Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MAGNETIZED FILTERING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for purifying or filtering
liquids such as
water, milk, oil, organic fuels, alternative fuels, reformulated gasoline and
other liquids,
using a multi step process, which includes a magnetic field.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Liquid Filtering systems and methods are designed to purify a liquid by
extracting or
neutralizing pre-specified elements, which are present in liquid. The specific
design of a
filtering system depends on the substance it is supposed to filter (water,
oil, sewer, etc.), and
on the elements, wliich need to be extracted or neutralized. Accordingly a
variety of filtering
systems were developed over the years, to meet these various requirements.
[0003] The different filtering systems combine different approaches for
improving liquid
quality. One classic approach includes passing the liquid through a grid-mesh
with small
size pores. Particles, which are larger than the diameter of the pores, cannot
pass through
and are therefore filtered out. In anotlier approach active materials are used
to absorb
undesired particles and substances from the filtered media. However, some of
these
substances are considered harmful, to some extent, to the environment and to
the user's
health.
[0004] Another approach exposes the filtered liquid to some type of energy
field, usually a
magnetic field. A liquid passing through a magnetic field becomes magnetized.
Evidence
show that magnetized water changes some of its characteristics, in a way that
the liquid
quality is improved, on one hand, and the filtering process is improved on the
other.
[0005] More specifically, when water passes through a magnetic field, the
hydrogen ions
and dissolved minerals in the water will become charged. This charge causes a
teinporary
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separation of the minerals from the molecular water clusters resulting in
improvements in
taste. The water will then behave like natural soft water.
[0006] Another example is the influence of magnetized water on scale,
bacteria, fungus and
Legionella, in water. Scale, sludge, bio-film, bio-growths and corrosion in
liquid and water
process systems, provide the nutrients for bacteria, fungus and algae to live.
Legionella
lives on bacteria in the water. Magnetic liquid treatment, or magnetic water
treatment as it
is more commonly known, alters the size and shape of scale forming crystals,
prevents scale
from forming and cleans away existing scale and, as it lowers the surface
tension of the
water, scale and sludge settles out more efficiently and the water becomes
cleaner. As result
bacteria, fungus, algae and Legionella growth is significantly reduced in the
water.
[0007] In addition, compared to regular tap water, magnetized drinking water
is
characterized by a high alkaline pH, and smaller water molecular clusters.
There is evidence
that drinking magnetized water aids in preventing and treating many diseases.
It is especially
beneficial in treating digestive, nervous, urinary disorders, and chronic
degenerative
diseases. Furthermore, magnetized drinking water is believed to help in
slowing aging and
preventing aging diseases. There is also some evidence that animals and plants
watered with
magnetized water are healthier. Some researchers even point out difference
between water
exposed to the north versus the South poles. It is believed that water
magnetized by the
North Pole stops the growth of bacteria and works as an antibiotic. Water
inagnetized by
the South Pole takes care. of pain, swelling and weakness.
[0008] Based on the various effects of magnetizing water, Magnetic Technology
Australia,
(MTA) provides magnetic liquid conditioners (MFCs), for the control of scale
in
commercial and large industrial liquid process. The Scale-X MFC, is a non-
chemical
solution aimed at preventing inorganic and organic scales, for example,
calcite, gypsum,
lime, barite, zinc phosphate, milk stone, wax, asphaltene, paraffin and
biofilm, from forming
in a pipe, pump, valve, vessel, heat exchanger, chiller, condenser,
evaporator, concentrator,
cooling tower and an oil well (downhole), and in the reduction and/or control
of corrosion.
The water system biological problems of algae and legionella can be
significantly reduced
by eliminating scale and biofilm by the application of magnetic water
treatment. The MFC
systems use permanent magnets to apply magnetic fields on the water, and their
products
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range from applications applied externally to pipes (clamp on units with
permanent magnet),
to applications installed internally in pipes and/or vessels.
[0009] Gal-Al (Israel) manufactures filters under the brand name "Hardless",
which is
usually installed on the water pipes, just before they enter the house. The
"Hardless" filters
combine a stainless-steel grid-mesh structure to filter out particles, with
chemical substances
such as Phosporus and a magnet, to further purify and improve the water.
[0010] Several patents disclose the use of magnets in filtering systems.
