts of money on effective water treatment before discharging waste water. In developing countries, treatment steps may be shortcut or bypassed. Such treatment represents a significant cost to the industry, with most inadequate treatment systems being a consequence of the processes being too expensive or complicated to implement or run. Accordingly there is a need for an alternative system for providing a solution to the treatment of industrial waste water.
As an extension of this, the present invention has the potential to be used in any application where the selective or non-selective removal of components from a raw fluid is required. This may be useful in industrial processes, purification steps, product or reagent recovery steps, etc.
A full understanding of the previous invention is not exactly known, though it is known that it differs from electrolysis (for instance the elements are insulated, and a non-DC source is used). It also differs from electrocoagulation, which is briefly described in the following paragraph. While a full explanation of the mechanisms involved cannot be stated with any certainty at this early stage, the general results of the invention are observable when set up correctly.
One alternative and relatively compact system is electrocoagulation, which was originally developed for treating bilge water from ships before discharge. This relies on electrically conductive plates acting as anode and cathode to coagulate and precipitate many ionic species and suspended solids. However there are a number of disadvantages associated with electrocoagulation. These include: i) dissolution of sacrificial electrodes into discharge water; ii) the need to regularly replace sacrificial electrodes; iii) the relatively high use of electricity can be expensive; iv) oxide formation on the cathode affects efficiency; v) high conductivity in the waste water is required. It is therefore one object of the present invention to address at least one or more of the aforementioned problems or at least to provide an alternative method for the removal of certain components from fluids..
At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful alternative choice.
Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description. . .
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus for use in the separation of a target component from a fluid, said pulse control apparatus capable of generating a base waveform in at least the range corresponding to the nmr resonant frequency of an element of said target component; said apparatus capable of generating at least a second auxiliary waveform at a frequency above or below said base waveform,. and combining with same; said apparatus comprising an output to allow application of a resulting target component output signal to a radiating device.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are at least two auxiliary waveforms combined with said base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a lower frequency modifying waveform at a frequency below that of said base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a higher frequency modifying waveform at a frequency above that of said base waveform. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10±5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a higher frequency modifying waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of said base waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of a said lower frequency modifying waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the signal shape of the base waveform is substantially a square wave, and that of one or more auxiliary waveforms are sawtooth waves.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of an auxiliary waveform is less than that of said base waveform. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of either or both of said base and auxiliary waveforms are variable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the resultant target component output signal is able to be pulsed.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.005Hz to 50OkHz.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.5Hz to 120Hz.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 1% to 99%.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 15% to 85%.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of the pulsed signal output is able to be varied.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining as an operational parameter the appropriate base waveform frequency. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said data is accessed on a communications network.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, which takes into account additional selection parameters when determining operational parameters.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said radiating device acts upon a fluid containing said target component.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, and temperature of said fluid. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which at least one selection parameter is monitored and provides feedback to the pulse control apparatus which then alters at least one operational parameter in response.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength. ; .
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, able to act on more than one target component.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which each target component has its own base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which each target component can have its own associated auxiliary waveform or waveforms.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of auxiliary waveforms are chosen so as to not overlap with the target component output signal sideband width of that of another target component, said sideband width being the maximum frequency range covered between the base and auxiliary waveform frequencies associated with a target component.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 12% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 6% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a desired target component comprising two or more elements and the pulse control apparatus is able to determine multiple target components comprising two or more elements within said desired target component.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is able to access stored or networked data to determine the multiple target components.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is able to, by either or both of manual user selection or automated selection, form signal output groups comprising the combined target component signal outputs of different target components or combinations thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the group selection criteria is based on one or more of the following: frequency difference between base waveform frequencies of different target components, possible frequency overlaps (based on sideband width) between target component output signals for different target components, possible signal distortions, harmonic interactions, measured signal distortions, and known or learned grouping incompatibilities.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which each group of combined target component output signals are alternately sent to an output.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the alternating sequence to said output can be manually or automatically chosen or varied.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are multiple outputs and each group of combined target component output signals can be alternated, in predetermined or variable sequence patterns, between the outputs.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are an even number of outputs which are divided into output sets of two outputs, each output set being associated with a different set of radiators for the treatment of said fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which each group of combined target component output signals, or a combination of groups, is alternated between each output in an output set in a predetermined or variable sequence.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which waveforms are generated digitally.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, which includes a digital to analogue converter for producing analogue signal outputs.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which resultant signal outputs are amplified to the desired amplitude. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the resultant signal outputs are amplified by one or more RF signal amplifiers.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the resultant signal outputs are within the inclusive range of 50V to 1.5kV.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, when connected to a fluid treatment stack comprising at least one set of electrically connected radiators.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is connected to at least two sets of interleaved radiators, said radiators being immersed in the fluid to be treated.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided pulse control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the radiators and fluid are contained within a vessel providing RF shielding.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus comprising pulse control apparatus substantially as described above, said fluid treatment apparatus comprising also a treatment vessel for containing fluid to be treated and housing also at least one radiator connected to said pulse control apparatus; said vessel allowing for the through flow of fluid such that it passes over or in proximity to said radiator such that the fluid can be affected by a signal from the pulse control generator applied to said radiator.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, including pre-screening apparatus for removing solid material from fluid before it enters a said treatment vessel.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which pre-screening apparatus removes solid material greater than 5mm in average diameter. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which pre-screening apparatus removes solid material with a 5mm or smaller screen.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the treatment vessel comprises a housing and at least two interacting sets of radiator arrays, each radiator array comprising a plurality of radiator elements connected electrically to others within the array, and the elements of each set being interleaved with those of the other set.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the treatment vessel comprises a plurality of chambers containing arrays of interleaved conductive elements, the chambers being connected by a manifold system.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the treatment vessel comprises one or more precipitation chambers for the removal of separated components (from the fluid).
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a radiator comprises a conductive core surrounded by a layer of less conductance.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said surrounding layer is substantially non-conductive.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conductive core of an element is metallic.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conductive core of an element is a stainless steel. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are two electrically connected radiator arrays with each array comprising multiple radiator elements and where the elements of each said set being interleaved in an alternating arrangement; and wherein the elements are separated by separator elements.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a separator element is substantially non-conductive.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a separator element contains ferromagnetic material or a material capable of exhibiting magnetic properties.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a separator element is porous to fluid flow.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a separator element is includes cation exchange material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the average pore size of the separator element is within the range 12 — 50 microns.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the separator element contains one or more apertures passing through the body.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a magnetic field is created between adjacent radiator elements.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the field strength is 60 kGauss or greater. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the housing is of metal construction.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, including at least one of the following monitoring sensors: pH sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow-rate sensor, turbidity or clarity sensor, conductivity sensor, oxidation potential sensor, ozone sensor.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which outputs from one or more monitoring sensors is fed back to the pulse control apparatus.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which fluid, prior to entering said treatment vessel, is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non- aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which fluid from said treatment vessel is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a centrifugal separator is used to separate out said solid material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to treatment in a treatment vessel.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said treated fluid is treated in a different treatment vessel whose associated pulse control unit provides signals to its associated radiator(s) which target different species to those targeted within the first treatment vessel. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is a sequence of more than two treatment vessels through which the fluid successively passes.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which fluid in a treatment vessel is treated such that the pulse control unit in combination with the treatment vessel's radiator(s) targets the production of ozone.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid treatment apparatus, substantially as described above, in which sufficient ozone is produced to sterilise pathogenic organisms in the fluid.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is a process for the removal of unwanted components from a fluid comprising steps of at least: a) contacting the fluid with a radiator set comprising at least two of either or both of a radiator element and an array of electrically connected radiator elements; b) applying to said radiator set a signal specifically targeting components within the fluid for removal;
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, which includes the additional step of: c) separating solid waste comprising targeted components from the fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which a signal targeting a component comprises at least a base waveform combined with at least one auxiliary waveform, and wherein the frequency of the base waveform is substantially the nmr resonant frequency of a chemical element of which the targeted component is comprised at the field strength generated by the application of the signal to said radiator set.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which there are two auxiliary forms, one being below and one being above, in frequency, of that of the base waveform. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which signals for different chemical elements can be combined into a more complex signal.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which signals are not combined where there is overlap of the bandwidth for each targeted element, the bandwidth comprising the frequency spectrum between the lowest and highest of the base and auxiliary waveforms associated with a targeted element.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which signals for different chemical elements are divided into groups, the signals associated with targeted elements within a group being combined, and the combined group signals being applied at different times to radiator elements within the radiator set.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the applied signal to a radiator element is pulsed.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the pulse frequency is within the inclusive range of 0.005Hz to 500kHzκ
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the pulse frequency is within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the duty cycle of a signal within a pulse is within the inclusive range of 5% to 98%.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10±5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform of a targeted component. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform or a targeted component.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of a higher frequency auxiliary waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of said base waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of a said lower frequency auxiliary waveform.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the signal is generated by pulse control apparatus.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the pulse control apparatus is apparatus substantially as described above.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which a user selects a target component from predefined data, associated control apparatus then determining as an operational parameter the appropriate base waveform frequency.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said pulse control apparatus takes into account additional selection parameters when determining operational parameters.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, temperature of said fluid, the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which at least one selection parameter is monitored and provides feedback to the pulse control apparatus which then alters at least one operational parameter affecting the generated signal in response.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which a said signal is generated digitally.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which resultant signal is amplified to the desired amplitude before application to said radiator elements.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the resultant signal is amplified by one or more RF signal amplifiers.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which the amplitude of the resultant signal outputs are within the inclusive range of 50V to 1.5kV.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non-aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the screening of solid material from the fluid. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to steps (a) and (b) in multiple passes.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which step (c) is comprises processing by a centrifugal separator.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, which includes at least one chemical or physical treatment step for the removal of components in the fluid.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which fluid in a treatment vessel is treated such that the applied signal targets the production of ozone.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process, substantially as described above, in which sufficient ozone is produced to sterilise pathogenic organisms in the fluid.
