CA2452733A1 - Apparatus and method for treating substances with electromagnetic wave energy - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for treating substances with electromagnetic wave energy Download PDFInfo
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- CA2452733A1 CA2452733A1 CA 2452733 CA2452733A CA2452733A1 CA 2452733 A1 CA2452733 A1 CA 2452733A1 CA 2452733 CA2452733 CA 2452733 CA 2452733 A CA2452733 A CA 2452733A CA 2452733 A1 CA2452733 A1 CA 2452733A1
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave energy, particularly in the radio frequency range, wherein the characteristics of the wave energy are selected and controlled to produce optimally beneficial effects with respect to specific substances present in the liquid. The liquid to be treated is analyzed to identify its components, and an energy absorption value for a target component is determined.
Electromagnetic wave signals, having characteristics selected to achieve a desired effect on the target component, are generated using a wave signal generator and then directed into the liquid using a wave signal emitter. The wave signal emitter may be in the form of an immersion probe or a transmitting antenna.
Electromagnetic wave signals, having characteristics selected to achieve a desired effect on the target component, are generated using a wave signal generator and then directed into the liquid using a wave signal emitter. The wave signal emitter may be in the form of an immersion probe or a transmitting antenna.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES
WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE ENERGY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treating liquid, solid, and gaseous substances with electromagnetic wave energy to effect desirable changes in the properties and characteristics of the substance being treated, and in particular to apparatus and methods for treating liquids with electromagnetic waves in the radio-frequency range.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to treat liquids and other kinds of matter with electromagnetic wave energy to achieve a variety of beneficial effects, including eradication of pathogens, stimulation or enhancement of growth of desirable organisms, prevention or retardation of growth of undesirable organisms, elimination and prevention of hard water scaling, and enhancement of combustion e~ciency of gasoline. Electromagnetic wave energy used in these prior art applications has included waves in the microwave, radio frequency, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma ray bands. In 2 0 some prior art applications, treatment with electromagnetic wave energy has been combined with chemical treatment.
What is needed in this field is an improved method of treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave energy whereby the characteristics of the waves can be selected and controlled to produce optimally beneficial effects with respect to a target substance or component contained in the liquid being treated. For example, it may be desired to kill pathogenic microbes contained in a particular liquid, such as wastewater, drinking water, or industrial effluent. In another scenario, it may be desired to stimulate growth of beneficial microbial organisms, such as cellulose-producing cyanobacteria contained in a host liquid. In such situations, it would be desirable to be able to determine optimal electromagnetic wave energy characteristics for treating the liquid in question, based on the characteristics of the target organism. It would also be desirable to have apparatus for controllably generating electromagnetic waves having the optimal characteristicsso determined, and for transmitting them to the liquid so as to achieve optimal exposure of the target organisms to the electromagnetic waves. The present invention is directed to the foregoing needs and desirable objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, the present invention is in one aspect a system for analyzing a liquid to identifyits components, determining an energy absorption value for one or more target components contained in the liquid, selecting electromagnetic wave characteristics optimally suited for having 2 0 a desired effect on one or more target components, generating electromagnetic Waves having such characteristics, and directing the waves into the liquid using a wave signal emitter. The wave signal emitter may be in the form of an immersion probe or an antenna-style transmitter, the latter having been found particularly beneficial for treatment of flowing liquids.
In another aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for generating electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics, and introducing the wave signals into a liquid.
In further aspects, the present invention is an apparatus and a method for treating gaseous substances with electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics, and an apparatus and a method for treating substantially solid substances with electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics.
The invention may be best understood with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus of the invention and components thereof.
1. Apparatus of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, electromagnetic wave signals having selected properties (e.g., wave shape, wavelength, frequency) are generated by a wave signal generator, which in the preferred embodiment is a microcomputer having at least one programmablecomputer chip. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, illustrated schematically in Figure 1, 2 0 the wave signal generator 20 generates a first wave signal having a selected and substantially constant frequency (the "carrier signal"), plus a second wave signal of variable frequency (the "variable signal"). The carrier signal and variable signal travel from the wave signal.generator through respective primary conductors 22C, 22V (preferably fashioned from insulated electrical wire).
At a connection point X a selected distance from the wave signal generator 20, the primary conductors 22 are electrically connected to a secondary conductor 24 (preferably fashioned from insulated electrical wire). The carrier and variable signals thus pass from their respective primary conductors into the secondary conductor, combining to form an output signal, which travels through the secondary conductor.
