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Patent 2616411 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2616411
(54) English Title: SCALE REMOVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
(54) French Title: APPAREIL ET PROCEDE D'ENLEVEMENT DE TARTRE
Status: Deemed Abandoned and Beyond the Period of Reinstatement - Pending Response to Notice of Disregarded Communication
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • C02F 01/48 (2006.01)
  • B01J 19/12 (2006.01)
  • C02F 05/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GRIGG, BRIAN (Australia)
(73) Owners :
  • AQUA-SCIENCES PTY LTD
(71) Applicants :
  • AQUA-SCIENCES PTY LTD (Australia)
(74) Agent:
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2005-12-15
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2006-07-13
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/AU2005/001896
(87) International Publication Number: AU2005001896
(85) National Entry: 2007-07-06

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
2005900062 (Australia) 2005-01-07

Abstracts

English Abstract


A scale removal/prevention apparatus (10, 250) having a generator (15, 260)
for generating a signal (120), at least one signal wire (40) electrically
connected to the generator (15, 260) which in use is wound around a pipe (70)
or other hollow body (70) containing a fluid and circuit means (170)
associated with the generator (15, 260) for ensuring that the signal (120) is
(i) non continuous (ii) frequency modulated with a varying frequency from
approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz and (iii) has a DC offset such
that the signal (120) never equals zero.


French Abstract

Appareil de prévention/enlèvement de tartre (10, 250) ayant un générateur (15, 260) pour générer un signal (120), au moins un fil de transmission (40) connecté électriquement au générateur (15, 260) qui, en cours d~utilisation, est enroulé autour d~une conduite (70) ou d~un autre corps creux (70) contenant un fluide et des moyens de circuit (170) associés au générateur (15, 260) pour s~assurer que le signal (120) (i) est non continu, (ii) est modulé en fréquence avec une fréquence variable d~approximativement 750 Hz à approximativement 12,5 KHz et (iii) a un décalage CC tel que le signal (120) n~est jamais égal à zéro.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


16
CLAIMS:
1. A scale removal/prevention apparatus having:
(i) a generator for generating a signal;
(ii) at least one signal wire electrically connected to the generator
which in use is wound around a pipe or other hollow body containing a fluid;
(iii) circuit means associated with the generator for ensuring that the
signal is (i) non continuous (ii) frequency modulated with a varying frequency
from approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz and (iii) has a DC offset
such that the signal never equals zero.
2. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim I
wherein the circuit means provides rapid cycling of the frequency range with
each cycle being a single frequency sweep from 750Hz to 12.5 KHz at a rate up
to 25 cycles or sweeps per second.
3. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim I or 2
further including a frequency detector electrically connected to a display
wherein
in use the frequency detector is located adjacent the pipe or other hollow
body to
detect that the signal has been transmitted to the fluid whereby the display
provides verification of this.
4. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3
wherein the signal wire forms a first coil and second coil when wrapped around
a
pipe or hollow body which are spaced from each other.
5. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 4
wherein the first coil and the second coil are separated by a distance
equivalent
to the pipe length taken by either coil.
6. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5
wherein the successive turns of each of the first and second coils are all in
the
same direction.
7. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3
wherein a first signal wire forms a first and second coil and a second signal
wire
forms a third and a fourth coil wherein each of the first, second, third and
fourth
coils are wound around a pipe or hollow body and are spaced from each other.
8. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 7
wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth coils are spaced from each