The present invention comprises the use of what shall be, for simplicity of description, described as a pulse control unit (PCU). The PCU, in its broadest sense, is able to create and apply a particular output signal comprising a plurality of combined waveforms to one or more radiator elements such as may be used in preferred applications of the present invention. This output signal depends on a variety of parameters, and will be discussed more fully below. However, in order to complete the reader's understanding of the invention, the description of a radiator element, and the more preferred arrangements comprising element arrays, will be described — the reader may also refer to the inventor's other referenced application.
hi its broadest form a treatment vessel for use with the present invention comprises apparatus made up of an array of elements. Each element is preferably plate-like, though other configurations may be adopted in different embodiments. The elements of the array are preferably substantially aligned to be coextensive with each other, hi preferred embodiments the shape of each element is identical or similar, though this can vary in other embodiments - though at least part of individual elements in an array should overlie its neighbours (when viewed along the array's longitudinal axis).
The elements of the array are ideally separated in distance from each other. This distance is dependent on a number of factors, including plate size, but more particularly operating parameters such as the applied electrical potential in working embodiments. Most working embodiments rely on a preferred electric and/or magnetic field to be produced between plates, and this field is also dependent upon the distance of separation.
Each plate ideally comprises a conductive core. Preferably this is a metal, with a preferred metal in experimental prototypes being a stainless steel. However other metals, alloys, and sandwich metal construction may be used. Conductive non-metals may also be considered. Ferromagnetic metals such as nickel, and iron (and some of its alloys) may be considered in some embodiments as possibly enhancing the properties of the invention under some working parameters.
Where the elements of the present invention differ from those in electrocoagulation are that they are encapsulated or coated in a material of less conductance. Preferably this material is a non-conductor or insulator, though materials of relatively low conductance may be considered in some instances. Preferably though, these materials will not act as a sacrificial electrode as in electrocoagulation apparatus. In currently preferred embodiments the elements will be coated in a plastics or ceramic material. The conductance properties referred to are under normal operating parameters in a working embodiment. The elements may be substantially plate-like though may comprise other configurations - for instance, cylindrical (or non-cylindrical) sleeves nested (and separated) one inside another; nested spheres, or other configurations. Multiple arrays may also be assembled into a larger chamber, pipe, or vessel for treating fluid. The scale of the project will influence specific design.
It has been mentioned that the elements of the array are separated by a distance, this distance being at least part influenced by the magnitude of the electric/magnetic field to be produced under normal operating conditions. The separation of the plates is ideally around 10mm, or within the range 3mm to 20mm. The distance is influenced by other parameters, including the applied voltage, current, waveform, and resulting electric and magnetic fields. Hence, adjustment of controllable parameters can allow for different separation distances to be used - particularly for specific applications.
An option, exercised in embodiments for sterilising water (i.e. treating pathogens), is to use separator elements. These are, preferably, substantially non-conductive though may possess other properties. As these are not generally required for most nonpathogenic applications, we shall not refer to them in any further detail here.
In a working embodiment of an array, there is preferably at least one set of elements which are electrically interconnected. These may be interleaved with the other elements, ideally (but not necessarily) in an alternating arrangement.
However, in preferred arrangements there are at least two sets of electrically connected elements. Members of each set are preferably interleaved, and ideally in an alternating arrangement with each other. This represents a typical array which, for simplicity of description, following portions of the description (herein) referring to operation of the array shall refer. This does not preclude the use of alternate embodiments with differing arrangements and numbers of sets of electrically connected elements.
Operation of the typical 'two set alternating interleaved' embodiment generally requires the connection of each set (of electrically connected elements) to an electric potential. Such connection creates a potential difference between adjacent elements, though these are not electrically connected. This potential difference does create an electric and potentially a magnetic field (under the correct conditions) between the adjacent plates. However, in operation, rather than relying on a static field, the potential is constantly reversed between the two electrically connected sets of elements. This creates a constantly changing electric, and magnetic, field. In effect, one set of plates may act as a 'radiator' and the other as 'reflectors'. This will be discussed in more detail in relation to the PCU below.
In operation the array is generally immersed in fluid, typically water to be treated. As the elements are insulated with respect to the fluid, standard electrolysis - such as occurs in electrocoagulation - does not typically occur. Typically the array will be in a treatment vessel and ideally as part of an overall configuration allowing the flow processing of fluid, though batch processing may be considered in certain embodiments.
In order to separate target components from a raw fluid the above radiator element arrangements need to be connected to a PCU, which is the most important aspect of the present invention ;for selective component removal. Operation of the array(s) in the desired manner is influenced by the PCU. hi particular it is the nature of the wave form which largely determines the effectiveness, selectiveness, and/or efficiency of any separation process according to the present invention. The PCU of the present invention creates a target component signal output for application to the array - this is typically a complex signal made up of a plurality of components, and typically also pulsed in output. While in the previous invention for waste water sterilisation used a regular wave form of relatively low frequency, the present invention relies on a more complex wave form, and at significantly higher frequencies. The present invention exhibits more specificity, enabling species to be targeted for removal, though this will be discussed in more detail later.
The following description shall illustrate the principles of a simple embodiment of the present invention. This will generally outline the principles involved before we proceed to describe more complex and preferred embodiments of the invention. In this following description we shall refer to the simplest case in which we wish to remove a single targeted species from a raw fluid material.
In simple terms there is a base frequency, which is a regular waveform. While this is reasonably effective in its own right, the invention is enhanced by the addition of one, and preferably two, modifying auxiliary waveforms. Additional auxiliary waveforms may be applied, but to simplify the description we shall refer to two modifying auxiliary waveforms - the preference for most embodiments. Two modifying waveforms appear to be effective in the majority of cases — the addition of additional modifying waveforms is envisaged more for optimising the invention for specific applications.
Of these two modifying waveforms, one will typically be at a lower frequency than the base frequency (we shall refer to this auxiliary waveform as the lower frequency modifying waveform (LFM)) while the other auxiliary waveform will typically be at a higher frequency — the higher frequency modifying waveform (HFM).
Referring first to the base waveform, this shall be selected at a frequency relatively specific to an element to be selectively targeted for removal. Hence, for instance, a different base -frequency will be used for an element such as Magnesium as would be used for the element cobalt. The preferred base frequency will vary also according to the magnetic field strength generated in the array, which can be influenced not only by the waveform, voltage, current, and stack (array) design but also by the fluid being treated. Accordingly, while the approximate field strength for a particular array with particular applied voltage and current characteristics may be known - typically by initial set-up calibration - in most cases it is desirable to perform some optimisation runs (see later) to optimise the characteristics for a particular application. In preferred embodiments the field strength is continuously or periodically monitored and this information fed back to the Pulse Control Unit to alter the frequencies of the base, LFM and HFM appropriately. Accordingly feed back control can provide a more optimised solution for many embodiments.
As a general rule, it has been found that the resonant nmr frequencies for a particular element (at a particular field strength) is a good starting point for a base frequency. In preferred embodiments of the invention, these frequencies will be used for the base % waveform, with possible optimisation runs optionally adjusting the base frequency (certain physical parameters relating to a particular set-up or run may require some minor optimisation changes). To assist in the selection of a base frequency, a table of nmr resonant frequencies for different elements, and at some different field strengths, appears in this document (table 1).
hi this simple (single targeted species) example the LFM frequency can be significantly lower than the base frequency. Currently an ideal starting point is at a frequency of approximately 1/6 of the base frequency - this has been used effectively in preliminary trials of the inventor, though it is envisaged that specific 'ideal starting' ratios may be found to differ for different elements. Again, optimisation runs which measure the efficiency at different LFM frequencies may be performed to optimise a system. This data may be stored (either manually, physically within the PCU apparatus, or accessible through a communications network).