[0011] Some patents use magnets merely to attract metallic particles suspended
in the
liquid, thus separating them from the liquid. US 6,649,054 discloses such a
magnetic
filtering device. In GB2361441 a filtering system for filtering impurities
from liquid such as
oil and the like is disclosed. A magnetic filter is used for attracting and
retaining ferrous
particles and the like, located in proximity to the magnetic filter, and a
porous filter, is used
for retaining other particulate matter. US6267875 discloses a disposable
filter used in
connection with internal combustion engines. In this filter again a magnet is
used to trap
suspending metal filings in oil flow.
Another group of patents use an energy field, created usually by a magnet, to
purify-"filter"
liquids as explained above. In US patent application 20050006592 a method and
apparatus
for activating water (changing their energy state) is disclosed. Water passes
through an
energy field, which is generated by particles, selected from a group of
silicon, titanium,
nickel and samarium or composed of fluorocarbon. The activated water is
considered to
have changed some of its characteristics and qualities. Among other things,
the energy field
breaks the water to smaller clusters (groups). In PCT publication W02005026058
a self
cleaning water purification system is disclosed. The external walls of the
water storage unit
possess a series of magnetic elements that have the function of aligning
molecules and
breaking down clusters molecules, thus improving the oxygenation and
conservation of
water over a longer period of time. In another patent JP2004261799 an
apparatus for
providing purified household water using a powerful permanent magnet is
disclosed. The
system provides purified water, which acts favorably on the human body,
prevents dirt, such
as rust, from sticking to a tank to be fed with water, and consumes less
detergent so as to be
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environment-friendly. In JP 10305284 another apparatus, which uses magnets to
treat water,
is disclosed. The raw water is introduced from an inlet and magnetized by the
magnetic field
,generated from a magnet group outside the inner cylinder. The raw water
receives an
alternating.field at right angle to the raw water flow, hence free electrons
are generated in
the water, and the Ca ion and Na ion are activated. The treated water, leaving
the inner
cylinder, is sent downward between the inner cylinder and outer cylinder,
passes upward
through a filter medium, hence various minerals are eluted, and the
impurities,
trihalomethane, chlorine, malodorous matter, etc., are removed. Another patent
describing
water filtering is JP60094190, which describes a method for purifying and
activating water
using 3 different columns. An activating tank is constructed with a stainless
steel wall
housing a purification/activation tank, and is provided with an inlet of water
at its bottom
and an outlet of treated water at its top. The purification/activation tank is
constituted of a
desalting column, an activating column, and a magnetic column. The desalting
column is
packed with calcareous ceramic particles, which adsorb free chlorine remaining
in the water
and decompose combined chlorine. The activating column is packed with
inorganic. or
organic. particles such as oolite, active carbon, etc. which activate water
and remove
decomposed chlorine by adsorption. In the activating column, magnetic balls
are packed
which make the quality of water milder. A device, for preventing lime scale
and rust
deposits in water pipes, is disclosed in patent DE4220105. The apparatus
consists of a pot
which is inserted in the water pipe and which contains a replaceable filter
comprising a filter
sleeve surrounding a filter tube. A detachable stationary bar magnet which
produces a
magnetic fields is inserted in the filter tube. The pot is made of steel or is
surrounded by a
steel casing for intensifying the magnetic fields and has a removable lid
provided with water
inlet and outlet connections. The bar magnet may consist of a series of
magnets with
intermediate pole plates, fitted in a brass housing. Another patent,
JP2000271572, discloses
an embodiment where a magnetic treatment of a large amount of liquid is
achieved by
setting a magnetic cage in a way that a magnetic field from a permanent magnet
is made to
cross the filtered liquid.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] There is thus provided, in accordance with some preferred embodiments
of the
present invention, a system for purifying or filtering liquids, the system
comprising:
[0013] a conduit with a central bore, where the liquid pass through;
and an oscillating magnetic field, enclosing the central bore, used to
magnetize the liquid.
[0014] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the oscillating magnetic field comprises one or more magnetic
components,
wherein each of said magnetic components includes at least two magnet
elements, separated
by one or more resilient elements.
[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, each magnetic component includes at least two magnet elements, and
at least one
spring spacer.
[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, each magnetic component includes two magnet elements, and three
spring
spacers.
[0017] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, each magnetic component is packed in a housing.
[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the magnetic components are located around the central bore.
[0019] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, adjacent magnetic elements comprise magnets with same poles facing.
[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, adjacent magnetic elements comprise magnets with opposite poles
facing.