The carrier signal and variable signal will preferably be in the radio-frequency range, which is generally considered to cover waves having frequencies up to approximately 10,000;000,000 cycles per second. In preferred embodiments, the carrier and variable signals will be in the frequency range from 0 to 15,000 cycles per second, which may also be expressed as 0 to 15 kiloHertz (or kHz).
As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus may have two pairs ofprimary conductors 22, plus a secondary conductor 24 corresponding to each pair of primary conductors. In some embodiments, however, the apparatus may have only one pair of primary conductors and only one secondary conductor, while in other embodiments it may have three or more pairs of primary 2 o conductors with corresponding secondary conductors. Where two or more pairs of primary conductors are provided, the frequency of the carrier signal in one pair of primary conductors may be different from that of the carrier signal in the other pair or pairs of primary conductors.
WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE ENERGY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treating liquid, solid, and gaseous substances with electromagnetic wave energy to effect desirable changes in the properties and characteristics of the substance being treated, and in particular to apparatus and methods for treating liquids with electromagnetic waves in the radio-frequency range.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to treat liquids and other kinds of matter with electromagnetic wave energy to achieve a variety of beneficial effects, including eradication of pathogens, stimulation or enhancement of growth of desirable organisms, prevention or retardation of growth of undesirable organisms, elimination and prevention of hard water scaling, and enhancement of combustion e~ciency of gasoline. Electromagnetic wave energy used in these prior art applications has included waves in the microwave, radio frequency, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma ray bands. In 2 0 some prior art applications, treatment with electromagnetic wave energy has been combined with chemical treatment.
What is needed in this field is an improved method of treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave energy whereby the characteristics of the waves can be selected and controlled to produce optimally beneficial effects with respect to a target substance or component contained in the liquid being treated. For example, it may be desired to kill pathogenic microbes contained in a particular liquid, such as wastewater, drinking water, or industrial effluent. In another scenario, it may be desired to stimulate growth of beneficial microbial organisms, such as cellulose-producing cyanobacteria contained in a host liquid. In such situations, it would be desirable to be able to determine optimal electromagnetic wave energy characteristics for treating the liquid in question, based on the characteristics of the target organism. It would also be desirable to have apparatus for controllably generating electromagnetic waves having the optimal characteristicsso determined, and for transmitting them to the liquid so as to achieve optimal exposure of the target organisms to the electromagnetic waves. The present invention is directed to the foregoing needs and desirable objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, the present invention is in one aspect a system for analyzing a liquid to identifyits components, determining an energy absorption value for one or more target components contained in the liquid, selecting electromagnetic wave characteristics optimally suited for having 2 0 a desired effect on one or more target components, generating electromagnetic Waves having such characteristics, and directing the waves into the liquid using a wave signal emitter. The wave signal emitter may be in the form of an immersion probe or an antenna-style transmitter, the latter having been found particularly beneficial for treatment of flowing liquids.
In another aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for generating electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics, and introducing the wave signals into a liquid.
In further aspects, the present invention is an apparatus and a method for treating gaseous substances with electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics, and an apparatus and a method for treating substantially solid substances with electromagnetic wave signals of selected characteristics.
The invention may be best understood with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus of the invention and components thereof.
1. Apparatus of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, electromagnetic wave signals having selected properties (e.g., wave shape, wavelength, frequency) are generated by a wave signal generator, which in the preferred embodiment is a microcomputer having at least one programmablecomputer chip. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, illustrated schematically in Figure 1, 2 0 the wave signal generator 20 generates a first wave signal having a selected and substantially constant frequency (the "carrier signal"), plus a second wave signal of variable frequency (the "variable signal"). The carrier signal and variable signal travel from the wave signal.generator through respective primary conductors 22C, 22V (preferably fashioned from insulated electrical wire).
At a connection point X a selected distance from the wave signal generator 20, the primary conductors 22 are electrically connected to a secondary conductor 24 (preferably fashioned from insulated electrical wire). The carrier and variable signals thus pass from their respective primary conductors into the secondary conductor, combining to form an output signal, which travels through the secondary conductor.
The carrier signal and variable signal will preferably be in the radio-frequency range, which is generally considered to cover waves having frequencies up to approximately 10,000;000,000 cycles per second. In preferred embodiments, the carrier and variable signals will be in the frequency range from 0 to 15,000 cycles per second, which may also be expressed as 0 to 15 kiloHertz (or kHz).
