Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a group of species of metal ions from an aqueous solution to be purified which involves the steps for each species in succession of adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution to a value where hydroxide precipitates of said species in its highest valency state are insoluble, then passing the aqueous solution through an ion state modification cell to raise the valence of the respective species to its highest valency state thus causing the ion specie to form the insoluble hydroxide, then removing the precipitated hydroxide from the aqueous solution by appropriate steps of settling and press filtering. A magnetic field is imposed between the electrodes which improves the efficiency of the ion state modification step.

Abstract: A clear solution and a method for preparing the solution which has a pH in the range of from 10 to 13.9 and containing sulfate ions in a concentration range less than 500 parts per million. The solution is prepared by mixing two solutions in which one solution has one equivalent of magnesium sulfate and an equivalent of sulfuric acid and the second solution has an equivalent of Ca (OH).sub.2 and two equivalents of K.sub.2 OH. It is believed that CaSO.sub.4 precipitates in the mixed solution and causes coprecipitation of potassium, perhaps as double salt with the Ca leaving OH stabilized by hydration and magnesium ions.

Abstract: A solution for cleaning metal surfaces particularly non ferrous alloys such as copper, brass and high strength aluminum alloys. The solution is prepared by mixing Ca(OH).sub.2 and KOH with equivalent sulfuric acid in water then passing the solution through a 10 micron filter. The resulting concentrate can be used full strength or diluted depending on the degree of surface oxidation of the metal to be treated.

Abstract: A solution and solution concentrate for cleaning metal surfaces, particularly aluminum surfaces in which CaO or Ca (OH).sub.2 is added to sulfuric acid to raise the pH to about 13.1 after which the solution is passed through an eleven micron filter and potassium hydroxide is added to raise the pH to greater than 13.8. The resulting concentrate is diluted with water to an appropriate degree, generally 15 parts concentrate to 85 parts of water such as to bring the pH down to a working range of 8.5 to 11.0, degree of dilution depending on the usage.

Abstract: A set of magnetic assemblies for treating fluids including water and liquid and gaseous fuels wherein each assembly includes a construction of permanent magnets and pole pieces arranged to optimize a "Figure of merit" number defined as the integral of the absolute value of magnetic field intensity over region occupied by the fluid. In one embodiment, each assembly includes an elongated magnet with permeable pole pieces at each end bent back toward each other to form a gap equal to one half the length of the magnet. In another arrangement, each assembly includes a permanent magnet having a pole piece leading around toward the flux surface at the other end of the magnet, adjacent to the fluid carrier. Dimensions of the area of the pole end surface are selected based on the permeability of the pole piece, magnetization intensity of the permanent magnet material and pipe diameter to maximize the Figure of merit. Figure of merit is maximized by placing an odd number of assemblies around the conduit.