[0021] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the system is provided with a filter.
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[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the filter is in a shape of a cylinder surface.
[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the filter is located externally to the magnetic components.
[0024] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the filter is located internally to the magnetic components.
[0025] Fu.rthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the conduit comprises a flow control element for forcing a flow
back and forth
through the magnetic field.
[0026] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the flow control element comprises a body with a central bore with
an inlet port
through which liquid may enter the central bore, and one or more lateral
passageways,
directing the liquid through channels substantially parallel to the central
bore.
[0027] Furthennore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the channels comprise external grooves on the flow control element.
[0028] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the magnetic field is generated by magnetic elements incorporated
in the flow
control element.
[0029] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the conduit comprises a closed flow control element for forcing a
flow back and
forth through the magnetic field, while the closed flow control element
comprises two or
more integrated containers, which contain one another, and an inner container
comprises a
central bore with an inlet port through which liquid may enter the central
bore, and each one
of the other containers comprises one or more lateral passageways, directing
the liquid
through channels substantially parallel to the central bore, and an outer
container which
comprises liquid outlets directing the liquid out of the closed flow control
element.
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[0030] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the
present
invention, the oscillating magnetic field is incorporated in the closed flow
control element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its
practical
applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It
should be noted
that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of
the invention.
Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.
[0032] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a filter housing of a magnetized filtering
device,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a magnetized filtering device with a
filter core,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Fig. 3 is a drawing of the filter core.
[0035] Fig. 4 is a drawing of a filter core, according to another preferred
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] Fig. 5 is a drawing of a magnet assembly according to a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] Fig. 6 is a cross section drawing (along AA, figure 7) of a filter
core.
[0038] Fig. 7 top view of a filter core.
[0039] Fig. 8 is a cross section drawing of a filter housing with a filter
core.
[0040] Fig. 9 is a drawing of a filter with a cooling system.
[0041] Fig. 10 is a drawing of a filter with a heating system.
[0042] Fig. 11 is a drawing of another embodiment of a filter with a cooling
system.
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[0043] Fig. 12 is a drawing of another embodiment of a filter with a heating
system.
[0044] Fig. 13 is a drawing of another embodiment of a filter using a power
source.
[0045] Fi&. 14 is an exploded view of a filter core with improved flow
control, in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Fig. 15 is a cross section drawing of a filter core with improved flow
control, in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 16a illustrates a top view of the flow control element shown in
Fig. 14, with
two cross section lines relating to the following figures.
[0048] Figure 16b illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow control
element across line
A-A.
[0049] Figure 16c illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow control
element across line
B-B.
[0050] Figure 16d illustrates a side view of the flow control element.
[0051] Figure 16e is an elevated (isometric) view of the flow control element.
[0052] Figure 17a illustrates an isometric view of another preferred
embodiment of a
magnetized filtering device in accordance with the present invention
comprising a closed
flow control element integrated with the magnetic components.
[0053] Figure 17b illustrates a top view of the magnetized filtering device
shown in Figure
17a, with two cross section lines relating to the following figures.
[0054] Figure 17c illustrates a cross sectional view of the magnetized
filtering device shown
in Figure 17a, across line A-A.
[0055] Figure 17d illustrates a cross sectional view of the magnetized
filtering device shown
in Figure 17a, across line B-B.
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[0056] Figure 17e illustrates a top view of the magnetized filtering device
shown in Figure
17a.
[0057] Figure 18 illustrates a common boiler device comprising the magnetized
filtering
device shown in Figure 17a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00581 The disclosed filtering system and method use a multi step filtering
scheme, which
includes several approaches, and can be applied to different liquids such as
water, milk, oil,
fuel, sewer. The system uses a filtering element to filter out unwanted
particles, together
with a dynamic magnetic force field, which further purifies and improves the
quality of the
filtered liquid.
[0059] More specifically, a preferred embodiment of the filter housing system
(21) is shown
in figure 1. The entire filtering system is enclosed in a housing (21), which
includes a
container (20) and a covering cap (25). The housing can be made of any
substance which is
durable to out-side weather, and does not react with a magnetic field. An
example of such a
material is polycarbonate, stainless steel, copper. Combinations of several
materials are
possible as well. A tightening ring (28) helps obtain a hermetic binding
between the
container and cap, to prevent leakage. The cap includes an inlet port (24)
which leads the
liquid to be filtered into the system, and an outlet port (26), which leads
the filtered liquid
out of the system. At the bottom of the housing a ball valve (22) enables
flushing the
unwanted deposits periodically through a deposit outlet (30).