As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus may have two pairs ofprimary conductors 22, plus a secondary conductor 24 corresponding to each pair of primary conductors. In some embodiments, however, the apparatus may have only one pair of primary conductors and only one secondary conductor, while in other embodiments it may have three or more pairs of primary 2 o conductors with corresponding secondary conductors. Where two or more pairs of primary conductors are provided, the frequency of the carrier signal in one pair of primary conductors may be different from that of the carrier signal in the other pair or pairs of primary conductors.
Similarly, the frequency range of the variable signal in one pair of primary conductors may be different from that of the variable signal in the other pair or pairs of primary conductors.
In one alternative embodiment, the primary conductors 22 are not directly connected to the wave signal generator 20. Instead, the wave signal generator is remotely located, and carrier signals and variable signals are transmitted from the wave signal generator by means of either a hard-wired or wireless telecommunications network to a signal receiver (not shown), which in turn directs the carrier signals and variable signals to the appropriate primary conductors.
1 o The apparatus may include a coil 26 carrying a direct (i.e., DC) electric current from a DC
power source 28. The coil may be fashioned from insulated electrical wire. The DC current passing through the coil creates a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coil.
It has been observed that passing a conductor carrying a wave signal through a DC coil has the effect of orienting the wave signal as either a positive or negative signal, depending on the direction of the DC current running through the coil.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus has two pairs ofprimary conductors 22 passing through a single DC coil 26. In alternative embodiments, each pair of primary conductors may pass through separate DC coils, or there may be more than two pairs of primary 2 0 conductors passing through a single DC coil. In other alternative embodiments, one or more DC
coils may be provided for 'individually surrounding separate primary conductors, such that the polarity of the carrier signal and variable signal carried in one pair of primary conductors may be selectively and differentially controlled. In still further embodiments, individual primary or secondary conductors, or two or more primary or secondary conductors, may pass through two or more DC coils.
Although Figure 1 shows a DC coil 26 encircling the primary conductors 22, this is not essential to the invention. The desired effect of controlling the orientation of the output signal may also be achieved by positioning a DC coil around a portion of one of more secondary conductors.
In alternative embodiments, one DC coil may be positioned so as to surround portions of one or more secondary conductors as well as portions of their respective primary conductors.
In preferred embodiments, the apparatus also includes means (not shown) for selectively changing and/or alternating the polarity of the DC current running through the coil or coils, thereby facilitating selective signal orientation as may be desired to suit particular applications or uses of the apparatus. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the DC power source 28 also provides power to the wave signal generator 20. In other embodiments, the wave signal generator 20 and the coil 26 may have separate power sources.
The apparatus of the present invention also includes signal emitter means, for delivering or transmitting signals from the one or more secondary conductors into a liquid or other substance 2 0 to be treated. The signal emitter means may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, it may be an immersion probe for immersion in a liquid, whereby wave signals can propagate directly from the probe into the liquid. Alternatively, the signal emitter means may be a transmitting antenna that may be oriented toward the substance being treated from a convenient distance away, such that wave signals from the antenna will radiate into the substance. Both immersion probes and transmitting antennas may be used effectively for treating both static and flowing liquids.
However, it has been observed that antenna-type signal emitter means may be particularly effective for treating flowing liquids.
In one particularly simple form, the signal emitter means is an immersion probe in the form of the secondary conductor itself. Preferably, however, the immersion probe will be a separate probe element made of an electrically-conductive material and electrically connected to the secondary conductor. The probe element may be encased in a protective casing made of a material (e.g., glass, plastic, or ceramic) that will not interfere significantly or at all with the propagation of wave signals from the probe, and that preferably will have low susceptibility to damage or deterioration from contact with the particular liquid being treated.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure l, wherein the apparatus of the invention has two pairs of primary conductors and therefore two secondary conductors, the secondary conductors are braided (as generally indicated by reference numeral 29), without electrical interconnection, to form the signal emitter means in the form of an immersion probe (preferably with protective encasement as previously described).
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus using a particular type of signal emitter means 30 especially adapted for use in treating liquids contained in a vessel or flowing inside a conduit C, such as a pipeline. A plurality of stationary flow vanes 32 are installed on the interior perimeter of the conduit, said flow vanes preferably being of arcuate or other appropriate form such that they will induce spiralling or otherwise swirling flow of the liquid as it passes by the vanes.
At least one and preferably several of the vanes will have an electrically-conductive element 34 connected to a secondary conductor carrying an output signal. These electrically-conductive elements thus serve as the signal emitter means, for transmitting or propagating output signals from the electrically-conductive elements into the fluid flowing through the conduit.