The HFM frequency is higher than the base frequency. The current ideal starting point (in this simple general example with a single target) is a frequency of double the base frequency. i; Again, it is envisaged that specific 'ideal starting' ratios may be found to differ for different elements. Again, optimisation runs which measure the efficiency at different LFM frequencies may be performed to optimise a system.
A variable is the nature of the waveform for each of the base, LFM, and HFM frequencies. Each of these waveforms may be of various shapes, some common wave shapes including sine, square, saw tooth (and triangle) waves etc. Operation at different duty cycles to skew the waveforms can further vary the wave-shape. Other wave shapes can be used, but for simplicity we shall refer to these simpler wave shapes to describe the invention.
In one arrangement the preferred waveform for the base waveform is a non-sinusoidal wave, such as a square wave or a saw-tooth. In preferred embodiments, a saw tooth wave at 80% duty cycle has been used - this will be illustrated more fully in the accompanying examples and drawings.
The current preference for the LFM and HFM waves is for a wave shape which differs from the base frequency, and optionally from each other. This will also be illustrated in the accompanying examples and drawings. In currently preferred embodiments the preferred base waveform is a square wave while the HFM and LFM wave shapes are sawtooth or triangular.
The result for a particular target component is a repeating but complex waveform, which we shall refer to as the Applied Waveform for a Component (AWC) or the target component signal output. The PCU is able to produce this waveform at the desired voltage for the array, or may output the waveform to an amplifier connected thereto. A separate unit may be required to combine the different waveforms into the AWC waveform or to analogue form, though this will depend on the specific design of the hardware adopted - modular or integrated. The preceding general example describes the principle of the PCU in simple and general terms. Quite a wide side-band width (i.e. the frequency difference between the base waveform frequency and the HFM and LFM frequencies respectively) is present in this example. Where a single species is being targeted then this does not represent a problem., though other issues arise when targeting multiple species in a raw fluid - see below. Sometimes a wide sideband is desirable - when treating sewage (where there are a number of unknowns) then the lesser specificity of a wide sideband may be useful for removing a variety of species in addition to the primary targeted species. Similarly, some industrial wastes may contain small amounts of metals whose ideal base waveform frequency is similar to that of the primary targeted species. Here the lesser specificity of wide side-band embodiments may also drop these metals out of solution along with the targeted species.
Accordingly, the wide side-band single species model is envisaged to be more useful for relatively simple (non-complex) raw wastes where only a single species is predominantly present, or for water sterilisation applications (where the target species is oxygen to promote the presence of sterilising ozone).
The reality is that most raw wastes are much more complex in nature and may include a number of species which wish to be removed. Initially it was envisaged that the PCU would also need to be able to create multiple AWC waveforms to allow for the multiple targeting of components within a raw fluid mixture. Initial trials indicated that a number of different combinations of AWC waveforms do not substantially interfere with the efficiency of each other, though this would differ for components with similar base frequencies. In such cases, compromised efficacy was envisaged, though further research has gone some way towards addressing this issue. It was also considered that the occasional situation may arise where interference between component waveforms might also occur and this could be addressed at the same time.
For multiple targeting we need to create a base waveform in combination with HFM and/or LFM waveforms, at frequencies appropriate to each targeted species. However, when two or more targeted species have ideal base frequencies close to each other, or coinciding with the HFM or LFM for another target species, problems occur. Such problems include interference and cancellation of waveforms at particular species. To address this issue, multiple target embodiments may utilise a narrow sideband approach which offers more specificity to each targeted element. Accordingly, in preferred multiple target embodiments the LFM and HFM are preferably within 12±8% of the frequency of the base waveform, or more preferably within 5±1% (particularly for embodiments able to target a significant number of species.
By restricting the side-band width in such a manner, multiple AWCs for different elements can be superimposed with minimal problems.
However, issues may still arise, particularly in the case of two or more targeted species with similar ideal base waveforms or where component frequencies exist which are certain multiples of one another. Even with restricted width side-bands, overlap of the side-bands or other unwanted cancellation effects may occur. Another approach taken in some multiple-target embodiments is to assign each potentially interfering AWC to a different group. In the PCU output, the PCU cycles alternately between each group so that the potentially interfering AWCs are alternately submitted to the stack/array rather than simultaneously. There can be any number of groups, and each group may include the superimposed AWCs for non-interfering groups.
While the allocation of AWCs into group can be a manual task, preferred embodiments rely on software to perform and optimise this process.
In more sophisticated embodiments, a feedback mechanism is used. The complexity of this feedback mechanism is largely one of user choice. However, in the context of interfering frequency effects, a probe able to detect the actual transmitted frequency within the raw fluid within the stack/array may be used - monitoring the signal output prior to it being transmitted within the stack is also an option, though less information is obtained. By monitoring the signal so, a comparison may be made against an ideal so that appropriate changes to signal generation and signal generation techniques may be made. There are a number of options here. For instance, interference effects may be detected in practice which do not match well with the theoretical resultant signal from an AWC or AWCs within a group. The PCU may then alter the grouping of the AWCs to eliminate interference (i.e. assign the AWC to different alternating signal groups). Alternatively it may reduce the amplitude and/or frequency of different LFM or HFMs of the AWC or AWCs within a group where problems are encountered. This changing may continue until feedback indicates the best option or optimisation is achieved. If this fails or falls short of a pre-determined standard, then regrouping (such as described above) may be performed.
-Feedback may also be used to alter or correct other features. For instance the specific nature of a waste stream can affect the signal propagation and travel within the stack/array in the same general manner that atmospheric conditions can interfere with a broadcast signal. Here, feedback can allow the PCU system to alter its output parameters to compensate. For instance, the amplitude of specific component frequencies (base, LFM, HFM) may be altered to compensate, or even the overall amplitude of the AWC or group of AWCs altered. Frequency alterations may also be performed to allow for a self-optimising system.
Other feedback monitoring can be performed. For instance measuring parameters such as pH, oxidation potential, turbidity, etc. can be used to indicated that the PCU is triggering the formation of certain conditions within the waste fluid being treated. Some of these may be undesirable and hence the system may be triggered to respond accordingly. For instance if it is known that targeting a particular species can trigger a change in, say, pH under certain conditions then the PCU may stop or reduce its targeting of that species. Alternatively it may trigger other target acquisitions e.g. to promote the formation of species which will counteract the condition. Alternatively it may indicate that the composition of the waste fluid has changed - this may require resampling and new target acquisition; if possible changes in waste fluid composition are known then the PCU can be set-up to adapt to (known or expected) changes. Most of this information will be specific to a specific waste material, and hence the solution to such issues will typically be determined manually beforehand (during optimisation) and then instructing the PCU how best to react.
What needs to be understood is that the system presently requires the target species to be known, in terms of efficiency. It is inefficient to target all known elements or moieties - selective removal is more energy efficient. Hence then general nature of the waste fluid ideally needs to be known. This may be through prior sampling, so a decision can be made as to what needs to be removed in order to produce an ideal treated output stream. While automatic sampling is possible for some species, the technology has not yet advanced sufficiently for real-time sampling of waste- throughput and feedback to the PCU for all possible target species. However this option is envisaged and considered within the scope of the present invention.
;< The applied AWC waveform is also alternately applied to each of the two sets of plates ■ in an array - first to one set, then to the other, then to the first, and so on. The frequency of alternating between sets can vary, though typically is between IKHz and 0.005Hz inclusive. A preferred frequency is within the range 50-150Hz but may vary for different specific embodiments or specific applications. Ideally this frequency can be varied according to need, and may be altered in response to feedback information.
As mentioned earlier, when different groups of AWC(s) exist then the resulting AWC or AWC group may be alternately pulsed to the array/stack. Where the numerals 1, 2, 3 represent different groups of AWC(s) being alternated through, and where A and B represent the two respective sets of plates that pulses are alternately applied to, then different applied sequences may follow one or more of the following arrangements (including combinations and permutations thereof):
Example sequence 1 : Al, A2, A3, Al, A2, A3 ...
Example sequence 2: Bl, B2, B3, Bl, B2, B3 ...
Example sequence 3: Al, B2, A3, Bl, A2, B3, Al, B2 ...
Example sequence 4: Al, Bl, A2, B2, A3, B3, Al, Bl ...
More complex sequences may be followed, for instance weighting the frequency of a particular AWC(s) group that is expected to be more prevalent in the waste fluid - e.g. where 1 represents the dominant target species present, while 2 and 3 are minor impurities, variations such as the following may be considered:
Example sequence 5: Al, B2, Al, B3, Al, B2, Al, B3 ...