[0060] Figure 2 shows an example of the location of the filter core (35) in an
open housing.
The filter core includes several elements, which actually purify and filter
the liquid. The
filter core in this specific embodiment includes a supporting ring (36), which
holds 4 magnet
housings in a shape of columns (32). Each of these column housings encloses a
magnetic
component, to be detailed later. The ring (36) also supports an inner
cylindrical mesh
filtering element (34). The mesh filter has a typical pore size of 50 microns,
and is
responsible of filtering out particles, which are larger than 50 microns (the
pore size may
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vary). The mesh filter itself is made of a durable substance, which does not
react with the
magnetic field, for example a stainless steel gauze filter. In this specific
embodiment the
.liquid enters through the inlet port (24), into the central bore (38). In the
central bore the
liquid is exposed to a magnetic field, originating from magnet components
located in the
magnet housing columns (32). The magnetized liquid flows through the inner
mesh filter
(34) into the peripheral cavity (39) in the container (20). Thus the liquid
has undergone a
two-step filtering process, one by a mesh-grid and the other by a magnetic
field. From the
peripheral cavity the purified and filtered liquid continues its flow to the
outlet port (26). It
should be pointed out that the flow direction can be reversed, in other words
the liquid may
flow to the filtering system through the filtering element, then flow to the
central bore, while
passing through the magnetic field, and then to the outlet port. Periodically
the system
should be cleaned: the deposit matter, accumulated at the bottom of the
container (20),
should be flushed out using the ball valve (22) through the deposit outlet
(30). The mesh
filter should be removed by opening the tightening ring (28) and disassembling
the container
from the covering cap. The filter can then be washed and returned back to its
place.
Alternatively an automatic valve can be used instead of the ball valve,
enabling automatic
release of the deposit of the accumulated deposit matter, when enough pressure
is built.
Alternatively, the automatic valve can be programmed to open periodically.
[0061] Figure 3 shows a specific embodiment of the filter core (35). In this
embodiment,
two supporting rings (36) hold four column housings, each of them enclosing a
magnetic
component, to be detailed later, and an inner cylindrically shaped mesh filter
(34). The mesh
filter is located in such a way that the four magnetic housings (32) surround
it from the
outside. The uniform distribution of the magnet systems around the central
bore (38), where
the liquid flows through, ensures that liquid particles pass through the
magnetic field before
they leave the system.
[0062] An alternative embodiment for the filter core (35) can be seen in
figure 4. In this
embodiment the supporting rings (36) hold only the four columned magnet
housings (32). A
separate cage structure (40) supports the cylindrical mesh filter (33). The
cage structure (40)
is positioned externally to the column shaped magnet housings (32), in such a
way that it
surrounds them.
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[0063] Other embodiments may include different types of filter elements,
passive, such as
the mesh filter or ring-shaped filter, or active, such as filters comprising
activated charcoal,
dolomite, clinoptilolite, zeolites, alumina or cation exchanger or the
combination of such
filter elements thereof. A square, rectangle, spiral or multi-step filter can
be used instead of
the cylindrical mesh filter shown in figures 2, 3 and 4. The size of the mesh
filter pores can
be selected according to the specific requirements from the filtering system.
[0064] Other embodiment of the filter core (35), which enables an improved
flow control, is
shown in figure 14. In this embodiment the filter core (35) includes a flow
control element
(83), which is designed to force the liquid to flow back and forth
substantially parallel
through the flow control element, so that the magnetic field of the magnets is
maintained
substantially aligned with the flow. The flow control element is enclosed by
an external
cylindrical mesh filter (33), which is supported by a cage structure (40). The
flow control
element (83) includes an optional four inner magnet bores (93), in which the
magnet
elements are placed. This specific embodiment is also provided with two
optional gaskets
(85) serving to ensure that the liquid passes through the mesh filter. The
gaskets (85) are
typically made from a compressible material such as rubber or silicon, and in
compliance
with the specific liquid characteristics and system requirements. It is
recommended to use
gaskets also in the other embodiments shown herein, which is, of course,
elementary to
persons skilled in the art.