17
other by a distance equivalent to a pipe length taken by any of the coils.
9. A scale removal/prevention apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8
wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth coils are all wound in the
same
direction.
10. A method for preventing scale deposits from forming on an interior
surface of a pipe as well as removal of the scale deposits from said interior
surface, said method including the steps of:
(i) winding a number of turns per coil(T) of a signal wire around a pipe
containing a fluid, calculated according to the formula,
T = (K.sigma.)/(IN)
where K is a constant whose value is derived from the pipe diameter, the total
number of signal turns around the pipe, being equal to the number of coils X
turns per coil and applied current to the coils and the type of fluid
travelling in the
pipe, a is the cross sectional area, I is the current through the signal wire
and N
is the number of coils;
(ii) electrically connecting a first end of the signal wire to a first
terminal of a generator and electrically connecting an opposing end of the
signal
wire to a second terminal of the generator; and
(iii) communicating to the pipe via the signal wire a non continuous
signal that is (i) frequency modulated with a varying frequency from
approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz, and (ii) which has a DC offset
such that the signal never equals zero.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein K is 15,000 ~ 20% when
the diameter of the pipe is less than 35mm.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein K is 15,000 ~ 20% when
the pipe has a diameter of between 35100mm.
13. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein K is 15,000 ~ 20% when
the diameter of the pipe is 100mm or greater.
14. A scale remover or scale prevention circuit which includes a power
supply component that provides power for the scale remover/prevention circuit;
a signal generator component that provides a signal,
a signal controller component that is electrically connected to the signal
generator component and controls the signal generator component such that the

18
signal provided by the signal generator component is non-continuous and
frequency modulated having a frequency that varies in a range from
approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz; and
an offset component that offsets the non continuous frequency modulated
signal such that the signal never equals zero.
15. A circuit as claimed in claim 14 wherein the signal provides rapid
cycling of the frequency range with each cycle being a single frequency sweep
from 750Hz to 12.5 KHz at a rate up to 25 cycles or sweeps per second.
16. A circuit as claimed in claim 14 wherein the signal has a cycle of
about 1/25th of a second.
17. A circuit as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein there is a dead
zone of approximately 6 milliseconds between each cycle.
18. A circuit as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the
signal is sinusoidal.
19. A circuit as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the
signal has an amplitude of 4 Volt.
20. A circuit as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein'the
signal has a DC offset of 4 Volt.
21. A circuit as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 wherein the
signal generator component incorporates a monolithic function generator.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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1
TITLE
SCALE REMOVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for scale removal and/or
scale prevention. In particular, the invention relates to a method and
apparatus
for removing scale from or preventing build up of scale in conduits or other
hollow bodies which contain fluid.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of calcium and
magnesium ions in water. High levels of water hardness are common throughout
many regions of the world resulting in scale build up within pipes and other
water
systems. Scale is generally a calcite structure, which forms as a hard white
substance. The calcite structure results from the precipitation of calcium
carbonate molecules into a regular and dense crystalline structure having a
cubic lattice form. Scale commonly affects pipes, valves or plumbing of
facilities
inclusive of hot water systems, evaporative coolers, heat exchangers and
cooling towers. The build up of scale results in energy transfer losses, a
higher
power usage and an increased cost of operation of hot water systems and
boilers. A substantial amount of scale can build up and block the flow of
water
through pipes or plumbing of such facilities. Scale also promotes the growth
of
mould, mildew and bacteria.
Systems that involve heating a fluid that is flowing through a conduit are
more susceptible to a build up of solid deposits because the heated fluids are
more likely to evaporate increasing the likelihood of leaving fat, protein and
mineral fouling species. Such species are also sometimes referred to as
"scale".
Scale as referred to herein also includes bio-films and bio-active deposits in
addition to deposits consisting of fats, proteins, minerals and mineral
chelates. It
is therefore intended that the term "scale" as used herein includes these
alternatives and thus refer to any solid deposits in conduits or other hollow
bodies. The invention has particular relevance to removal of scale in food
processing or the hygienic-processing-industries-such as dairy foods or milk:
An-
example of a process where fluids in conduits are heated is the pasteurisation
of
milk. The scale that occurs in conduits containing milk and milk products