As previously mentioned, most of the frequencies mentioned herein are preferred starting points, with the possibility of optimisation if highest efficiencies are to be obtained. Standard optimisation runs will comprise running a 'standard' fluid through the system. The composition of the standard may be unknown, though its composition should be constant for each run. With a first run with the preferred starting point parameters as a benchmark, subsequent runs are made in which parameters such as wave shape, frequency, and relative frequencies etc. are varied. Each run is analysed to determine the level of remaining component of interest being measured, and the results compared. The analysis may be automatic (if an appropriate sensor exists) or by classical or instrumental analytical and quantitative methods. Gathered data may be used in modifying starting point parameters for comparable systems, or for making more 'intelligent' optimisation runs (and settings selection). Automated feedback systems have previously been mentioned and may supplement starting points obtained from such initial calibration/optimisation runs or indeed optimise the results based on each run. Such data may be stored for access by the system should it wish to look it up at a later date (e.g. comparing feedback data with previously stored optimised results - stored either locally or on a network).
The full chemical mechanism of how the present invention works is not fully understood, though it is known that a significant proportion of target components in treated waste fluid are removed from the treated output. The main by-product of the process are solids containing targeted elements though the exact chemical composition is not known - apart that it appears to vary between different waste samples. The fate of gaseous elements is not fully known - for instance when nitrates are present in the raw waste they are not present to any appreciable degree in the treated waste. It is currently thought that they may end up (perhaps partially) as insoluble nitrogen and/or oxygen compounds with other species present in the raw waste. It is also considered that some or all may escape in gaseous form e.g. nitrogen or oxygen gas. The exact chemistry is not yet fully understood though it is known that the present invention does allow the removal or extraction of targeted species from a raw sample so that they are substantially absent in the treated waste.
As the PCU uses chemical elements for determining base waveforms (either through a manual or automatic process), some decisions may need to be made in order to remove certain components. For example, to remove a soluble nickel compound (e.g. nickel nitrate) from an aqueous fluid then the target component may be nickel alone. However, other by-products may be produced which are not precipitated or converted to a removable solid form - e.g. various nitrates, nitrates, and oxy-nitrogen species. These may be unwanted in the treated fluid in some situations. Hence, their removal may also be necessitated.
The exact chemistry of what occurs is unknown, and presumably complex - most waste waters comprise varying amounts of different elements and compounds, making it difficult to determine exactly what occurs. However, to remove oxy-nitrogen species in the nickel nitrate example then it may also be desirable to target either or both of oxygen and nitrogen. Please note that other components may be present which mop up certain species while some species may be released as gas — the primary concern of the present invention is to remove the target species from the fluid stream, and each application of the present invention may present different results, again reinforcing the use of optimisation runs to maximise efficacy of the process.
In more sophisticated embodiments the use can select certain compounds for removal, and the system can determine which elements should be selected for most efficient removal. This may comprise stored or otherwise accessible data, and may be updated as further optimisation and calibration data becomes available from experience. This data can become more useful for organic components.
Similarly for pathogens of different types then different sterilisation parameters may be used. Using ozone production (by targeting oxygen and/or hydrogen) for sterilisation, most pathogens are sterilised. However different pathogens may require different ozone levels for the process to be effective. Again, consulting known or stored data about suspected pathogens can help optimise operational parameters for the system.
This target selection process may take into account certain other selection criteria relating to a particular installation and run. For instance, additional selection parameters may comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength. Each has a potential influence on operational efficiency and may be used for optimisation and selection purposes. Other selection parameters may comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid, and the temperature of said fluid. Again these parameters can affect performance.
This data may be used in different ways. For instance one or more selection parameters may be continuously monitored and fed back into the pulse control unit to optimise the AWCs or components thereof. By way of example, the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength. This may comprise either or both of the base and auxiliary waveforms. Another example is where the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength. Yet a further example is where the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
In practice fluid treatment apparatus will comprise the combination of a pulse control unit, such as described above, in combination with at least one radiator element and ideally a plurality of radiator arrays. For simplicity we shall refer to the preferred arrangement of a set of two arrays of radiator elements, each array comprising multiple elements interleaved with those of the other array, within a treatment vessel. Multiple sets may exist within one treatment vessel (each set may target different components or groups of target components) though for simplicity we shall consider just one set.
Ideally the housing of the treatment vessel is not only resistant to the environment and fluids being treated (as well as by-products) but also should provide RF shielding due to the nature of the invention - which generates and radiates large amounts of RF frequency signals. This may be achieved by using a grounded metal housing, though other known solutions may be exercised in various embodiments.
Raw waste fluid should ideally be pre-treated and hence a preferred first step is screening or other solid removal. The extent of screening will depend on a particular installation though ideally particles with larger average diameters than 5mm will be removed. Screens of 5mm or less aperture size may be considered.
Where non-aqueous non-soluble components exist (assuming an aqueous waste fluid) then separation techniques may be applied to separate the components. Centrifugal based separation systems (such as manufactured by Alfa Laval) able to successfully separate emulsified components exist, and thus various centrifugal based systems may be used - particularly those designed for in-line (rather than batch) use. Many of the centrifugal techniques can also remove additional solid matter, which can be useful as well. Hence the fluid entering a treatment vessel may only comprise a small amount of solid matter, depending of the pre-treatment steps and equipment chosen.
The pre-treated waste then enters the treatment vessel where it interacts with the radiator elements connected to the pulse control unit. Targeted species tend to be removed from solution and these may be separated after the fluid exists the treatment vessel. However a treatment vessel may include baffles or settling chambers allowing some of the fluid flow rich in sediments to be removed for further separation. In a simpler arrangement (for the purpose of this description) the combined fluid and sediment is removed in a single output stream allowing the subsequent removal of the sediment and solid material. Again centrifugal techniques (as opposed to settling techniques) may be considered.
If necessary the treated fluid stream may be reprocessed in certain situations. Such situations may occur where high concentrations of target species exist, where there are interfering species present, and/or where it is desired to remove components sequentially in different treatment vessels (e.g. for recovery of solid portions rich in certain species). Hence the system of the present invention may comprise multiple treatment and/or separation stages.
Similarly the fluid may comprise multiple problems — e.g. dissolved minerals as well as pathogenic species, and perhaps also organotoxins. In such cases it may considered to address each issue in a separate sequential treatment step/vessel. Water quality can be monitored at different steps, and if necessary either fed back into the pulse control unit (or to an operator) to enable changes to the operational parameters of the system to be effected.
In one form the PCU may include one or a plurality of any one or more of: processors, signal generators, input devices, signal amplifiers, data storage, sensors and/or inputs therefor, monitoring devices and/or inputs therefor, power supply connections, etc. The
PCU may be remotely controllable, whether by dedicated connection, internet connection, or any other communication means. The entire water treatment system is ideally able to be monitored, altered, and/or run remotely. This also opens the possibility of a plurality of smaller treatment systems closer to where needed than one larger treatment station.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional diagrammatic view of elements forming a preferred embodiment of an array according to the present invention,
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cylindrical type element array according to the present invention,
Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of figure 2,
Figure 4 is a perspective cut away view of a manifold arrangement comprising a plurality of the arrays of figures 2 and 3,
Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart for the operation of an embodiment of a pulse control unit according to the present invention,
Figures 6-9 are pictures of different waveforms used in various embodiments of the present invention, and
Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart for the operation of water treatment apparatus utilising a pulse control unit according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
To more fully describe and illustrate the invention, description will first be given to an array with which a PCU according to the present invention will typically be used. Such an array is also described in the inventor's previous application.
With reference to the drawings, and by way of example only, figure 1 illustrates part of a preferred embodiment of an array (1) according to the present invention. For simplicity only a few of the elements of the array (1) are shown.
A first conductive element (2) is connected to a first electrical circuit A. The element comprises a central conductive disc (3) of a marine grade stainless steel. A central aperture (4) allows for increased water flow, though water also flows past the circumferential edges of the disc (3).
The disc (3) is typically around 2mm thickness and dimensioned to fit into a 100mm diameter pipe acting as a chamber for the array. However the size and dimensions can be varied according to the scale of the apparatus being constructed.
An insulative coating (5) totally covers and insulates the conductive disc (3). Currently a resin coating, such as an epoxy, is applied for convenience. Other insulating materials will likely be used in commercial embodiments.
A second conductive element (10) is also shown. This is of identical construction to element (2) though is connected to a second electrical circuit B. These elements (2, 10) are repeated in the array, in the preferred arrangement ABABAB... where the A and B represents the electrical circuit to which the elements (2, 10) are connected.