[0065] A cross section drawing of a filter core (35) embodiment according to
the present
invention is illustrated in figure 15. The flow control element (83) includes
an inlet port
(87), which leads the liquid into the central bore (38a) of the flow control
element. The
liquid flows through the central bore (38a), where it is subjected to the
magnetic field
generated by the magnet component. The liquid then flows out of the flow
control element
(83) through at least one liquid passageway (89). The liquid passageway is an
opening in the
side panel of the flow control element (83) located near the far end of the
flow control
element opposite the inlet port (87). The liquid passageways lead the liquid
into channels
(91) engraved on the external surface of the flow control element (83). The
liquid channels
are narrow channels, which sprawl externally along the side of the flow
control element
(83). The liquid channels (91) create a space between the flow control element
(83) and the
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cylindrical mesh filter (33) in which the liquid is allowed to flow just
before it meets the
mesh filter. The above described characteristics of the flow control element
(83) grant an
improved liquid flow control by redirecting the liquid flow from the inlet
port (87), through
the passageways (89), to the liquid channels (91) and out through the mesh
filter (33). Thus,
the liquid is forced to flow in an aligned manner with respect to the magnetic
field,
facilitating maximal magnetic influence on the liquid. Additionally, as the
liquid is made to
substantially pass through the magnetic field back and forth, before it is let
out of the
filtering system, the time during which the liquid is affected by the magnetic
field is greatly
prolonged, thus improving the filtering process.
[0066] Figure 16a illustrates a top view of the flow control element shown in
Fig. 14, with
two cross section lines relating to the following figures.
[0067] Figure 16b illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow control
element shown in
Fig. 14 across line A-A. The flow control element includes inner magnet bores
(93),
sprawling along the wall surrounding the central bore of the flow control
element (38a).
Thus, liquid enters through the inlet port (87), flows in alignment with the
magnetic field of
the magnet elements placed inside the inner magnet bores (93), and out of the
flow control
element through the liquid passageways (89).
[0068] Figure 16c illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow control
element across line
B-B. This figure, illustrates the flow control element liquid passageways (89)
and liquid
channels (91). As mentioned above, liquid enters the flow control element
through the inlet
port (87), flows along the central bore (38a), and let out through the liquid
passageways
(89). Then, the liquid passageways (89) direct the liquid flow to the liquid
channels (93).
[0069] Figure 16d illustrates a side view of the flow control element. The
liquid
passageways (89) lead the liquid out of the flow control element and into the
liquid channels
(91).
[0070] Figure 16e is an elevated (isometric) view of the flow control element.
This
embodiment includes four magnet bores (93), four liquid passageways (89) and
four liquid
channels (91). Using more than one liquid passageway (89), and placing them in
a uniform
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distribution around the central bore (38a) of the flow control element,
distributes the liquid
pressure inside the filtering system providing a better flow control.
[0071] The number of liquid passageways (89) and liquid channels (91) can vary
according
to the spec'ific filtering system requirements. The magnet elements can be
placed externally
to the flow control element (83) or incorporated in the flow control element
as described
above. The gaskets (85) can be formed in different shapes' like 'L' or 'U'
shapes, and can
be placed externally to the flow control element (83) or incorporated in it.
[0072] A specific embodiment of the magnetic system is detailed in figure 5.
In this
embodiment, there are four identical magnetic components (46). Each magnetic
component
includes 2 strong magnetic elements (50) and 3 spacers (48). In a preferred
embodiment, the
magnetic elements are made from Neodymium, and the spacers are springs. In a
preferred
embodiment the two magnet elements are aligned with opposing poles. This means
that the
North Pole of one magnetic element faces a North Pole of the other magnet. The
two
magnets repel each other, therefore trying to move away from each other.
However the
spring forces them back towards each other. The result is an oscillating
magnetic field,
which provides better coverage of the filter area, as well as enhanced
magnetization of the
water. Thus the oscillating magnetic field improves the filtering performance
of the system.
Alternatively the magnets are aligned with opposite poles facing each other.
The magnets
are attracted but the spring repels them, allowing them to vibrate, forming an
oscillating
magnetic field.
[0073] The number of the magnetic elements can vary according to the specific
requirements relating to the filtering system. The oscillating magnetic field
can be generated
by various types of magnetic field sources, and by various types of magnetic
components
such as bipolar magnetic elements, monopoles or blumlein-pola.
