Magnetically Augmented Water Treatment

doi:10.1205/095758297528869

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Volume 75, Issue 2, May 1997, Pages 98-104

https://doi.org/10.1205/095758297528869 Get rights and content

A test rig was constructed to investigate the effect of orthogonally applied magnetic fields on solutions of calcium carbonate and accompanying changes in scale deposits formed from solution. The rig employed recirculated calcium carbonate solutions, which were passed through magnetic fields of strengths up to 7000 Gauss. Scaling occurred on a copper heat exchanger surface at temperatures set at between 40° C and 60° C. Changes in solution chemistry, zeta potential and particle size were also investigated. Scale deposits were analysed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results showed that magnetic treatment had a significant effect on the precipitation/ deposition of calcium carbonate from solution under controlled physico-chemical conditions. Scaling was affected by the system temperature, pH and degree of supersaturation. The magnetic field was shown to influence significantly the zeta potential and particle size distribution of particles formed in solution, as well as the crystal morphology of the calcium carbonate deposits.

This paper presents a summary of laboratory results and relates them to a possible mechanism.

References (32)

K. Higashitani et al.
Effects of magneticfields on stability of nonmagnetic ultrafine colloidal particles
J Coll Interface Sci
(1992)
K. Higashitani et al.
Effects of magnetic field on formation of CaCO₃ particles
J Coll Interface Sci
(1993)
R. Gehr et al.
Reduction of soluble mineral concentrations in CaSO₄ saturated water using a magnetic field
Wat Res
(1995)
J.S. Baker et al.
Magnetic amelioration of scale formation
Wat Res
(1996)
E. Dalas et al.
The effect of magnetic fields on calcium carbonate scale formation
J Crystal Growth
(1989)
S.A. Parsons et al.
Magnetic treatment of calcium carbonate scale —effect of pH control
Wat. Res
(1997)
Y. Wang et al.
Rapid onset of calcium carbonate crystallization under the influence of a magnetic field
Wat Res
(1997)
M. Darvill
Magnetic water treatment
Water and Waste Treatment
(1993)
O. Söhnel et al.
Some comments on the influence of a magnetic field on crystalline scale formation
Chem Ind
(1988)
Donaldson, J. D., 1994, The magnetic treatment of fluids, Eurocorr 94/ UK Corrosion 94’ 31 October– 3 November 1994,...

D. Hasson et al.

The performance of a magnetic water conditioner under accelerated scaling conditions

Proc of Progress in the Prevention of Fouling of Industrial Plant

(1981)

Ellingsen, F. T. and Vik, E. A. 1982, A revue of scale formation with emphasis on magnetic water treatment, in Proc of...

F.T. Ellingsen et al.

Does magnetic treatment influence precipitation of calcium carbonate from supersaturated solutions

Vatten

(1979)

I.M. Glushchenko et al.

Magnetic apparatus for the coke and chemical industry

Coke Chem (USSR)

(1983)

E. Tombacz et al.

Effect of a weak magnetic field on hematite sol in stationary and flowing systems

Coll Polym Sci

(1981)

J.L. Crolet et al.

Experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of a magnetic antiscaling device

Techniques, Sciences, Methods- L’Eau

(1988)

Cited by (60)