Positioned between the conductive elements (2, 10) are separator elements (20). These are configured so that the conductive elements (2, 10) are able to partially locate and nest in upper (21) and lower (22) recesses respectively. Figure 1 illustrates the components in a spaced apart arrangement — in practice the separator elements (20) contact the conductive elements (2, 10). It should be noted, that the separator elements are not used in all embodiments of an array for use with the present invention, though may be present in some. For that reason, their presence within an array is described here. The separator elements is formed of a cast and bonded aggregate of coarse sands, and iron sands, with an average pore size of 20 microns to provide for water flow. A central aperture (24) also provides for additional water flow. A resin bonding agent may be used, rather than a cementitious mix, to prolong the life of the separator. Various sintered, ceramic, composite, and plastics materials may also be considered for use.
The array is typically housed in a chamber comprising a pipe, for which plumbing fittings for connection are readily available. However, other embodiments may be constructed differently.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate another arrangement of an array of elements which may be preferred in some installations, such as (for instance) the manifold arrangement of figure 4. Within a cylindrical chamber (56) with open ends is contained an array made up of two sets of cylindrical elements (labelled 62 and 63 respectively). These elements are formed of an open stainless steel mesh, coated with an insulating plastic or resin layer which is resistant to attack from the type of fluids to be treated. The elements of each set are connected, in the same manner as for the embodiment of figure 1.
In figure 4 is shown a manifold arrangement (50) having an inlet (64) connected to a first manifold (58a) comprising a plurality of pipes with connections (56a) for array assemblies (60) such as illustrated in figures 2 and 3. Fluid enters (64) the first closed manifold (58a) and can only exit by passing through the plurality of arrays (60 - not shown in the first manifold). Targeted components in the fluid will tend to precipitate or separate out of solution and be carried by the fluid. The fluid will fill the first chamber 52a, to the level of the first precipitate trap 54a. In most cases, the precipitate type matter in the fluid will float to the surface of the fluid in the chamber 52a and cascade into the first precipitate trap 54a, along with some of the fluid. The balance of the fluid will flow through the first set of bypass pipes 59a, from the first chamber 52a to the second chamber 52b, bypassing the first precipitate trap 54a.
In the same general manner, the fluid now entering the second bypass chamber 52b, flows through the second manifold 58b and through the second set of treatment tubes
56b, flowing outwardly from the tops of the first set of treatment tubes 56b. The fluid will fill the second chamber 52b to the level of the second precipitate trap 54b, along with some of the fluid as well. The balance of the fluid will flow through the second set of bypass pipes 59b from the second chamber 59b to the third chamber 59c, bypassing the second precipitate trap 54b.
This fluid flow also continues into the third and fourth chambers 52c, 52d, until the treated fluid exits through outlet 66.
Having described some examples of an array with which a PCU may be used according to the present invention, further description will be given by way of illustration in relation to the applied signal to an array.
Example 1
Figure 5 shows schematically a preferred arrangement for generating a waveform to be applied to a set of elements in an array. Here can be seen a base wave form (70a) to which are added an LFM waveform (70b) and an HFM waveform (70c). These are summed into a single waveform which is alternately applied to the two sets of elements (16, 18) in an array structure. The frequency of alternation between the element sets may vary, though will typically fall within the range of IkHz to 0.005Hz, with a preferred range being 60Hz through 0.03Hz - all ranges being inclusive.
Typically, when a signal is applied to one set, the other set is maintained at ground potential, though this could vary in alternative embodiments. Additionally, one set may be maintained at ground potential, while the signal is periodically applied to the other set - typically for on/off durations represented by the frequencies defined in the preceding paragraph.
Additionally also, a plurality of waveforms (each such as created as per figure 5) may be combined to allow multiple targeting of components in the fluid. Alternatively, fluid may pass through sequential arrays, each array in the sequence being fed a different signal (which may also be a multiple signal for multiple targeted components), to sequentially remove components. The arrangement of figure 4 would lend itself to this readily, with the arrays within each chamber being fed a different signal or set of signals. Table 1 represents a set of nmr resonant frequencies at differing field strengths. It is envisaged that these will be used as a best starting point for the base frequency of particular targeted components. As these frequencies vary with field strength, an idea of the field strength in the region between elements of two sets of array is ideally known. An approximate value may be obtained i.for a particular type of array construction by lab testing. Further testing under field conditions can refine this, though running a series of optimisation runs can also be performed (see earlier in the specification).
Table 1 - NMR Frequency Table
NMR Frequency (MHz) at field (T)
Figure imgf000038_0001
Figure imgf000039_0001
113Cd j I 1/2 ] [ 12.26 55.457 J 66.548 I I 110.914
113In I I 9/2 J [ 4.28 54.666 _J 65.600^ I 109.333 J 115|n I 9/2 I [ 95.72 54.785 J I 65.742^ I 109.570
115Sn 1/2 [ 0.35 81.749 J 98.0999_J I 163.498
117Sn I 1/2 [ 7.61 89.063 106.875 I 178.126
119Sn I 1/2 j I 8.58 93.18.1 J 111.817 j I 186.362
121Sb 5/2 [ 57.25 59.826 J 71.791 J |_119.652
123Sb I 7/2 [ 42.75 32.398 38.878 I [ 64.796
123Te I 1/2 j [ 0.87 65.519 J 78.623 I I 131.039
125Te I I 1/2 I [ 6.99 I 78.992 J I 94.790 I \_ 157.984
127, 5/2 I 100 I 50.018 J 60.021 I L_ 100.036
129Xe I 1/2 I 26.44 69.151 82.981 I 138.302
131Xe J 3/2 J [ 21.18 20.499 24.598 I I 40.998
133Cs 7/2 I 100 32.792 I 39.351 I I 65.585
135Ba I 3/2 I [ 6.59 24.835 J 29.802 I L_ 49.670
137Ba 3/2 I I 11.32 27.783 33.339 I 55.566
138La 5 0.089 32.982 39.579 I 65.965
139La 7/2 99.91 35.315 J 42.378 70.631
141Pr 5/2 I [ 100 73.227 J 87.872 J I 146.454
143Nd I I 7/2 I [ 12.17 13.594 J I 16.313 I \_ 27.188
145Nd 7/2 8.3 8.364 J 10.036 I 16.727
147Sm 7/2 I I 14.97 10.320 J 12.384 I L 20.640
149Sm I I 7/2 I [ 13.83 I 8.224 _J I 9.868 J L 16.446
151Eu I 5/2 47.82 62.001 J I 74.401 I 124.002
153Eu 5/2 [ 52.18 27.378 J 32.854 I 54.757
155Gd 3/2 I I 14.74 9.549 J 11.458 I L_ 19.097
157Gd 3/2 I 15.68 I I 11.935 J I 14.323 I I 23.871
159Tb 3/2 I 100 I 56.695 J 68.035 L 113.391
161Dy 5/2 J I 18.88 8.236 J 9.883 I l_ 16.471
163Dy 5/2 ! I 24.97 J I 11.458 J j 13.750 I \_ 22.917
165Ho 7/2 I 100 I I 51.282 J j 61.538 I L 102.564
167Er 7/2 I 22.94 I 7.266 J 8.671 J L 14.451
169Tm J 1/2 I I 100 20.679 J ; 24.814 I I 41.358
171Yb 1/2 I 14.31 I 44.032 J I 52.839 j \_ 88.069
173Yb 5/2 I 16.13 I 12.130 J 14.556 j L 24.261
175Lu I 7/2 I I 97.41 28.518 J 34.222 I L 57.036
176Lu I 7 I 2.59 I I 19.822 J I 23.786 I I 39.644
177Hf 7/2 I 18.5 7.801 J I 9.361 I L 15.602
179Hf 9/2 I 13.75 4.674 I 5.609 I 9.349
Figure imgf000041_0001
The LFM and HFM (assuming both are applied, though preferably they are) may be calculated according to the formula for a best starting point, described earlier in this specification.
A specific example for a base frequency is shown in figure 6. In this figure:
Signal to the left represents' Input AC 240 Volts 50HZ
The Output DC Voltage is 23OVoItS
If the Input Voltage was 110V then the DC output is 100 V +/- 10 Volts
Right Side is a Sine Wave DC output on ChI and a Modified Square Wave on Ch2
The Square wave is high for only 80% of the time and low 20% of the time
The Voltage in this example is 240 Volts AC in and 215 Volts DC
The Objective is to generate a modified Square Wave and mix two other Channels
Saw tooth Waves at offset frequencies either side of the Base Square Wave frequency. CHl= Saw tooth @ 20MHz
CH2= Square Wave @ 120MHz / 215V DC @ 80 Duty Cycle
CH3= Saw tooth @ 220MHz
To Calculate the CHl Low End Freq. divide the MID Base NMR Freq by 6
Figure 7 illustrates the two saw tooth waveforms.
Figure 8 is the SUM of CH1+CH3 two Saw tooth waveforms combined.
Figure 9 is the Output SUM of CHl + CH2 + CH3
Example 2
A preferred embodiment of a pulse controller is a device which consists of four main portions, which may be modular or integrated. Following is one preferred arrangement which can be constructed using currently available equipment.
