Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: Method for cleaning and disinfecting treatment of water, during which the water is exposed to at least one electric field, whereby the electric field is a low-current field with pulsating direct voltage. Device for realization of the method which includes a source of pulsating direct voltage; two conducting elements, which are connected in a conducting manner to the source of pulsating direct voltage and which are arranged to achieve a low-current field with pulsating direct voltage between them; together with a device for changing in a time-dependent manner the direction of direct voltage. Device for realization of the method which includes a source of a rectified pulsating magnetic field and a conducting element, which is arranged in the pulsating magnetic field such that, during operation of the device, an electric field is produced around the conducting element by electromagnetic induction.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution, which contains dissolved metals, into a space between two elongated electrodes of a treatment chamber. A very high voltage electric field is created in the treatment chamber and is accompanied by a very small trickle current charge to enhance adsorption, polarization, ion exchange or to otherwise agglomerate the dissolved metal, which is then recovered by filtering, adsorbing, exchanging or otherwise separating the metal from the water.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a process for separation and resolution of particles suspended in, or molecules dissolved in, a sample mixture or solution using electrical field flow fractionation (EFFF). Fractionation of individual components in the mixture/solution is obtained by the interaction of particles/molecules with an electric field applied perpendicular to the flow direction, and externally to the fractionation channel. The plate electrodes are electrically isolated from the sample and carrier within a thin, non-permeable, insulating coating on the inside surfaces electrodes. This coating forms a barrier between the solution phase and the electric circuit used to generate the working electric field. The flow channel is formed by sandwiching a shaped insulating gasket between the two parallel plate electrodes. The side walls of the channel are defined then by the inside walls of the shaped, insulating gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provides an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.

Abstract: A treatment system for use in a water delivery system for eradicating bacteria such as the Legionella bacteria. The treatment system includes an ultraviolet light source for killing bacteria entering the water delivery system, an electrochemical precipitation unit and a blending valve in communication with water discharged from the precipitation unit and a source of hot water.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which separates cells, particles, proteins and other separands by collecting samples of decreasing electrophoretic mobility in a train of inverted cavities while an electric field is applied between said inverted cavities and one or more sample cuvettes containing a mixture of cells, particles, proteins or other separands. One circular plate is provided for the one or more sample cuvettes, and one circular plate is provided for the multiple collection cavities. The invention utilizes an innovative purification method that combines free electrophoresis and multistage extraction in an instrument capable of separating living cells, particles, and proteins in useful quantities at high concentrations. The purification method includes a method for dealing with electrolysis products, a technique for controlling the electrical energy input, and an approach for keeping the process isothermal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for the removal of bacteria, microbes and other cell growth from a body of water by the application of an electromagnetic signal to a section of pipe communicable with the body of water.

Abstract: A method of augmenting the separation of immiscible heavier and lighter components of an emulsion including the steps of passing the emulsion into a treatment vessel, establishing at least one dual frequency electric field within the vessel and selectably varying the electric field at a frequency F1 modulated in intensity at a frequency F2 where F1 is greater than F2.

Abstract: A purifying apparatus for purifying flowing water includes a negative electrode plate disposed on a flowing water bed and a positive electrode plate disposed at an upper face opposite to the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate is adapted to be dipped below a water surface of the flowing water with floats being disposed at least at upstream and downstream end portions or opposing side portions of the positive electrode plate in a flowing direction of the flowing water. A structure is provided for positioning the positive electrode plate at a position opposite the negative electrode plate. Also, as necessary, a vertical-movement structure is provided to allow vertical movement of the positive electrode plate and of a gas collecting unit. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are provided with an electric field generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating an effluent comprising phases of different density and conductivity, the device comprising a pair of electrodes (12, 13), means (10) for introducing the effluent between said electrodes, means intended for separation (3) and discharge (4) of said separated phases. According to the invention, the separation means comprise at least one centrifugal element including a helical channel (19) in which the effluent is centrifuged after passing between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a process for separation and resolution of particles suspended in, or molecules dissolved in, a sample mixture or solution using electrical field flow fractionation (EFFF). Fractionation of individual components in the mixture/solution is obtained by the interaction of particles/molecules with an electric field applied perpendicular to the flow direction, and externally to the fractionation channel. The plate electrodes are electrically isolated from the sample and carrier within a thin, non-permeable, insulating coating on the inside surfaces electrodes. This coating forms a barrier between the solution phase and the electric circuit used to generate the working electric field. The flow channel is formed by sandwiching a shaped insulating gasket between the two parallel plate electrodes. The side walls of the channel are defined then by the inside walls of the shaped, insulating gasket.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for fluid purification. A charged species from the fluid using, e.g., a Lorentz force. This creates a voltage, e.g., a Hall voltage that counteracts separation of the charged species from the fluid. This voltage is then discharged.