As shown in Figure 2, each flow vane 32 having an electrically-conductive element 34 also 1 o has a non-conductive insulating element 36 for insulating the electrically-conductive element from the wall of the conduit. However, these insulating elements are not required where the conduit is fabricated from a non-electrically-conductive material.
By inducing swirling liquid flow in the conduit, the flow vanes 32 have the effect of enhancing the extent and intensity of exposure of liquid to electromagnetic wave energy from the output signals. Beneficial effects may be achieved using different numbers of vanes, and with different numbers of the vanes serving the function of signal emitters. No minimum number of vanes are required, and not all vanes necessarily need to serve as signal emitters. However, the effectiveness of the signal emitter means of this particular embodiment of the invention will be 2 o generally greater as the number of vanes is increased (thus enhancing the inducement of swirling liquid flow), and as the number of vanes serving as signal emitters is increased (thus increasing the range and intensity of exposure of the liquid to the output signals from the apparatus).
_g_ Although Figure 2 illustrates a single wave signal generator 20 with secondary conductors 24 connected to flow vanes 32 mounted inside the conduit C, it will be readily appreciated that in this and other embodiments of the invention any convenient number of wave signal generators, each generating one or more output signals, may be used without departing from the fundamental concept and principles of the invention.
In alternative embodiments, the signal emitter means may be a transmitting antenna fashioned by wrapping one or more primary or secondary conductors around a carbon rod, which will preferably be copper-coated. Although transmitting antennas may be effectively used for treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave signals, as previously mentioned, this form of signal emitter means will have particular applicability in the treatment of solid or substantially solid substances, as well as gaseous substances.
The foregoing are only a few examples of the types of signal emitter means which may be used with the present invention, the scope of which is not intended to be limited to or by these particular examples. It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art that various other well-known types of signal emitter means may be conveniently adapted for use as part of or in conjunction with the present invention. It will also be readily appreciated that multiple emitter means may be used; e.g., multiple immersion probes, multiple transmitting antennas, or 2 o combinations or one or more immersion probes and one or more transmitting antennas.
It has been observed that beneficial effects may be achieved by introducing the output signals into the substance being treated in an intermittent (or "pulsed") fashion. For example, when using the apparatus of the invention to kill pathogenic organisms in wastewater, using an immersion probe as the signal emitter means, it has been found that the immersion probe may become coated with debris (which is thought to possibly comprise carcasses of organisms which have been killed). This debris coating can have a detrimental effect on the propagation of output signals from the probe. However, it has been discovered that pulsing the output signals can have the effect of causing this debris coating to dough off of the probe, or even preventing it from building up to any substantial extent at all.
Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes pulsing means (not shown), providing the ability to emit pulsed output signals as may be desired, at selected pulse intervals. The pulsing means may be any of numerous means well known in the field of electromagnetic wave generation and transmission. The pulsing means may be operable in association with the wave signal generator or the primary conductors, such that the carrier signals and variable signals are pulsed, thus causing the output signals to be pulsed. Alternatively, the pulsing means may be operable in association with the secondary conductors, such that the desired pulsing characteristics are imparted only to the output signals.
2. Method of the Invention In accordance with the method of the present invention, a liquid to be treated is first analyzed to determine its constituent components, using known means of spectral analysis such as chromatography,nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, or magneticresonance imaging (MRI). In the preferred embodiment of the method, spectral analysis is carried out using gas chromatography and NMR spectroscopy.
Once the spectral analysis has been completed, the next step is to compare the results against a spectral analysis for a known control sample. The differences between these spectral analyses can then be used to identify constituents present in the liquid to be treated, but not present in the control sample.
The next step in the method is to select a target contaminant or constituent, and determine its energy absorption frequency (or "EAF"). An EAF for a particular constituent may be defined as a frequency of vibration at which the constituent, when subjected to wave energy having such frequency, will be affected in a particular way. For instance, there may be an EAF that kills a particular pathogenic microbe, or there may be an EAF that stimulates growth of a particular organism. There may be EAFs that induce, reduce, or prevent precipitation of a particular inorganic contaminant from hard water or industrial effluent. EAFs are already known for a large number of organisms and other substances, but additional EAFs may be determined experimentally.