Portion 1 - waveform generator with ideal frequency range 1 Hz to 1 Ghz
The wave form generator needs to be able to produce harmonics or primary frequencies with sidebands that could be any of the waveforms - square, saw, sine etc . The wave form generator needs to be able to output multiple harmonic waveforms simultaneously.
It is advantageous to be controlled by an external computer or that the waveform generator comprise multi channel interface card(s) that is connected to a computer or a industrial computer chassis.
The National Instrument PXI 1024 is an example of a Industrial Computer system with multiple I/O (Input Output) interface ports for cards that perform specific functions, such as wave form generation.
In this example we will use this unit and its functions to outline how a pulse controller would be configured and how it will function. A custom dedicated system could be built with the same integrated functionality to enable the same results outlined further on in this document. However it must be noted that the process outlined here is the basis for all other possible configurations.
The National Instrument PXI 1024 was chosen as it was an off the shelf item to enable one to customize the hardware and software required to perform the task of a Pulse controller. A Tektronix AWG 710B was used to create a suitable analogue signal suitable for the RF amplifier.
Portion 2. The RF Amplifier.
The RF amplifier takes the waveforms generated and outputs a high voltage RF equivalent - low voltage waveform (RF) input to a High powered Waveform (RF) output.
The Amplifier - would have a power output that is variable from 1 volt to thousands of volts and a variable current of 1 Amp up to 100 Amps. Our system examples to follow would be 240 Volts @ 10 Amps (2.4 KW) output RF power.
RF or Power Amplifiers are available off the shelf though manufacturers can produce custom configurations for the required power output and frequency ranges.
3. Computer controller or manual pulse controller. This regulates the output pulses to a radiator also known as a RF radiator, antenna, standing wave antenna , plate radiator, plate dipole, plate quadropole, stack radiator/ reflector - any RF or EM radiating device or apparatus. In the present water treatment system the radiator is the radiator element(s) of the treatment vessel. Various types of pulse controllers may be implemented.
Portion - 4. Software
This comprises various data enabling the targeting and operational parameters required for a particular implementation of the invention. The use of stored data has been previously discussed within this specification. Typically this data enables the ideal wave forms to be selected based on entered target species data. Details of the specific installation and other data (e.g. field strength, etc.) may be entered to enable preferred frequency determination for base and auxiliary waveforms.
Operation: Ideally the software is accessible to the user on a control computer. Target components and species may be entered along with other selection parameters. The nominal base and auxiliary waveforms are then calculated, along with any groupings of the resulting AWCs (multiple target systems), pulse modulation and duty cycle, amplified signal amplitude, etc.. .The computer then controls the NI-Labview (brand) PXI- 1024 to generate the desired waveforms which are subsequently converted into the pulsed analogue form by the Tektronix AWG 710B. The resulting signals are fed to a 2.4kW RF amplifier (for example) connected to the radiator plates in the treatment vessel. Each array of radiators may have their own RF amplifier or the output can be switched (to alternate between each array in a set of two).
Example 3
Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart for a sophisticated embodiment of a pulse control unit of the present invention. Not all steps need be present for all pulse control embodiments of the present invention, though this example illustrates the process for one currently preferred embodiment of the present invention with automated or semi- automated features.
At process step (201) data relating to components to be removed from the waste fluid are entered. This may comprise the entry of one or more of: specific elements of the periodic table, chemical names, empirical formulas of specific compounds, functional groups, structural formulas of specific compounds, empirical data on fragments of compound groups or families, structural data on fragments of compound groups or families, species to be removed, pre-saved preference files (containing info about one or more of the aforesaid members of this group).
This data may be entered manually, or calculated from analytical data from pre-analysis or monitoring of the waste fluid.
At step (202) complex data (i.e. anything entered not corresponding to a specific element of the periodic chart) is analysed so that the ideal target elements (of the periodic chart) are chosen. This can access stored or networked data (217), and may include previously saved operator preference files. At step (203) the base and auxiliary waveform frequencies are calculated, ideally using stored or networked data (218). Consideration may be given to the sideband width of the base with auxiliary waveform combinations, depending on the number of target elements to be selected. Also to be considered are the duty cycles for each waveform, and in particular for the base waveform, and particularly also when it constitutes a square wave.
Step (204) considers possible grouping patterns when more than one target element is present. A logical process may be used to calculate the best grouping pattern, though reference may be made to stored or networked data (219).
Step (205) may consider earlier in the process, though can work ideally here. Here entered selection data, including field strength, is taken into account so that changes to the exact frequencies of the base and auxiliary frequencies may be made for each target element. As there is a linear relationship between an element's resonant frequency and field strength, finding a corrected frequency is a straight forward process. Accordingly, this step may rely on feedback data indicating true field strength in the treatment vessel, so that corrections may be constantly or periodically made to the generated frequencies associated with each target element.
Step (206) may take into account other selection parameters entered, or feedback from the treatment vessel - e.g. if there is interference in the signals, or partial attenuation, occurring. Changes may be made to optimise the frequencies associated with different target elements. As a variation, interference feedback may be fed back to step (204) so that corrections may be made at that stage. Another variation is to obtain feedback after step (207) to see also if there are any unwanted cancellation or interference effects occurring. Again, this information may be fed back to step (204) or (205) or (206).
At step (207) the desired signal combining all the component frequencies for target elements within a group is generated. The signals may be generated independently and subsequently combined, though this will depend on the specific hardware installation chosen. Where multiple groups exist, then the signal generator may alternate between each group in a predetermined, or variable, pattern. Alternating between groups ideally relies on some synchronisation with the pulse generating step (208). Step (208) creates a pulse comprising the combined signal generated at step (207). The duty cycle may be manually or automatically selected, and may take into account feedback data. As the signal generator may create consecutive alternating sequences of different signals (corresponding to different groups of target elements) then there should be some synchronisation between steps (207) and (208) so that the signal does not normally change during the 'on' period of the duty cycle. As the equipment for steps (207) and (208) are likely to be the same, then this should not represent any particular difficulty — i.e. switch to the next target group signal at the next 'on' stage of the duty cycle.
At step (209) the pulsed signal is amplified to the necessary degree and to generate a field strength (in the array) of approximately the desired amount. Its output is then distributed (210) between the arrays - for instance, treatment chambers with multiple radiator array sets are known and disclosed herein. Also, most embodiments also rely on alternating the output pulses between one or the other of two arrays in each array set. A switching unit may be used, though separate amplifiers may be used for each array (or bank of arrays) of a set. This is possibly a preferred option when higher pulse frequencies are used, and that it is generally more cost effective to switch lower voltage signals than high voltage signals.
At step (211) the treatment vessel is monitored for a variety of factors which may include signal attenuation, interference, field strength, etc. This data may be feed back as discussed above and shown in the figure.
The fluid stream output from the treatment vessel may also be monitored (step (212) and data fed back as discussed for step (211). In relation to both steps (211 and 212) changes in certain physical parameters may require decisions to be made - step (213) — on how best to proceed. A logic process and/or stored data may be used to decide what to do next. This may result in sounding an alarm (215) for operator intervention, or shutting down the process or part thereof (214), or another result (216) or a combination of the foregoing. While a choice (213) which can interact directly with any of steps (203) through (209) may be made, it is envisaged that it is also possible for the system to change the targeted species (216), particularly if certain monitored components are detected in the output stream. It should also be considered that (with reference to figure 11), multiple treatment vessels may be relied upon, and that sequential vessels may target different components. Accordingly the output data from step (216) could additionally or alternatively be fed to the process (as per figure 10) associated with a subsequent or prior treatment vessel:
Example 4
Figure 11 illustrates a possible process for the processing of raw fluid or waste (230). This preferred embodiment may be altered according to user choice, though this arrangement illustrates one preferred sophisticated embodiment of the present invention suitable for producing a high quality fluid output (244, 245). It is assumed that the waste fluid is water based, though this process may be applied to other fluids.
A preferred first step (231) is to pre-screen the waste (230). Typically a screen of around 3-5mm aperture size is used, though this can be varied according to the specific application.
Next the screened fluid is either filtered (232) to remove more solid material, or put through a separation process (233) such as centrifugal separation (hydrofuse). While both steps may be performed sequentially, they are also optional and generally only one or the other is chosen, and when needed. Centrifugal techniques can also remove nonaqueous fluids (234) as well as solids (235).
The pre-cleaned fluid is then fed into a treatment vessel (236) which may be such as shown in figure 5. A Pulse control unit (242) interacts with radiator elements within the treatment vessel (236). After treatment, which is a flow process, treated output fluid is separated from the solids and precipitate - this may be facilitated by the design of the treatment vessel itself.