Abstract: The invention provides an electroflocculation process for producing potable water from impure water, comprising forming trivalent ions in situ by electrolysis of metallic electrodes (16) selected from the group consisting of metallic aluminum electrodes and metallic iron electrodes, wherein water to be treated is caused to ascend sequentially through apertures (22) provided in a stack of parallel metallic plates (16) serving as said electrodes, each plate being charged with a polarity opposite to plates adjacent thereto, apertures of adjacent plates being vertically misaligned, whereby turbulent flow and mixing is created by the sequential passage of said water to be treated from the aperture of the lowest of said plates to the apertures of the plates thereabove to exit from the highest of said plates.

Abstract: A method of making an oxygen-rich and stabilized oxidizing agent in a liquid, preferably water, involves exposure of aerated liquid to repeated bursts of ringing magnetic flux having a primary frequency of 10 kHz to 80 kHz, with the bursts repeated at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and with the water being kept basic at a pH level between pH 7 to pH 10. The oxidizing agent is believed to be a relatively stable complex of hydrogen peroxide, and has a significant anti-microbial effect on microorganisms, including biofilms, in the water achieved by oxidation of the oxidizing agent with chemical components of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for separating a chemical mixture into its constituents includes a central cathode that is aligned axially within a cylindrical plasma chamber. An anode, made of the chemical mixture requiring separation is positioned near the cylindrical wall of the plasma chamber. A working gas is introduced into the chamber to sputter the chemical mixture into the plasma chamber where it is dissociated and ionized. To reduce the unwanted loss of the central cathode due to sputtering by the working gas, the central cathode is formed with a plurality of radial projections that extend outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical plasma chamber. These radial projections act to capture sputtered cathode material before it is lost to the plasma. Once the chemical mixture has been ionized in the plasma chamber, the ions are separated, according to their respective mass to charge ratio, using crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Abstract: A stream of process liquid is treated while flowing through in a horizontally elongated chamber having an open top. Longitudinally elongated electrode blades are aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the chamber. An overhead disbursement chamber supplies a sweeping air stream over the open top of the chamber for removing foam and gas reaction by-products. The electrode blades are separated and held at a desired spacing by small portable guides located below and above the blades.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying water including groundwater contaminated with a pollutant such as organohalogenated compounds are provided. The contaminated water is purified by aeration to expel the pollutant into gas phase, and the pollutant containing gas is then mixed with a chlorine-containing gas under light irradiation to decompose the pollutant, where the chlorine-containing gas may generated from functional water by aeration.

Abstract: System and method for oxidizing contaminants to alter specific properties, such as tack, of contaminants. The present invention reduces the tack of the stickies and pitch by exposing the materials for a short duration to low-energy pulsed electrical discharges between a pair of electrodes that are submerged in a liquid medium, such as a fiber stream, water, a pulp slurry, or whitewater. An electrical discharge in the liquid medium oxidizes materials, which may be dissolved or suspended therein, such as stickies, pitch, sulfide, ink, toner, and other substances, thereby reducing tack, odor, and/or zeta potential, as well as producing other desirable effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.