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includes a range of species that are deposited when the milk is heated, such
as:
fat deposits, protein deposits, beta-lactoglobulin that forms when milk is
heated
up to 110 C and also minerals and mineral chelates that form deposits when
milk
is heated above 100 C. Conventional scale removal techniques are not effective
at removing the scale that accumulates on the inner walls of conduits
containing
milk because they are not suited to the distinct properties of milk. Within
this
specification, references to scale formed inside conduits containing milk
include
all of the species that form as a deposit when milk is heated through
temperature
profiles up to and including the processing temperature.
A range of devices have been developed to combat the formation of
scale, including: magnetic devices, electro-magnet systems and eiectronic de-
scalers.
Magnets and magnetic devices provide a limited scale removal effect and
have the disadvantage of attracting impurities such as iron, that coats the
area
where the magnet is located, further weakening the strength of the magnet.
This
process is known as the permanent polarisation effect. Scale removal magnets
are very hard to install correctly and furthermore, many experts believe that
magnets do not produce any worthwhile results.
Electro-magnetic systems work in a similar manner to magnetic systems,
however some of the electro magnetic systems include oscillation of the
magnetic field to offset the permanent polarisation effect. The magnetic
effect
only works for short lineal pipe sections and therefore the system only
partially
acts on the water that is passing through the section of the pipe and a
greater
water velocity results in a less effective magnetic system for treating scale.
Electronic de-scalers communicate an electrical signal to coils that are
located around or near a pipe. The resulting signals travel over considerable
lengths of pipe and hence there is improved protection from scale. Examples of
electronic de-scalers are described in United States Patents 5,514,283 and
5,074,998.
United States Patent 5,514,283 discloses an arrangement for treating
water to - prevent -and- remove-- scale -deposits. -T-he- arrangement-
includes-a
primary coil mounted on an exterior of a pipe that is to be treated. An
electronic
circuit is electrically connected to the primary coil and communicates a

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succession of radio frequency signals to the coil that create an
electromagnetic
field in the water. The frequency and amplitude of the energizing signals
produced by the circuit is controlled by a microphone input. The microphone
rests against the pipe and listens for turbulence. The circuit converts the
readings of turbulence to energizing signals and hence the energizing signals
that are provided by the circuit are related to the turbulence of the water.
In
another embodiment, the energizing signal is then produced according to a
transducer installed into the pipe that measures the flow rate of the water.
However, this embodiment is considerably less useful as it can be extremely
difficult to install the flow rate monitor into the pipe.
The microphone is not an efficient means of determining the flow rate of
the water and hence a large amount of circuitry is required to filter the
signal
produced by the microphone before it is suitable for energizing the coil. The
microphone is also susceptible to interference from other noise sources, which
results in an unpredictable signal being supplied to the primary coil. A
further
problem is that the apparatus of US Patent 5,514,283 is primarily designed for
water and does not provide any means for recalibration so that it is suitable
for
other fluids having different properties to water.
United States Patent 5,074,998 also describes an apparatus that
generates a magnetic field with a coil for preventing the formation of scale
in a
pipe and also for removing scale from the pipe. An energizing unit provides an
energizing signal to the coil that is varied in frequency. This apparatus may
also
include a flow rate transducer that provides data about the flow rate of the
water
in the pipe, which can be interpreted by a control unit that is capable of
varying
the energizing signal accordingly. The flow rate transducer can be either an
invasive transducer or an external transducer that is either inductively or
thermally coupled to the pipe.
The installation of the invasive transducer creates considerable expense
and difficulties as the operation that the pipe belongs to must be shut down
and
the pipe must be opened for the installation. Hence, the invasive transducers
are
a-very unattractive--option when retrofitting. -The-inductively- or-thermally
coupled
transducer overcomes the installation difficulties associated with the
invasive
transducer. However, the inductively or thermally coupled transducer is a more

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complicated device and also produces far less accurate results than the
invasive
transducer. Although an embodiment of the invention is described that does not
incorporate a transducer, US 5,074,998 fails to describe a method of
calibrating
the behaviour of the magnetic field in this instance. Similar to the invention
disclosed in US patent 5,514,283, the apparatus disclosed in US 5,074,998 does
not accommodate liquids that have different properties to water and hence,
will
achieve less effective scale removal in these instances.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate
one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art or to
provide a useful commercial alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form,
the invention resides in a scale removal/prevention apparatus having:
(i) a generator for generating a signal;
(ii) at least one signal wire electrically connected to the generator
which in use is wound around a pipe or other hollow body
containing a fluid;
(iii) circuit means associated with the generator for ensuring that the
signal is (i) non continuous (ii) frequency modulated with a varying
frequency from approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz
and (iii) has a DC offset such that the signal never equals zero.
The employment of a larger frequency range in the scale removal
apparatus of the invention than prior art systems referred to above results in
the
provision of greater applied frequency-based energy being induced into the
fluid-
carrying conduit and conduit connected technologies. This provides both the
requisite energy and the energy in the requisite form required to initiate a
response in larger molecules. Larger deposition molecules form in hygienic
process conduits and heating systems than those that form in water based
conduits and connected processes. The higher frequency ensures that the rate
.of-depos-ition _is-.red-uced- due -to-the continual mobilization -of -larger
molecules in-
response to the higher range frequency energy. These molecular-mobilizations
result in the larger molecules achieving sufficient momentum to overcome the