Scaling in membrane distillation (MD): Current state of art insight on mechanisms and Membrane design
2024, Desalination
Membrane distillation (MD) process has witnessed significant advancements in research and development since the 1990s, emerging as a viable, cost-effective desalination technology, especially when utilizing waste heat, solar thermal energy, or geothermal heat sources. One of the key challenges hindering MD's broader application is the inorganic scaling of the membranes that form a dense layer on the membrane surfaces, reducing its filtration efficiency, a topic garnering increasing focus in recent studies. Innovative membrane design is now seen as a promising approach to mitigate scaling issues. Yet, the development of ideal scaling-resistant membranes remains an elusive goal, presenting a significant challenge still awaiting comprehensive solutions. This review endeavors to provide an exhaustive understanding of the scaling mechanisms in MD and to formulate a robust theoretical framework for the development of optimal scale-resistant membranes. Such advancements are crucial for enhancing the commercial feasibility of MD technology. This review comprehensively explores established theories and underscores cutting-edge innovations in specific membrane design tactics targeted at scaling mitigation, providing a detailed discussion of morphological tailoring and functionalization strategies for membrane surfaces. Furthermore, it identifies future challenges and potential new research directions in this burgeoning field.
Study on effect of magnetization on wetting characteristics of water with different ions to coal dust
2024, Fuel
Coal dust is a significant problem in underground coal mining, and more economical and effective methods are needed to control coal dust. Magnetized water dust removal technology is considered to be an effective method to solve the problem of high concentration dust. In order to further understand the role of ions in magnetic fields in water, the optimal magnetic field parameters for solutions containing various ions were determined by surface tension and contact angle measurements. The wettability experiments have shown that the optimal magnetization effect can be obtained by placing NaCl solution with the concentration of 0.04 mol/L in the 150mT magnetic field for 120 s at room temperature. Subsequently, the influence of various ions in water on the wettability of coal was investigated using a combination of FTIR testing and Zeta potential experiments. The results showed that the order of the influence intensity of different ions on the wettability of water was Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ when the Cl^– content was 0.04 mol/l, and Cl^– > CO₃^2– > SO₄^2– when the Na⁺ content was 0.04 mol/L. Furthermore, Lorentz forces can influence various ions, accelerating their migration and enhancing their accessibility to water clusters. Different ions exert force on the dipoles within water molecules, which can promote or suppress hydrogen bond cleavage. When the number of hydrogen bond breaks rises, it leads to an increase in the wetting properties of the solution. The research findings provide a theoretical foundation for the use of magnetization technology in dust suppression with mist spray in underground coal mines.
Effect of magnetized water on characteristics of sustainable concrete using volcanic ash
2022, Construction and Building Materials
Citation Excerpt :
The power of hydrogen (pH) is a chemical measure that is used to quantify the acidity or basicity of aqueous or other liquid solutions. It is one of the most essential metrics in operational water quality, so, During the magnetization period, Parsons et al. [29] noticed an initial fall in pH from 7 to 6.5, followed by a steady increase to 7.5–8. According to Tai et al., [30] demonstrated that magnetic treatment reduced the pH of their water sample from 9.2 to 8.5.
Renewable resources of sustainable materials that can be functioned of supplementary cementitious materials are a critical in order to minimize extra waste, especially in construction mutter. Volcanic ash (VA) is one of natural pozzolanic material that can be considered important in Egypt. The main aim of the current study produces an eco-friendly concrete using the natural material. For that this study experimentally deals with developing a sustainable concrete using VA, as a supplementary cementitious material, and assesses their characteristics with and without using a magnetic field. Five ratios of VA (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 %) as a replacement of cement were used to prepare thirty mixes. Magnetized water (MW) was generated using two different intensity values, 1.6 and 1.4 Tesla (T), to assess different magnetization methods. In the current study, five different MW methods were carried out based on the water pass direction and speed using a designed device. The results show that: (1) VA is thermally stable up to 800 °C, (2) The best ratio of VA for producing volcanic concrete is 5 % with tap water and MW, (3) The long direction and high speed of water through 1.6 then 1.4 T (which generate more friction between water and inner surface of pipes) is the best to produce more influence MW for volcanic concrete; this method improved pH of used water by 12.6 %, (4) The workability of volcanic concrete increases by about 15 % with MW, (5) Compressive strength of concrete is improved by 24 % at 7 days with 5 % VA and tap water, (6) Compressive strength increases with MW and 5 % VA up to 22 % and 33 % at 7 and 28 days, respectively. The results reveal that volcanic concrete characteristics are associated with the thermal stability of VA and the improved pH of used water.