2 0 The next steps in the method are to provide a programmable electromagnetic wave signal generating apparatus having wave signal emitter means, to program the apparatus to generate electromagnetic wave signals corresponding to the EAF of the taxget contaminant or constituent, and then to introduce the wave signals into liquid by means of the signal emitter means. The wave signal generating apparatus may comprise a selected one or more of the previously-described embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. Accordingly, the invention contemplates embodiments of the method corresponding to each of the previously-described embodiments of the apparatus of the invention.
In alternative embodiments, the method of the invention may include the steps of determining harmonic frequencies corresponding to the EAF of a target constituent, generating electromagnetic wave signals (i.e., output signals) corresponding to one or more selected harmonic 1 o frequencies, and then introducing the harmonic output signals into the liquid by means of the signal emitter means, either instead of or in combination with output signals corresponding to the EAF.
In the preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of emitting the output signals in intermittent or pulsed fashion, and the wave signal generation apparatus includes pulsing means for this purpose. Also in the preferred embodiment, the output signals emitted by the signal emitter means will be in the radio-frequency range, and in particular embodiments will be in the range of 0 to 15 kHz.
Although the foregoing discussion of the method of the invention has been in the specific 2 o context of treatment of liquids, other embodiments of the method may be used for treatment of gaseous or solid substances. For example, solid or substantially solid matter such as growing plants may be beneficially treated with selected electromagnetic wave signals in accordance with the present invention, for purposes such as enhancing plant growth or killing plant parasites. Other beneficial applications ofthe principles ofthe present invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art of the invention.
In one alternative embodiment, the primary conductors 22 are not directly connected to the wave signal generator 20. Instead, the wave signal generator is remotely located, and carrier signals and variable signals are transmitted from the wave signal generator by means of either a hard-wired or wireless telecommunications network to a signal receiver (not shown), which in turn directs the carrier signals and variable signals to the appropriate primary conductors.
1 o The apparatus may include a coil 26 carrying a direct (i.e., DC) electric current from a DC
power source 28. The coil may be fashioned from insulated electrical wire. The DC current passing through the coil creates a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coil.
It has been observed that passing a conductor carrying a wave signal through a DC coil has the effect of orienting the wave signal as either a positive or negative signal, depending on the direction of the DC current running through the coil.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus has two pairs ofprimary conductors 22 passing through a single DC coil 26. In alternative embodiments, each pair of primary conductors may pass through separate DC coils, or there may be more than two pairs of primary 2 0 conductors passing through a single DC coil. In other alternative embodiments, one or more DC
coils may be provided for 'individually surrounding separate primary conductors, such that the polarity of the carrier signal and variable signal carried in one pair of primary conductors may be selectively and differentially controlled. In still further embodiments, individual primary or secondary conductors, or two or more primary or secondary conductors, may pass through two or more DC coils.
Although Figure 1 shows a DC coil 26 encircling the primary conductors 22, this is not essential to the invention. The desired effect of controlling the orientation of the output signal may also be achieved by positioning a DC coil around a portion of one of more secondary conductors.
In alternative embodiments, one DC coil may be positioned so as to surround portions of one or more secondary conductors as well as portions of their respective primary conductors.
In preferred embodiments, the apparatus also includes means (not shown) for selectively changing and/or alternating the polarity of the DC current running through the coil or coils, thereby facilitating selective signal orientation as may be desired to suit particular applications or uses of the apparatus. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the DC power source 28 also provides power to the wave signal generator 20. In other embodiments, the wave signal generator 20 and the coil 26 may have separate power sources.
The apparatus of the present invention also includes signal emitter means, for delivering or transmitting signals from the one or more secondary conductors into a liquid or other substance 2 0 to be treated. The signal emitter means may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, it may be an immersion probe for immersion in a liquid, whereby wave signals can propagate directly from the probe into the liquid. Alternatively, the signal emitter means may be a transmitting antenna that may be oriented toward the substance being treated from a convenient distance away, such that wave signals from the antenna will radiate into the substance. Both immersion probes and transmitting antennas may be used effectively for treating both static and flowing liquids.
However, it has been observed that antenna-type signal emitter means may be particularly effective for treating flowing liquids.
In one particularly simple form, the signal emitter means is an immersion probe in the form of the secondary conductor itself. Preferably, however, the immersion probe will be a separate probe element made of an electrically-conductive material and electrically connected to the secondary conductor. The probe element may be encased in a protective casing made of a material (e.g., glass, plastic, or ceramic) that will not interfere significantly or at all with the propagation of wave signals from the probe, and that preferably will have low susceptibility to damage or deterioration from contact with the particular liquid being treated.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure l, wherein the apparatus of the invention has two pairs of primary conductors and therefore two secondary conductors, the secondary conductors are braided (as generally indicated by reference numeral 29), without electrical interconnection, to form the signal emitter means in the form of an immersion probe (preferably with protective encasement as previously described).