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tendency to settle into a crystalline lattice or amorphous deposit, thereby
resulting in the material that would otherwise form into a deposit is instead
flushed through the process train.
The purpose of the non-continuous signal format is to introduce a dead
5 zone in the frequency sweep or cycling program whereby for a short duration,
no
signal applies. When incorporated with the large and higher frequency signal
output form, the effect of a short duration zero signal band-width is to
provide a
rapid momentum change to the deposition molecules, already mobilized in
response to the induced frequency energy. This rapid, short time frame
momentum change induces an additional shock to the deposition molecules
effectively providing a dislodgement mechanism to the molecules that further
assists in overcoming the tendency for the same molecules to otherwise settle
into a crystalline or amorphous deposit.
Preferably, the scale removal apparatus also includes a frequency
detector that is electrically connected to a display, wherein the frequency
detector is located adjacent to the pipe to detect that the scale removal
apparatus has transmitted the signal to the fluid and the display provides
verification that the frequency detector has detected that the signal has been
transmitted to the fluid.
In another form, the invention resides in a method for preventing scale
deposits from forming on an interior surface of a pipe containing a fluid
and/or
removing scale deposits from the interior surface of the pipe, including the
steps
of:
(i) winding a number of turns per coil(T) of a signal wire around a pipe
containing a fluid, calculated according to the formula,
T = (Ka)/(IN)
where K is a constant, a is the cross sectional area, I is the current
through the signal wire and N is the number of coils;
(ii) electrically connecting a first end of the signal wire to a first
terminal of a generator and electrically connecting an opposing end
of the signal wire to a-second-terminal of the generator; and -
(iii) communicating to the pipe via the signal wire a non continuous
signal that is (i) frequency modulated with a varying frequency

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from approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz, and (ii)
which has a DC offset such that the signal never equals zero,
wherein
K is a constant whose value is derived from the pipe diameter, the total
number of signal turns around the pipe, being equal to the number of coils x
turns per coil and applied current supplied to the coils and the type of fluid
travelling in the pipe.
The units of K are Amp. Total Turns per (metre)2.
Preferably, K is 15,000, + 20%, - 20% when the diameter of the pipe is
less than approximately 35mm. For a 20mm diameter piper this equates to
around 50 total cable turns around the pipe.
Preferably, K is 15,000, + 20%, -20% when the diameter of the pipe is
approximately between 35mm and 100mm. For a 50mm diameter pipe this
equates to around 90 total cable turns around the pipe.
Preferably, K is 15,000, +20%, -20% when the diameter of the pipe is
100mm. For a 100mm pipe this equates to around 320 total cable turns around
the pipe.
Preferably, K is 15,000, +20%, -20% when the diameter of the pipe is
greater than 100mm.
In another form, the invention resides in a scale remover/prevention
circuit for providing a signal, including:
a power supply component that provides power for the scale
remover/prevention circuit;
a signal generator component that provides a signal;
a signal controller component that is electrically connected to the signal
generator component and controls the signal generator component such that the
signal provided by the signal generator component is non-continuous and
frequency modulated having a frequency that varies in a range from
approximately 750 Hz to approximately 12.5 KHz; and
an offset component that offsets the non continuous frequency modulated
signal-such that--the-signal never equals-zero:

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Preferably the signal provides rapid cycling with the abovementioned
frequency range with each cycle being a single frequency sweep from 750Hz to
12.5 KHz at a rate of up to 25 cycles or sweeps per second.
Preferably, the signal provided by the scale remover circuit has a cycle of
about 1/25t" of a second.
Preferably, there is a dead zone having a duration of approximately 6
milliseconds between each cycle.
Preferably, the signal provided by the scale remover circuit is sinusoidal.
Preferably, the signal provided by the scale remover circuit has an
amplitude of 4 volts.
Preferably, the signal provided by the scale remover circuit has a DC
offset of 4 volts.
Preferably, the signal generator component incorporates a monolithic
function generator.
Further features of the present invention wili become apparent from the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in
the art to put the invention into practical effect preferred embodiments of
the
invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a scale
removal apparatus;
FIG 2 shows a cutaway side view of a coil and a pipe;
FIG 3 shows a graph illustrating the signal qualities of a signal produced
by a scale removal circuit against time;
FIG 4 shows a schematic diagram of scale removal circuitry;
FIG 5 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a scale
removal apparatus; and
FIG. 6 shows a schematic_diagram of a-third- embodiment of a-scale
removal apparatus incorporating a signal detector.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG 1, there is provided a diagram of a first embodiment of a
scale remover/preventer 10 which incorporates a generator 15 having a positive
terminal 20 and a negative terminal 30. Electrically connected across the
positive
terminal 20 and the negative terminal 30 is a signal cable 40. The signal
cable
40 forms a first coil 50 and a second coil 60 around a pipe 70. A first turn
80 of
the first coil 50 and a first turn 90 of the second coil 60 are attached to
the pipe
70 with cable ties, or the like. Similarly, a final turn 100 of the first coil
50 and a
final turn 110 of the second coil 60 are attached to the pipe 70 with cable
ties, or
the like. The first coil 50 and the second coil 60 are separated by a distance
the
distance equivalent to the pipe length taken by one coil. It should be
appreciated
that the scale remover/preventer 10 may incorporate only one coil or possibly
a
greater number of coils. A power supply (not shown) is provided to power the
generator 15. When the generator 15 is activated a signal 120, the qualities
of
which are illustrated in FIG 3, is communicated to the signal cable 40.
The preferred method for calculating the total number of turns of the
signal cable 40 around the pipe 70 to create the first coil 50 and the second
coil
60 is given by a formula:
turns per coil = (K * cross sectional area of the pipe)/(current * number of
coils), which can be abbreviated as:
T = (KQ)/(IN).
The constant K is equal to 15,000, +20%, -20% for all pipe diameters. Hence,
an
optimum number of turns can be calculated for each individual application of
the
scale remover/prevention 10, taking into account the different current outputs
for
different models of the scale remover/preventer itself. It should be
appreciated
that different values of K can be utilised in different circumstances. For
example,
when the pipe 70 contains water a different K value might be used than when
the
pipe 70 contains milk.
When a scale remover/preventer 10 is installed having lesser turns than
that value specified by the formula the signal 120 will not provide the
requisite
frequency-energy values across-the--entire-cross=sectional area-of-the-pipe 70
and hence the scale removing/prevention effect will be lessened. Increasing
the
number of turns from the number supplied by the formula described above