A purity check (238) may be performed, and if sufficiently pure the treated fluid (245) may be output from the system. Alternatively, if still impure, a consideration (which may be a logical process and/or consultation of accessible data) may be made about how to best treat the fluid. This embodiment allows for the use of subsequent and traditional chemical or physical purification steps (240), or the fluid may be fed into another treatment vessel (236) and steps (237) through (239) repeated. Similarly, after chemical or physical purification (240) the quality may again be assessed (241) and impure fluid either subject to further additional chemical or physical purification, or fed into another treatment vessel. Pure fluid (244) may be output from the system.
As can be appreciated variations to this process may be made. For instance multiple treatment vessels or chamber steps may be performed without quality checking between each treatment. This is likely to be more suitable in instances where the incoming waste fluid is relatively constant in constituency or other properties. However, for a system (particularly a mobile system) where the nature of the waste fluid (230) may vary considerably, the process illustrated in figure 11 may be preferred.
Example 5
As an example for the treatment of an industrial waste water containing soluble compounds of Nickel, chromium, vanadium, copper, and chloride ions. We know that the field strength for this example will be 20kGauss (2 Tesla). Consulting published data we find that the resonant frequencies for the most common isotopes of these elements are:
Cu: 26.528MHz @ 23.487kG
Ni: 8.936MHz @ 23.487kG
Cr: 5.652MHz @ 23.487kG
Cl: 9.797MHz @ 23.487kG
Correcting these to 2OkG, based on a linear relationship, the resonant frequencies at 20kGauss become
Cu: 22.590MHz @ 20kGauss
Ni: 7.609MHz @ 20kGauss
Cr: 4.813MHz @ 20kGauss
Cl: 8.342MHz @ 20kGauss As there are multiple targets we will use a reduced sideband width, which in this example will be 5% for high specificity. A larger sideband width (e.g. ±10%, or ±20% - increasing sideband width can be considered but with increasing interference effects and reduced specificity) could be used though for this example the more specific ±5% sideband width will be used. It is clear that using the broadened sideband of example 1 would lead to significant overlap of bands for the different target elements.
Figure imgf000049_0001
If we are looking for selective removal of species in the waste to produce a waste produce rich in the above elements we would utilise the above signals. However, if we wish to promote the removal of other ionic species we can also target hydrogen and oxygen which appear to promote the separation of many ionic species. Hence to the table we also add:
Figure imgf000049_0002
As there is overlap between some of the bands (notably Ni and Cl) then it is desirable to separate the AWCs into at least two groups. Some choice is available here, though we may consider: Group A Cr Cl Cu
4 .572 - 5.054 MHz 7 .925 - 8.759 MHz 22.461 - 23.720 MHz
Group B Ni O H
7 .229 - 8.759 MHz 10 .966 - 12.120 MHz 80.895 - 89.411 MHz
The two groups of signals can be generated and then applied alternately (in a variety of patterns) to each radiator array in a set of two radiator arrays. The preferred pattern for this example is: Al, A2, Bl, B2, Al, A2, Bl, B2 ... - where 1 and 2 represent each of the radiator arrays in a set.
It is envisaged also that the efficacy of any installation maybe enhanced by including a frequency which disrupts or disassociates water molecules - in such instances it is envisaged that this lessens the ability of contained components to be attracted to, bind to, or otherwise interact with water molecules. Targeting hydrogen, or oxygen, is envisaged as a potential method of disrupting water, and wave forms based around these elements may be used - this appears in example 5.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as originally intended.
It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.
This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative disclosure on the true state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:
1. Pulse control apparatus for use in the separation of a target component from a fluid, said pulse control apparatus capable of generating a base waveform in at least the range corresponding to the nmr resonant frequency of an element of said target component; said apparatus capable of generating at least a second auxiliary waveform at a frequency above or below said base waveform, and combining with same; said apparatus comprising an output to allow application of a resulting target component output signal to a radiating device.
2. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which there are at least two auxiliary waveforms combined with said base waveform.
3. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a lower frequency modifying waveform at a frequency below that of said base waveform.
4. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3 in which at least one said auxiliary waveform is a higher frequency modifying waveform at a frequency above that of said base waveform.
5. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10±5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
6. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 4 in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
7. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 4 in which the frequency of a higher frequency modifying waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
8. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 4 or claim 7 in which the frequency of said base waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of a said lower frequency modifying waveform.
9. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
10. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
11. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the signal shape of the base waveform is substantially a square wave, and that of one or more auxiliary waveforms are sawtooth waves.
12. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the amplitude of an auxiliary waveform is less than that of said base waveform.
13. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the amplitude of either or both of said base and auxiliary waveforms are variable.
14. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the resultant target component output signal is able to be pulsed.
15. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.005Hz to 500kHz.
16. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
17. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the frequency of the pulse falls within the inclusive range of 0.5Hz to 120Hz.
18. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 through 17 in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 1% to 99%.
19. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 through 18 in which the duty cycle of the pulsed target component output signal is within the inclusive range 15% to 85%.
20. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 through 19 in which the duty cycle of the pulsed signal output is able to be varied.
21. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining as an operational parameter the appropriate base waveform frequency.
22. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
23. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims when dependent upon any one of claims 14 through 19 in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
24. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 through 23 in which said data is accessed on a communications network.
25. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 through 24 which takes into account additional selection parameters when determining operational parameters.
26. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
27. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 26 in which a said radiating device acts upon a fluid containing said target component.
28. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or . components in said fluid, and temperature of said fluid.
29. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
30. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 through 29 in which at least one selection parameter is monitored and provides feedback to the pulse control apparatus which then alters at least one operational parameter in response.
31. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 30, when dependent upon claim 27 in which the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength.
32. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 30, when dependent upon claim 27 in which the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
33. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 30, when dependent upon claim 27 in which the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
34. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims able to act on more than one target component.
35. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 34 in which each target component has its own base waveform.
36. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in either claim 34 or claim 35 in which each target component can have its own associated auxiliary waveform or waveforms.
37. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 36 in which the frequency of auxiliary waveforms are chosen so as to not overlap with the target component output signal sideband width of that of another target component, said sideband width being the maximum frequency range covered between the base and auxiliary waveform frequencies associated with a target component.
38. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 37 in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 12% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
39. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 37 in which one or more target component output signal sideband widths fall within a frequency range extending to 6% (inclusive) either side of a base waveform frequency.
40. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 through 39 in which a user is able to select a desired target component comprising two or more elements and the pulse control apparatus is able to determine multiple target components comprising two or more elements within said desired target component.
41. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 40 in which the pulse control apparatus is able to access stored or networked data to determine the multiple target components.
42. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 through 41 in which the pulse control apparatus is able to, by either or both of manual user selection or automated selection, form signal output groups comprising the combined target component signal outputs of different target components or combinations thereof.
43. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 42 in which the group selection criteria is based on one or more of the following: frequency difference between base waveform frequencies of different target components, possible frequency overlaps (based on sideband width) between target component output signals for different target components, possible signal distortions, harmonic interactions, measured signal distortions, and known or learned grouping incompatibilities.
44. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in either claim 42 or claim 43 in which each group of combined target component output signals are alternately sent to an output.
45. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 44 in which the alternating sequence to said output can be manually or automatically chosen or varied.
46. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 44 or claim 45 in which there are multiple outputs and each group of combined target component output signals can be alternated, in predetermined or variable sequence patterns, between the outputs.
47. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 46 in which there are an even number of outputs which are divided into output sets of two outputs, each output set being associated with a different set of radiators for the treatment of said fluid.
48. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 47 in which each group of combined target component output signals, or a combination of groups, is alternated between each output in an output set in a predetermined or variable sequence.
49. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which waveforms are generated digitally.
50. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 49 which includes a digital to analogue converter for producing analogue signal outputs.
51. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which resultant signal outputs are amplified to the desired amplitude.
52. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 51 in which the resultant signal outputs are amplified by one or more PvF signal amplifiers.
53. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 52 in which the amplitude of the resultant signal outputs are within the inclusive range of 50V to 1.5kV.
54. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims when connected to a fluid treatment stack comprising at least one set of electrically connected radiators.
55. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 54 in which the pulse control apparatus is connected to at least two sets of interleaved radiators, said radiators being immersed in the fluid to be treated.
56. Pulse control apparatus as claimed in claim 54 or claim 55 in which the radiators and fluid are contained within a vessel providing RF shielding.
57. Fluid treatment apparatus comprising pulse control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 53, said fluid treatment apparatus comprising also a treatment vessel for containing fluid to be treated and housing also at least one radiator connected to said pulse control apparatus; said vessel allowing for the through flow of fluid such that it passes over or in proximity to said radiator such that the fluid can be affected by a signal from the pulse control generator applied to said radiator.
58. Fluid treatment apparatus including pre-screening apparatus for removing solid material from fluid before it enters a said treatment vessel.
59. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 58 in which pre-screening apparatus removes solid material greater than 5mm in average diameter.
60. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 58 in which pre-screening apparatus removes solid material with a 5mm or smaller screen.
61. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 60 in which the treatment vessel comprises a housing and at least two interacting sets of radiator arrays, each radiator array comprising a plurality of radiator elements connected electrically to others within the array, and the elements of each set being interleaved with those of the other set.
62. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 61 in which the treatment vessel comprises a plurality of chambers containing arrays of interleaved conductive elements, the chambers being connected by a manifold system.
63. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 62 in which the treatment vessel comprises one or more precipitation chambers for the removal of separated components (from the fluid).
64. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 63 in which a radiator comprises a conductive core surrounded by a layer of less conductance.
65. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 64 in which said surrounding layer is substantially non-conductive.
66. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 64 or claim 65 in which the conductive core of an element is metallic.
67. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 66 in which the conductive core of an element is a stainless steel.
68. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 68 in which elements from one electrically connected set are interleaved with elements from another electrically connected set.
69. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 68 in which there are two electrically connected radiator arrays with each array comprising multiple radiator elements and where the elements of each said set being interleaved in an alternating arrangement; and wherein the elements are separated by separator elements.
70. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 69 in which a separator element is substantially non-conductive.
71. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 70 in which a separator element contains ferromagnetic material or a material capable of exhibiting magnetic properties.
72. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 71 in which a separator element is porous to fluid flow.
73. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 69 through 72 in which a separator element is includes cation exchange material.
74. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 73 in which the average pore size of the separator element is within the range 12 - 50 microns.
75. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 69 through 74 in which the separator element contains one or more apertures passing through the body.
76. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 69 through 75 in which a magnetic field is created between adjacent radiator elements.
77. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 76 in which the field strength is 60 kGauss or greater.
78. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 61 in which the housing is of metal construction.
79. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 78 including at least one of the following monitoring sensors: pH sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow-rate sensor, turbidity or clarity sensor, conductivity sensor, oxidation potential sensor, ozone sensor.
80. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 79 in which outputs from one or more monitoring sensors is fed back to the pulse control apparatus.
81. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 80 in which fluid, prior to entering said treatment vessel, is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non-aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
82. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 81 in which fluid from said treatment vessel is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
83. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 66 in which a centrifugal separator is used to separate out said solid material.
84. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 83 in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to treatment in a treatment vessel.
85. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 84 in which said treated fluid is treated in a different treatment vessel whose associated pulse control unit provides signals to its associated radiator(s) which target different species to those targeted within the first treatment vessel.
86. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 85 in which there is a sequence of more than two treatment vessels through which the fluid successively passes.
87. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 57 through 86 in which fluid in a treatment vessel is treated such that the pulse control unit in combination with the treatment vessel's radiator(s) targets the production of ozone.
88. Fluid treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 87 in which sufficient ozone is produced to sterilise pathogenic organisms in the fluid.
89. A process for the removal of unwanted components from a fluid comprising steps of at least: a) contacting the fluid with a radiator set comprising at least two of either or both of a radiator element and an array of electrically connected radiator elements; b) applying to said radiator set a signal specifically targeting components within the fluid for removal;
90. A process as claimed in claim 89 which includes the additional step of: c) separating solid waste comprising targeted components from the fluid.
91. A process as claimed in either claim 89 or claim 90 in which a signal targeting a component comprises at least a base waveform combined with at least one auxiliary waveform, and wherein the frequency of the base waveform is substantially the nmr resonant frequency of a chemical element of which the targeted component is comprised at the field strength generated by the application of the signal to said radiator set.
92. A process as claimed in claim 90 in which there are two auxiliary forms, one being below and one being above, in frequency, of that of the base waveform.
93. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 92 in which signals for different chemical elements can be combined into a more complex signal.
94. A process as claimed in claim 93 in which signals are not combined where there is overlap of the bandwidth for each targeted element, the bandwidth comprising the frequency spectrum between the lowest and highest of the base and auxiliary waveforms associated with a targeted element.
95. A process as claimed in claim 93 or claim 94 in which signals for different chemical elements are divided into groups, the signals associated with targeted elements within a group being combined, and the combined group signals being applied at different times to radiator elements within the radiator set.
96. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 95 in which the applied signal to a radiator element is pulsed.
97. A process as claimed in claim 96 in which the pulse frequency is within the inclusive range of 0.005Hz to 500kHz.
98. A process as claimed in claim 96 in which the pulse frequency is within the inclusive range of 0.03Hz to IkHz.
99. A process as claimed in any one of claims 96 through 98 in which the duty cycle of a signal within a pulse is within the inclusive range of 5% to 98%.
100. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 99 in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 10±5 % of the frequency of that of the base waveform of a targeted component.
101. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 99 in which the frequency of a said auxiliary waveform in within 5% of the frequency of that of the base waveform or a targeted component.
102. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 99 in which the frequency of a higher frequency auxiliary waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of the base waveform.
103. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 99 in which the frequency of said base waveform is an integer multiple of the frequency of that of a said lower frequency auxiliary waveform.
104. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 103 in which the wave shape of the base waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
105. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 104 in which the wave shape of an auxiliary waveform is substantially one of the group of: sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and saw-tooth waves.
106. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 105 in which the signal is generated by pulse control apparatus.
107. A process as claimed in claim 106 in which the pulse control apparatus is apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 56.
108. A process as claimed in claim 106 or claim 107 in which a user selects a target component from predefined data, associated control apparatus then determining as an operational parameter the appropriate base waveform frequency.
109. A process as claimed in any one of claims 106 through 108 in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: number of auxiliary waveforms, frequencies of auxiliary waveforms, amplitudes of waveforms, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
110. A process as claimed in any one of claims 106 through 109 in which a user is able to select a target component from predefined data, said pulse control apparatus then determining operational parameters comprising at least one of: pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle.
111. A process as claimed in any one of claims 91 through 105 in which said pulse control apparatus takes into account additional selection parameters when determining operational parameters.
112. A process as claimed in claim 111 in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: nominal field strength of said radiating device, measured field strength of said radiating device, measured signal degradation from a said radiating device, measured output signal distortion, and measured radiated signal strength.
113. A process as claimed in claim 111 in which additional selection parameters comprise one or more of: known fluid characteristics, measured fluid characteristics, additional components present in said fluid, pH, electroconductivity of said fluid, oxidation potential of said fluid, flow-rate of said fluid, viscosity of said fluid, magnetic properties of said fluid or components in said fluid, temperature of said fluid, the clarity of treated fluid, the pH of treated fluid, the oxidation potential of treated fluid.
113. A process as claimed in any one of claims 111 through 113 in which at least one selection parameter is monitored and provides feedback to the pulse control apparatus which then alters at least one operational parameter affecting the generated signal in response.
114. A process as claimed in claim 113 when dependent upon claim 112 in which the waveform frequencies are altered in response to field strength.
115. A process as claimed in claim 113 when dependent upon claim 112 in which the amplitude of the target component output signal is altered in response to measured radiated signal strength.
116. A process as claimed in claim 113 when dependent upon claim 112 in which the frequency of at least one auxiliary waveform is altered in response to measured signal degradation or distortion.
117. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 116 in which a said signal is generated digitally.
118. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 116 in which resultant signal is amplified to the desired amplitude before application to said radiator elements.
119. A process as claimed in claim 118 in which the resultant signal is amplified by one or more RF signal amplifiers.
120. A process as claimed in claim 118 in which the amplitude of the resultant signal outputs are within the inclusive range of 50V to 1.5kV.
121. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 120 in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is treated with a centrifugal separator to separate at least one of: non-aqueous fluids, solid material, and aqueous fluids.
122. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 121 in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the separation of solid material from the fluid.
123. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 122 in which said fluid, prior to step (a), is subjected to a treatment step comprising the screening of solid material from the fluid.
123. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 122 in which treated fluid may be re-subjected to steps (a) and (b) in multiple passes.
124. A process as claimed in any one of claims 90 through 123, when dependent upon claim 90, in which step (c) is comprises processing by a centrifugal separator.
125. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 124 which includes at least one chemical or physical treatment step for the removal of components in the fluid.
126. A process as claimed in any one of claims 89 through 125 in which fluid in a treatment vessel is treated such that the applied signal targets the production of ozone. A process as claimed in claim 126 in which sufficient ozone is produced to sterilise pathogenic organisms in the fluid.
PCT/NZ2007/000105 2006-05-08 2007-05-08 Improvements to removing components from fluids WO2007129920A2 (en)

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USPCT/US2006/017630 2006-05-08
PCT/US2006/017630 WO2006121976A2 (en) 2005-05-09 2006-05-08 Improvements to water treatment processes
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NZ547030 2006-05-08

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