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus using a particular type of signal emitter means 30 especially adapted for use in treating liquids contained in a vessel or flowing inside a conduit C, such as a pipeline. A plurality of stationary flow vanes 32 are installed on the interior perimeter of the conduit, said flow vanes preferably being of arcuate or other appropriate form such that they will induce spiralling or otherwise swirling flow of the liquid as it passes by the vanes.
At least one and preferably several of the vanes will have an electrically-conductive element 34 connected to a secondary conductor carrying an output signal. These electrically-conductive elements thus serve as the signal emitter means, for transmitting or propagating output signals from the electrically-conductive elements into the fluid flowing through the conduit.
As shown in Figure 2, each flow vane 32 having an electrically-conductive element 34 also 1 o has a non-conductive insulating element 36 for insulating the electrically-conductive element from the wall of the conduit. However, these insulating elements are not required where the conduit is fabricated from a non-electrically-conductive material.
By inducing swirling liquid flow in the conduit, the flow vanes 32 have the effect of enhancing the extent and intensity of exposure of liquid to electromagnetic wave energy from the output signals. Beneficial effects may be achieved using different numbers of vanes, and with different numbers of the vanes serving the function of signal emitters. No minimum number of vanes are required, and not all vanes necessarily need to serve as signal emitters. However, the effectiveness of the signal emitter means of this particular embodiment of the invention will be 2 o generally greater as the number of vanes is increased (thus enhancing the inducement of swirling liquid flow), and as the number of vanes serving as signal emitters is increased (thus increasing the range and intensity of exposure of the liquid to the output signals from the apparatus).
_g_ Although Figure 2 illustrates a single wave signal generator 20 with secondary conductors 24 connected to flow vanes 32 mounted inside the conduit C, it will be readily appreciated that in this and other embodiments of the invention any convenient number of wave signal generators, each generating one or more output signals, may be used without departing from the fundamental concept and principles of the invention.
In alternative embodiments, the signal emitter means may be a transmitting antenna fashioned by wrapping one or more primary or secondary conductors around a carbon rod, which will preferably be copper-coated. Although transmitting antennas may be effectively used for treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave signals, as previously mentioned, this form of signal emitter means will have particular applicability in the treatment of solid or substantially solid substances, as well as gaseous substances.
The foregoing are only a few examples of the types of signal emitter means which may be used with the present invention, the scope of which is not intended to be limited to or by these particular examples. It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art that various other well-known types of signal emitter means may be conveniently adapted for use as part of or in conjunction with the present invention. It will also be readily appreciated that multiple emitter means may be used; e.g., multiple immersion probes, multiple transmitting antennas, or 2 o combinations or one or more immersion probes and one or more transmitting antennas.
It has been observed that beneficial effects may be achieved by introducing the output signals into the substance being treated in an intermittent (or "pulsed") fashion. For example, when using the apparatus of the invention to kill pathogenic organisms in wastewater, using an immersion probe as the signal emitter means, it has been found that the immersion probe may become coated with debris (which is thought to possibly comprise carcasses of organisms which have been killed). This debris coating can have a detrimental effect on the propagation of output signals from the probe. However, it has been discovered that pulsing the output signals can have the effect of causing this debris coating to dough off of the probe, or even preventing it from building up to any substantial extent at all.
Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes pulsing means (not shown), providing the ability to emit pulsed output signals as may be desired, at selected pulse intervals. The pulsing means may be any of numerous means well known in the field of electromagnetic wave generation and transmission. The pulsing means may be operable in association with the wave signal generator or the primary conductors, such that the carrier signals and variable signals are pulsed, thus causing the output signals to be pulsed. Alternatively, the pulsing means may be operable in association with the secondary conductors, such that the desired pulsing characteristics are imparted only to the output signals.
2. Method of the Invention In accordance with the method of the present invention, a liquid to be treated is first analyzed to determine its constituent components, using known means of spectral analysis such as chromatography,nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, or magneticresonance imaging (MRI). In the preferred embodiment of the method, spectral analysis is carried out using gas chromatography and NMR spectroscopy.
Once the spectral analysis has been completed, the next step is to compare the results against a spectral analysis for a known control sample. The differences between these spectral analyses can then be used to identify constituents present in the liquid to be treated, but not present in the control sample.