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results in only very minor or unnoticeable improvements in the scale removal.
However, the larger number of turns increases the cost of the scale remover 10
and also complicates the installation of the scale remover 10. Furthermore,
increasing the number of turns may result in a permanent polarisation effect
similar to that experienced by prior art devices that incorporate permanent or
oscillating magnets. The formula removes the need to relate the strength of
the
signal 120 to a speed at which a fluid 140 (shown in FIG 2) is travelling by
relating the number of turns of the coils 50 and 60 to the circumference of
the
pipe 70. In this manner different pipe sizes can be accommodated by the scale
remover/prevention 10 without needing the signal 120 to be altered based upon
data generated by a transducer.
Referring to FIG 2 there is shown a cutaway view of the pipe 70 and the
first coil 50. An electromagnetic field 130, corresponding to the signal 120,
is
shown surrounding the first coil 50. An electrical signal 150 that corresponds
to
the signal 120, is induced into the fluid 140 contained in the pipe 70. A net
vector
effect is produced when the electrical signal 150 adds to a second electrical
signal (not shown) that is induced by the second coil 60. The net vector
improves
the distance that the signal 120 can travel within the pipe 70. The product of
Current x Total cable turns influences the amount of frequency-energy
generated
through the cross-sectional area of the pipe. The first coil 50 and the second
coil
60 must both be wound in the same direction to achieve the net vector effect.
Referring to FIG 3, there is provided a graph of voltage against time
illustrating the signal qualities of the signal 120, which is communicated at
regular intervals from the generator 15 to the signal cable 40. The signal 120
is a
frequency modulated sine wave having an initial frequency of about 750 Hz to 3
to 10 KHz for potable and bore water and waters from natural sources and 750
Hz to 12.5 KHz for fluids including dairy, beverages, food stuffs and organic
fluids. The frequency range between the 750 Hz and 12.5 KHz is particularly
suitable for miik and other beverages having properties that are different to
water. Hence the frequency range of 750 Hz to 12500 Hz provides improved
-scale removal-or-scale prevention when milk or other-beverages are contained-
in
the pipe 70. The signal 120 has an amplitude of 4 volts and a 4 volt DC
offset.
The 4 volt DC offset ensures that the signal 120 never reaches 0 volts and

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hence the signal 120 is constantly producing an effect in the fluid 140 and
therefore scale deposits are more effectively removed and prevented. A dead
zone 160, having a duration of about 6 milliseconds, is incorporated between
the
signals 120, and is required to allow the generator 15 time to recalibrate
between
5 each signal 120 and also to prevent a permanent polarisation effect, which
occurs when a continuous magnetic field is applied and impurities, such as
iron,
are drawn from the fluid and coat the interior surface of the pipe 70,
reducing the
effectiveness of the scale remover 10. The signal 120 has a period of about
1/25t" of a second between two consecutive dead zones 160, however, it should
10 be appreciated that other periods would also be suitable.
Referring to FIG 4 there is provided a schematic diagram of a scale
remover/prevention circuit 170. The sca(e remover/prevention circuit 170
incorporates a signal generator component 180, an offset component 190, a
power supply component 200 and a signal controller component 210.
A 12 volt DC power supply 220 and an 8 volt voltage regulator 230 are
incorporated into the power supply component 200. The 12 volt power supply
220 is a PS0520 and the 8 volt voltage regulator 230 is a LM7808CT. It should
be appreciated that other varieties of power supply and voltage regulator
would
also be suitable and that the power levels supplied and regulated could also
differ. The 8 volts provided by the 8 volt voltage regulator 230 is converted
to 4
volts (VREF) by a voltage divider circuit 235, which incorporates R5 and R6.
The
capacitors, resistors and diodes that are incorporated into the power supply
component 200 are standard circuitry.
An XR2206 is incorporated into the signal generator component 180,
although it should be appreciated that other signal generators would also be
suitable. The XR2206 is a mono(ithic function generator, which communicates an
output via pin 2 (STO). The output current corresponds to the signal 120 and
hence, is frequency modulated from about 750 Hz to 3 to 10 KHz for potable and
bore waters and waters from natural sources and about 750 Hz to about 12.5
KHz for fluids including dairy, beverages, food stuffs and organic fluids. A
capacitor G7, which is- electrically- connected- between-pins -1 0-(BfAS) and
pin 1-2
(GND), alters the frequency range of the signal 120. A pin 7(TR1) supplies
current to the signal controller component 210. The frequency of the signal
120