[0074] A cross section view, along line A-A (figure 7), of the housing (21)
with the filter
core (35) can be seen in figure 6. A more detailed view of the same cross
section is
presented in figure 8.
[0075] Any of the embodiments disclosed, can be combined with an environmental
control
system. The environmental control system is usually designed to maintain a
specified
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temperature within the filter, thus providing water at any predefined
temperature, according
to the user's preference. To enhance the effect of the temperature control,
the filter housing
. is made from a heat conducting material such as stainless-steel, and an
insulating layer is
added to prevent unwanted heat transfer. An example of a filtering system,
which includes a
cooling system (70), is shown in figures 9 and 11. Cooling tubing (62)
encloses the filter
housing (26). The tubing (62) is connected to a compressor (64), and to a
power source of
any type (not shown in the drawing). An insulating layer (60) surrounds the
entire system. In
the present embodiment the cooling tubing is spirally shaped, but other
embodiments are
possible. Figure 11 shows a cooled filtering system with an automatic valve
(57) and timer
(72), to enable automatic flushing of the unwanted deposits periodically
through a deposit
outlet.
[0076] Another embodiment, which discloses an environmental controlled
filtering system,
is shown in figures 10 and 12. In this embodiment a heating system (80) is
added to the
filtering system. The heating of the water is done using a heating element
(82), and an
insulating layer (60). Figure 12 shows a heated filtering system with an
automatic valve (57)
and timer (72), to enable automatic flushing of the unwanted deposits
periodically through a
deposit outlet. The heated magnetic filtering system can be integrated with a
boiler. The
integration of the systems can be done by inserting the filtering system
inside a boiler, or by
installing the system, or even just the magnet system, externally to a boiler.
Similarly,
instead of, or additionally to the boiler the filtering system or solely the
magnet components
may be installed cooperatingly with a cooler system.
[0077] Figure 13 discloses another embodiment of the present invention. In
this
embodiment the four column shaped magnet housings (32) are made from an
electrical
conducting material, and are electrically connected (78) to a power source,
which can be an
AC and/or a DC power source of any type. The electric current, further
enhances the filters
capabilities to purify the water.
[0078] Another preferred embodiment of a filtering system in accordance with
the present
invention comprising a closed flow control element, which enables an improved
flow
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control, integrated with the magnetic components (46), is shown in figures
17a, 17b, 17c,
17d and 17e (95).
[0079] Figure 17a illustrates an isometric view of the filtering system (95).
The closed flow
control element (henceforth indicated (95) as well) comprises an inner
container (105) and
an outer container (107). The closed flow control element further comprises
magnet bores
(93) (four in this specific embodiment) and liquid outlets (99) (also four in
this specific
embodiment). The liquid outlets are arranged so that in between every two
magnetic bores
there is one liquid outlet. The closed flow control element (95) in the
specific embodiment
shown in this figure comprises liquid passageway plugs (97). These plugs seal
bores which
are made during the process of manufacturing of the liquid passageways
(detailed
hereinafter).
[0080] Figure 17b illustrates a top view of the filtering system shown in
Figure 17a (95),
with two cross section lines relating to the following figures.
[0081] Figure 17c illustrates a cross sectional view of the filtering system
(95) shown in
Figure 17a across line A-A. The closed flow control element (95) comprises two
integrated
containers, inner container (105) and outer container (107), while the outer
container
contains the inner container. The inner container comprises an inlet port (87)
through which
liquid enters to the closed flow control element. The liquid then flows
through the central
bore (38a), which extends along the lateral walls of the inner container. From
the inner
container, the liquid flows through the liquid passageways (89) to the inner
liquid channels
(91 a), wliich are located in the outer container, in the peripheral cavity
created between the
outer container and the inner container lateral walls. The liquid flows out of
the inner flow
control element through the liquid outlets (99), which are placed each at the
end of each
inner liquid channel (91 a).
[0082] Figure 17d illustrates a cross sectional view of the filtering system
shown in Figure
17a across line B-B. The inner container (105) comprises liquid passageways
(89), which
are located at the end of the inner container, opposite to the inlet port
(87). The outer
container (107) comprises magnet bores (93). The magnet bores extend along the
lateral
walls of the outer container and are located in the peripheral cavity created
between the
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16
outer container and the inner container lateral walls. The magnetic components
(46) are
placed in the magnet bores. The magnet bores are sealed by magnet bore plugs
(109) to
. prevent liquid and other substances from entering and contaminating or
oxidizing the
magnets. .