The next step in the method is to select a target contaminant or constituent, and determine its energy absorption frequency (or "EAF"). An EAF for a particular constituent may be defined as a frequency of vibration at which the constituent, when subjected to wave energy having such frequency, will be affected in a particular way. For instance, there may be an EAF that kills a particular pathogenic microbe, or there may be an EAF that stimulates growth of a particular organism. There may be EAFs that induce, reduce, or prevent precipitation of a particular inorganic contaminant from hard water or industrial effluent. EAFs are already known for a large number of organisms and other substances, but additional EAFs may be determined experimentally.
2 0 The next steps in the method are to provide a programmable electromagnetic wave signal generating apparatus having wave signal emitter means, to program the apparatus to generate electromagnetic wave signals corresponding to the EAF of the taxget contaminant or constituent, and then to introduce the wave signals into liquid by means of the signal emitter means. The wave signal generating apparatus may comprise a selected one or more of the previously-described embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. Accordingly, the invention contemplates embodiments of the method corresponding to each of the previously-described embodiments of the apparatus of the invention.
In alternative embodiments, the method of the invention may include the steps of determining harmonic frequencies corresponding to the EAF of a target constituent, generating electromagnetic wave signals (i.e., output signals) corresponding to one or more selected harmonic 1 o frequencies, and then introducing the harmonic output signals into the liquid by means of the signal emitter means, either instead of or in combination with output signals corresponding to the EAF.
In the preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of emitting the output signals in intermittent or pulsed fashion, and the wave signal generation apparatus includes pulsing means for this purpose. Also in the preferred embodiment, the output signals emitted by the signal emitter means will be in the radio-frequency range, and in particular embodiments will be in the range of 0 to 15 kHz.
Although the foregoing discussion of the method of the invention has been in the specific 2 o context of treatment of liquids, other embodiments of the method may be used for treatment of gaseous or solid substances. For example, solid or substantially solid matter such as growing plants may be beneficially treated with selected electromagnetic wave signals in accordance with the present invention, for purposes such as enhancing plant growth or killing plant parasites. Other beneficial applications ofthe principles ofthe present invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art of the invention.
Claims (21)
1. Apparatus for generating electromagnetic wave signals for introduction into a liquid, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a wave signal generator;
(b) signal delivery means comprising:
(i) a pair of primary conductors electrically connected to the wave signal generator; and (ii) a secondary conductor electrically connected to both primary conductors;
(c) a direct-current coil disposed around a portion of the signal delivery means;
(d) signal emitter means electrically connected to the secondary conductor;
and (e) a power source for delivering direct-current electrical power for circulation through the coil;
wherein:
(f) the wave signal generator is controllable to generate electromagnetic wave signals of selected frequencies and amplitudes;
(g) the wave signal generator can induce a constant-frequency wave signal in one of the primary conductors while inducing a variable-frequency wave signal in the other primary conductor; and (h) the constant-frequency wave signal and the variable-frequency signal combine to form an output signal carried by the secondary conductor to the signal emitter means.
(a) a wave signal generator;
(b) signal delivery means comprising:
(i) a pair of primary conductors electrically connected to the wave signal generator; and (ii) a secondary conductor electrically connected to both primary conductors;
(c) a direct-current coil disposed around a portion of the signal delivery means;
(d) signal emitter means electrically connected to the secondary conductor;
and (e) a power source for delivering direct-current electrical power for circulation through the coil;
wherein:
(f) the wave signal generator is controllable to generate electromagnetic wave signals of selected frequencies and amplitudes;
(g) the wave signal generator can induce a constant-frequency wave signal in one of the primary conductors while inducing a variable-frequency wave signal in the other primary conductor; and (h) the constant-frequency wave signal and the variable-frequency signal combine to form an output signal carried by the secondary conductor to the signal emitter means.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the primary conductors are electrically connected to the wave signal generator by means of a wireless communications network.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising means for selectively changing the polarity of the direct current circulating through the coil.
4. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the wave signal generator is capable of generating electromagnetic wave signals in the radio-frequency range.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the wave signal generator is capable of generating electromagnetic wave signals in the frequency range between 0 and 15 kiloHertz.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising pulsing means whereby output signals may be propagated from the signal emitter means in intermittent pulses.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6, further comprising randomizing means, for pulsing the output signals randomly.
8. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the signal emitter means comprises an immersion probe.
9. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the signal emitter means comprises a transmitting antenna.
10. A method for treating a liquid with electromagnetic wave energy, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing wave signal generation and transmission apparatus comprising:
(i) a wave signal generator;
(ii) signal delivery means comprising:
(A) a pair of primary conductors electrically connected to the wave signal generator; and (B) a secondary conductor electrically connected to both primary conductors;
(iii) a direct-current coil disposed around a portion of the signal delivery means;
(iv) signal emitter means electrically connected to the secondary conductor;
and (v) a power source for delivering direct-current electrical power for circulation through the coil;
wherein:
(vi) the wave signal generator is controllable to generate electromagnetic wave signals of selected frequencies and amplitudes;
(vii) the wave signal generator can induce a constant-frequency wave signal in one of the primary conductors while inducing a variable-frequency wave signal in the other primary conductor; and (viii) the constant-frequency wave signal and the variable-frequency signal combine to form an output signal carried by the secondary conductor to the signal emitter means;
(b) selecting one or more combinations of wave characteristics;
(c) actuating the apparatus to produce wave signals having the selected characteristics;
and (d) engaging the signal emitter means with the liquid, such that the wave signals are introduced into the liquid.
(a) providing wave signal generation and transmission apparatus comprising:
(i) a wave signal generator;
(ii) signal delivery means comprising:
(A) a pair of primary conductors electrically connected to the wave signal generator; and (B) a secondary conductor electrically connected to both primary conductors;
(iii) a direct-current coil disposed around a portion of the signal delivery means;
(iv) signal emitter means electrically connected to the secondary conductor;
and (v) a power source for delivering direct-current electrical power for circulation through the coil;
wherein:
(vi) the wave signal generator is controllable to generate electromagnetic wave signals of selected frequencies and amplitudes;
(vii) the wave signal generator can induce a constant-frequency wave signal in one of the primary conductors while inducing a variable-frequency wave signal in the other primary conductor; and (viii) the constant-frequency wave signal and the variable-frequency signal combine to form an output signal carried by the secondary conductor to the signal emitter means;
(b) selecting one or more combinations of wave characteristics;
(c) actuating the apparatus to produce wave signals having the selected characteristics;
and (d) engaging the signal emitter means with the liquid, such that the wave signals are introduced into the liquid.
11. The method of Claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
(a) determining the constituents of the liquid using spectral analysis;
(b) selecting a target constituent; and (c) determining an energy absorption frequency for the target constituent;
wherein the selected wave characteristics include the energy absorption frequency of the target constituent.
(a) determining the constituents of the liquid using spectral analysis;
(b) selecting a target constituent; and (c) determining an energy absorption frequency for the target constituent;
wherein the selected wave characteristics include the energy absorption frequency of the target constituent.
12. The method of Claim 10, wherein the primary conductors are electrically connected to the wave signal generator by means of a wireless communications network.
13. The method of Claim 10, further comprising means for selectively changing the polarity of the direct current circulating through the coil.
14. The method of Claim 10, wherein the output signals are in the radio-frequency range.
15. The method of Claim 10, wherein the output signals are in the frequency range between 0 and 15 kiloHertz.
16. The method of Claim 10, further comprising pulsing means whereby output signals may be propagated from the signal emitter means in intermittent pulses.
17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the output signals are pulsed.
18. The method of Claim 16, further comprising randomizing means, for pulsing the output signals randomly.
19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the output signals are randomly pulsed.
20. The method of Claim 10, wherein the signal emitter means comprises an immersion probe.
21. The method of Claim 10, wherein the signal emitter means comprises a transmitting antenna.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/007,300 US20050121396A1 (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2004-12-09 | Apparatus and method for treating substances with electromagnetic wave energy |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US43481002P | 2002-12-20 | 2002-12-20 | |
| US60/434,810 | 2002-12-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2452733A1 true CA2452733A1 (en) | 2004-06-20 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2452733 Abandoned CA2452733A1 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2003-12-09 | Apparatus and method for treating substances with electromagnetic wave energy |
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| CA (1) | CA2452733A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112023844A (en) * | 2020-08-12 | 2020-12-04 | 陕西科技大学 | A kind of hydrothermal induction heating method for material preparation and preparation system thereof |
-
2003
- 2003-12-09 CA CA 2452733 patent/CA2452733A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112023844A (en) * | 2020-08-12 | 2020-12-04 | 陕西科技大学 | A kind of hydrothermal induction heating method for material preparation and preparation system thereof |
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