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is directly proportional to the current drawn from pin 7 by the signal
controller
component 210.
The signal controller component 210 incorporates an op-amp IC1A, which
is an LM358 that controls the amount of current that is drawn from pin 7(TR1)
and the manner in which the current is drawn. Hence, IC1A sets the time
required for the signal 120 to ramp from about .750 Hz to 3 to 10 KHz or from
about 750 Hz to about 12.5 KHz.
The offset component 190 incorporates an op-amp IC1 B, which is an
LM358, and four current amplifiers Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. The two current
amplifiers Q1 and Q2, are a BC547 and a BD139, respectively, which are both
NPN transistors. The two current amplifiers Q3 and Q4 are a BC557 and a
BD140, respectively, which are both PNP transistors. Op-amp IC1 B is
electrically
connected to the pin 2 (STO) of the XR2206 and also to 4 volt VREF. A diode D3
and a diode D2 are electrically connected to an output of the op-amp IC1 B. A
diode D4 is electrically connected to the diode D3 and to a base of the
current
amplifier Q3. A diode Dl is electrically connected to the diode D2 and also a
base of the current amplifier Q1.
The offset component 190 applies the 4 Volt DC offset to the signal
produced by pin 2 (STO) of the XR2206. The offset component 190 is
electrically
connected to the positive terminal 20 and the negative terminal 30, via CON3
and CON2, respectively.
Referring to FIG 5, there is provided a schematic diagram of a second
embodiment of the invention, which incorporates a twin output scale
remover/prevention 250. The twin output scale remover 250 incorporates a twin
output signal generator 260 having positive terminals 260 and 265 and negative
terminals 270 and 275. A second signal cable 280 and the signal cable 40 are
electrically connected between positive terminal 260 and negative terminal 270
and positive terminal 265 and negative terminal 275, respectively. The signal
cable 40 is wound around the pipe 70 to form the first coil 50 and the second
coil
60. The second signal cable 280 is wound around the pipe 70 to form two coils
- -2-90- and- 300. -I-t is important that the- coils -50160; 290--and- 300 are
all wound
around the pipe 70 in the same direction.

CA 02616411 2007-07-06
WO 2006/072125 PCT/AU2005/001896
12
The twin output scale remover 250 is installed in the same manner as the
scale remover/preventer 10. The signal 120 is communicated from the twin
output signal generator 260 to the signal cable 40 and the second signal cable
280.
Referring to FIG 6, there is provided a schematic diagram of a third
embodiment of the invention incorporating a signal detector 310. The signal
detector 310 incorporates a frequency receiver 320 that is electrically
connected
to a signal detector module 330 by a detector wire 340. A strap 350 secures
the
frequency receiver 320 to the pipe 70 such that the frequency receiver 320 is
in
constant contact with the pipe 70. The signal detector module 330 includes a
power supply (not shown) for powering the signal detector 310 and a power
indicator light 360 to indicate that the signal detector 310 is powered. A
detector
circuit (not shown), included in the signal detector module 330, converts the
signal received by the frequency receiver 320 to a signal that is displayed by
a
display light 370.
The signal detector 310 allows an operator to determine that the scale
remover is functioning correctly. Without the signal detector 310 there is no
indication that the signal 120 is being transmitted to the fluid 140, and
hence an
operator will not be aware that the scale remover/prevention 10 is not
functioning
correctly until a large volume of scale has built up in the pipe 70 and has
adversely affected the flow of the fluid 140 through the pipe 70. In use, the
frequency receiver 320 is attached to the pipe 70 by the strap 350 and the
power
supply provides power for the detector circuit. When the frequency receiver
receives the signal 120, the signal 120 is communicated by the detector wire
340
to the detector circuit, which then communicates the signal 120 to the display
light 370. When the signal 120 is communicated to the display light 370, the
display light 370 flashes providing a visual signal that verifies that the
signal 120
has been transmitted to the fluid 140.
Hence, the method and apparatus of the present invention provides a
solution to the problem of scale accumulation in pipes and within hygienic
pr-ocess-technologies containing--fluids - by--virtue- of --coils carrying- a--
specific
frequency modulated signal that are wound around the pipes.
The scale remover/preventer is suitable for preventing scale accumulation