Particulate matter: Interfacial properties, fouling, and its mitigation
2022, Water-Formed Deposits: Fundamentals and Mitigation Strategies
Heat exchangers in service experience accumulation of undesired materials (fouling), which diminishes heat exchanging performance with the increase in pressure drop and pumping power. The overall design of heat exchanger may significantly be influenced by fouling because fouling causes huge economic loss due to its impact on initial cost of heat exchanging operation, operating cost, maintenance cost, mitigation measures, and performance. To control fouling, researchers have made great efforts to study the fouling phenomena, its development, interface effects, and mitigation approaches. The ions of dissolved salts diffuse through the boundary layer and gradually accumulate on the heated surfaces.
Researchers have embarked into mitigation approaches to save money and protect the environment, although the deposition phenomenon is still under investigation. Fouling on heat exchanger surfaces could be mitigated by alteration of heat exchanging surfaces, modifying heat exchanger operating parameters, adding chemical additives, and addition of particles such as metals, nonmetals and their composites, natural fibers. Conventional chemical additives currently in use create environmental hazards, considering that the researchers have tried to explore green additives such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), cationic inulins (CATINs), polyallylamine (PALAM), gelatin, and bio-based functionalized nanomaterials. That are more benign to the environment and pose no threat to health.
The addition of particulate matter, such as pellets of lead, has created erosion and environmental hazards, which finally prompted the use of biodegradable natural fibers to modify the onset of deposition by boundary layer scavenging and to interact with the turbulent eddies to reduce the rate of mass transfer of the foulant to the heated surfaces. Particle size and flexibility have a positive influence on fouling mitigation where nanoparticles and smaller natural fibers are more effective. However, efforts are given to develop chemicals exceptionally benign to the environment. The present chapter focuses on fouling phenomena, fouling interfaces, fouling models, environment of fouling, consideration of heat exchanger fouling in design, and mitigation of fouling.
Nonchemical methods to control scale and deposit formation
2022, Water-Formed Deposits: Fundamentals and Mitigation Strategies
This chapter describes nonchemical water treatment methods, which include permanent magnets, solenoid coils, radio-frequency electric fields, high-voltage capacitance systems (i.e., electrostatic devices), and catalytic materials. The operating principle of the physical water treatment (PWT) is to produce colloidal particles of mineral ions in water, a process that is called bulk precipitation. In recirculating cooling water, the colloidal particles grow, resulting in particulate fouling (i.e., soft sludge coating) on a heat exchanger surface instead of precipitation fouling (i.e., hard deposit). Thus, if and when there is a sufficient shear force in a heat exchanger to remove the soft sludge coating, the PWT can keep the heat exchanger surface scale-free.
Characteristics and applications of magnetized water as a green technology
2017, Journal of Cleaner Production
Citation Excerpt :
Calcium carbonate scale formation is a common problem in industrial water treatment (Muryanto et al., 2014) and the petroleum industry (Khormali et al., 2014) because the solubility of CaCO3 decreases with increasing temperature (Coey and Cass, 2000). On the other hand, scaling can be reduced by up to 80% by a magnetic treatment (Parsons et al., 1997a,b) because the MF has an anti-scale effect and can increase the solubility of CaCO3 and MgCO3, which are the most important agents in sedimentation (Golestani Alizadeh and Nikmanesh, 2013). Therefore, in the following, calcium carbonate scale formation is discussed in detail.
Water can be magnetized under an applied magnetic field, and some important properties of magnetized water have become useful in industries associated with its surface tension, pH, viscosity, electrical conductivity, and scale formation inhibition. The surface tension of water decreases upon the application of a magnetic field, while its pH increases. In addition, the shear viscosity of magnetized water increases and the magnetic field inhibits scale formation. This paper reviews the unique properties of magnetized water as well as its potential applications as a smart and more environmentally friendly fluid in the oil industry, e.g., as an injection fluid in enhanced oil recovery areas for producing oil.

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Magnetically Augmented Water Treatment

J Coll Interface Sci

J Coll Interface Sci

Wat Res

Wat Res

J Crystal Growth

Wat. Res

Wat Res

Magnetic water treatment

Water and Waste Treatment

Some comments on the influence of a magnetic field on crystalline scale formation

Chem Ind

The performance of a magnetic water conditioner under accelerated scaling conditions

Proc of Progress in the Prevention of Fouling of Industrial Plant

Does magnetic treatment influence precipitation of calcium carbonate from supersaturated solutions

Vatten

Magnetic apparatus for the coke and chemical industry

Coke Chem (USSR)

Effect of a weak magnetic field on hematite sol in stationary and flowing systems

Coll Polym Sci

Experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of a magnetic antiscaling device

Techniques, Sciences, Methods- L’Eau