[0083] Figure 17e illustrates a boitom view of the filtering system shown in
Figure 17a. The
outer container (107) in this specific embodiment comprises four liquid
outlets (99) and four
magnet-bore plugs (109) which seal four magnet bores accordingly. The magnet
bores are
placed so that each magnet bore lies between two liquid channels (91a) and
each liquid
channel is placed between two magnet bores. This uniform distribution of the
magnet bores
and the liquid channels assures a uniform and effective influence of the
magnetic field on
the liquid, while it flows through the closed flow control element.
100841 The structure of the closed flow control element (95) ensures that the
liquid inside it
passes twice, back and forth, through the magnetic field created by the
magnetic
components (46) and in an aligned manner with respect to the magnetic field.
By that, the
closed flow control element renders a uniform and enhanced magnetic influence
on the
liquid.
[0085] The number of the magnet bores (93), liquid passageways (89), liquid
outlets (99)
and the inner liquid channels (91 a) are determined according to the specific
filtering system
requirements. The liquid passageway plugs (97) are optional and the need for
them depends
on the production method of the closed flow control element. The magnet bore
plugs (109)
are optional as well. Any other element or method that would ensure the
insulation of the
magnetic components (46) and sealing of the magnet bores (93) would suffice.
[0086] The closed flow control element may comprise more than two integrated
containers.
Thus; liquid would pass through the magnetic field generated by the magnetic
components
more than twice, and so enhancing the influence of the magnetic field on the
liquid flowing
through the inner liquid channels (91a) in the different containers.
[0087] The filtering system (95) shown in figure 17a does not comprise a mesh
filtering
element or a housing. Thus, it is light and relatively low cost. A preferred
usage for this
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17
filtering system is in boilers designated for heating or cooling water in
order to prevent
formation of scale. It also may be incorporated in swimming pools filters.
[00881 Figure 18 illustrates an application of the filtering system (95) shown
in figure 17a in
a commori boiler (101). The main water supply pipe (103) of the boiler is
connected to the
inlet port (87), which is located in the inner container (105) of the
filtering system (95).
Thus, water, which flows into the boiler through the main water supply pipe,
flows right into
the filtering system through the inlet port. The main water supply pipe and
the inner
container (105) of the filtering system are joined together in a way that
water can not flow
into the boiler without first passing through the filtering system. The water
then flows out of
the filtering system through the liquid outlets (99), which are located at the
outer container
(107) and right into the boiler.
[0089] Furthermore, in this application, the filtering system functions as a
flow restrictor of
the boiler as well.
[0090] It is optional to add a slow release mechanism to a filtering system
according to the
present invention designated for filtering water in order to release different
kinds of minerals
or vitamins or other substances to the water flow. Minerals and vitamins such
as natural
medicinal stone, silica, magnesium or vitamin C, are believed to impart water
a therapeutic
effect and to induce into it a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
property.
[0091] The described embodiments, as well as other possible embodiments, can
be used for
many applications. Although throughout this specification liquid was mentioned
as the
substance, which is filtered by the device of the present invention, other
liquid may also be
subjected to filtering by a device in accordance with the present invention.
The device of the
present invention can be used for filtering liquids, such as: drinking water,
sewage, waste
water from industrial factories, engine oil, fuel, alternative fuels such as
bio-f-uels, bio-
diesel, and bioethanol, wine and more. They can be also used for filtering gas
(for example
air) by installing them in air passageways, central air conditioning system,
ventilation
devices, air purifiers, various controlled internal spaces, gas systems etc'
in various
localities like public buildings, hospitals, private homes, shopping centers,
industrial
factories, vehicles and more. Furthermore, the described embodiment can be
used for
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18
various types of bio-refineries, as part of the production and filtering
process for
manufacturing organic fuels. Alternatively the system can be used to enrich
liquids with
oxygen for pond water used to grow fish.
[0092] Note that throughout the present specification the terms "filtering"
and "purifying"
include any modification of composition or constitution of matter that
involves an act of
separation, elimination, neutralization, seclusion, removal or exclusion of
specific particles
or specific substance. Also note that throughout the present specification the
terms "top",
"bottom", "upper", "lower" and other terms referring to directions are
substitutable unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
[0093] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached
Figures set
forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the
invention, without
limiting its scope.
[0094] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading
the present
specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and
above
described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.