CA 02616411 2007-07-06
WO 2006/072125 PCT/AU2005/001896
13
in conduits containing water and in conduits containing fluids with properties
different to the properties of water, such as milk. The scale
remover/prevention
is also easy to install and further, does not require the installation of a
transducer.
The invention described herein applies to the treatment and prevention of
deposit formation in processing equipment and in connecting conduits, of
products of the hygienic processing Industries, that includes all of but is
not
limited to, the following:
(i) Dairy Products including full milk, skim milk, butter milk, cream,
whey products, fat reduced milks, cheese pre-cursors and any milk products
with
additives included or components removed. The application also includes
lactose production, evaporation and processing systems. Also included are
yoghurt based products, soy milk products and flavoured milk products;
(ii) Other food products including fruit juices, soft drinks, vegetable
juices, coffee, tea and soy based drinks, protein health drinks, yeast
extracts and
other food additives in liquid form including pharmaceutical and herbal
preparations;
(iii) The processing of sugar juice in the production of sugar from sugar
cane, sugar beet and other sugar bearing materials;
(iv) Petrochemical species, both crude and refined and synthesized
organic based products;
(v) Brewery processing and beer, stout and other alcoholic based
yeast and/or sugars processing applications for the production of alcoholic
drinks. Additionally, the applications include the conveyancing lines for the
same,
both within breweries and within the dispensing lines where the product is
purchased and/or consumed; and
(vi) Minerals processing and metals refining and inorganic industries
including fertilizers, pigments and coatings.
The range of applications includes the processing of the above at
temperatures below 100C and up to ultra heat treatment temperatures in the
range-between-1 OOC to-in-excess-of 140C.
The invention applies to the treatment and/or prevention of deposit
formation within, but is not limited to, the following processing
technologies:

CA 02616411 2007-07-06
WO 2006/072125 PCT/AU2005/001896
14
Plate Heat Exchanger Technologies
Tubular Heat Exchanger Technologies
Lactose Evaporator Technologies
Sugar Juice Evaporator Technologies
Sterilization Technologies
Ultra Heat Treatment Technologies
Distillation and Vapour Formation Technologies
Fermentation Systems
Bio-active kettles and Vats
Reaction Vessels
Catalysis Processing Technologies
Petrochemical Processing Technologies
Wet Scrubbers, Coagulators, Precipitators and Centrifuges
The technologies stated above also include the conduits used to convey
fluids to and from each.
Attached herewith is a Table X showing determination of the constant K
on various values of the relevant parameters as described above.

CA 02616411 2007-07-06
WO 2006/072125 PCT/AU2005/001896
TABLE
Determination of Constant K
Turns
Pipe Diam Current Total per K - Factor
mm mAmp Turns # Coils Coil x 10,000 Model
100 50 2 25 1.56 LC-1
100 76 2 38 1.52 LC-1
38 350 50 2 25 1.54 LC-2
50 350 90 2 45 1.54 LC-2
63 350 144 4 36 1.54 LC-2
68 350 162 4 40 1.54 LC-2
75 350 200 4 50 1.47 LC-2
100 350 320 4 80 1.40 LC-2
LC-1
Pipe length Voltage = 12 Volt DC Input
max @100mm 12 V DC 500 mA
320x2mm V ref at 4 Volt DC
plus 3 x 80 x LC-2 Input
2mm V Amplitude 4 Volt DC 12 V DC 1 Amp
1.12m of pipe
Turns x
K Coils x Currentl pipe unit area
5 For pipes greater than 100 mm diameter, a Model LC-3 is used with requisite
Current output and Total Turns to provide a K-Factor of 15,000 +/- 20%

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Revocation of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-09-01
Application Not Reinstated by Deadline 2009-12-15
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2009-12-15
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2008-12-15
Inactive: Cover page published 2008-03-03
Inactive: Delete abandonment 2008-02-29
Inactive: Notice - National entry - No RFE 2008-02-28
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2008-02-14
Application Received - PCT 2008-02-13
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2007-12-17
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2007-07-06
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2006-07-13

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2008-12-15
2007-12-17

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2007-11-23

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

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Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Basic national fee - standard 2007-07-06
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2007-12-17 2007-11-23
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
AQUA-SCIENCES PTY LTD
Past Owners on Record
BRIAN GRIGG
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2007-07-05 15 780
Drawings 2007-07-05 10 179
Claims 2007-07-05 3 139
Representative drawing 2007-07-05 1 13
Abstract 2007-07-05 1 60
Reminder of maintenance fee due 2008-02-27 1 113
Notice of National Entry 2008-02-27 1 195
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (Maintenance Fee) 2009-02-08 1 174
PCT 2007-07-05 2 82
Fees 2007-11-22 1 23