Abstract: An anode electrode is disposed to expose in water in a medical waterline, and a cathode is connected to an outer surface cf the waterline electrically conducting to an inner surface of the waterline or exposed in water in the waterline, and by these electrodes, an electric current of an output within the range from 3 to 50 mA is applied to water in the waterline, thereby providing an electric current sterilization method for the medical waterline and water therein, with improved cost effectivity, safety, and sufficient sterilization characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the capacitive demineralization of liquids containing ions in which, after introducing the liquid into a container, an electric field is applied to capacitor plates (8, 9), which leads to ions of the liquid being conducted through a filter wall (7). The ions conducted through are deposited on the capacitor plates (8, 9) as bilayers (15, 16). By introducing pulsed voltage peaks, microcrystalline structures which result from ionic compounds are precipitated and then removed from the apparatus (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for obtaining a preparative-scale, free-fluid electrophoretic separator with high resolution as well as an analytical capability commensurate with capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic focusing apparatus and method of the present invention combines features of electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing to accomplish large scale purifications and fractionations that have not previously been possible, and features a separation chamber bounded by precision-pore, insulated screens, a plurality of purge chambers, a plurality of electrode chambers, and a plurality of pump means. The separation device of the invention is capable of high speed of separation and short residency of sample through the use of high voltage gradients which are produced by relatively low voltages applied across the narrow chamber dimensions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating raw contaminated water includes a housing including a separator element. The separator includes a membrane which prevents flow of contaminants and allows flow of water such that raw water passing over the membrane passes through the membrane while contaminants are excluded. A gas injection system is used to inject gas into the contaminated water stream prior to entering in a concentration chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution, which contains dissolved metals, into a space between two elongated electrodes of a treatment chamber. A very high voltage electric field is created in the treatment chamber and is accompanied by a very small trickle current charge to enhance adsorption, polarization, ion exchange or to otherwise agglomerate the dissolved metal, which is then recovered by filtering, adsorbing, exchanging or otherwise separating the metal from the water.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for treating a fluid with a high voltage electric field for decontaminating the fluid or a variety of other purposes. In a preferred embodiment for decontamination, the method includes (a) applying an electric field across a fluid having contaminants dispersed therein; and then (b) flowing the fluid through a decontamination cell to separate from the fluid at least a portion of the contaminants. An apparatus for use with this method preferably includes an electropotential cell comprising a housing containing an anode and a cathode for applying an electric field to a fluid flowing through the housing, a decontamination cell in fluid communication with the electropotential cell for separating from the fluid at least a portion of any contaminants dispersed therein, and an optional means for introducing gas bubbles into the fluid before the fluid flows to the electropotential cell.

Abstract: A method for separating and concentrating charged species from uncharged or neutral species regardless of size differential. The method uses reversible electric field induced retention of charged species, that can include molecules and molecular aggregates such as dimers, polymers, multimers, colloids, micelles, and liposomes, in volumes and on surfaces of porous materials. The retained charged species are subsequently quantitatively removed from the porous material by a pressure driven flow that passes through the retention volume and is independent of direction thus, a multi-directional flow field is not required. Uncharged species pass through the system unimpeded thus effecting a complete separation of charged and uncharged species and making possible concentration factors greater than 1000-fold.

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. In other words, after each regeneration step operated at a given polarity in a deionization-regeneration cycle, the polarity of the deionization step in the next cycle is maintained. In one embodiment, two end electrodes are arranged one at each end of the battery, adjacent to end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity, preferably a sheet formed of carbon aerogel composite. The battery further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, process and apparatus for separating biosorbent and sorbate. Biomass enclosed within a membrane system is coupled to an electrode, which is capable of being placed in contact with the sorbate containing material in the presence of a counter electrode. An electric field may be discharged across the electrodes and ionic species will migrate into the membrane enclosed system. The migrated species within the membrane can be taken up and processed by the biosorbtive processes of the biomass. The system may be used to remove dye stuffs, metal, heavy metals, radionuclides and other pollutants from natural and artificial sources.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, process and apparatus for separating biosorbent and sorbate. Biomass enclosed within a membrane system is coupled to an electrode, which is capable of being placed in contact with the sorbate containing material in the presence of a counter electrode. An electric field may be discharged across the electrodes and ionic species will migrate into the membrane enclosed system. The migrated species within the membrane can be taken up and processed by the biosorbtive processes of the biomass. The system may be used to remove dye stuffs, metal, heavy metals, radionuclides and other pollutants from natural and artificial sources.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for obtaining a preparative-scale, free-fluid electrophoretic separator with high resolution as well as an analytical capability commensurate with capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic focusing apparatus and method of the present invention features a separation chamber bounded by planar precision-pore, insulated screens, a plurality of purge chambers, a plurality of electrode chambers, and a plurality of pump means. The separation device of the invention is capable of high speed of separation and short residency of sample through the use of high voltage gradients which are produced by relatively low voltages applied across the narrow chamber dimensions. The present invention is also highly flexible, with operation in a constant electric field, continuous flow mode which permits scanning of the sample fraction content and display in a conventional histogram format.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating water by means of an electric field. An anode and a cathode are arranged in a treatment chamber. Seed crystals are deposited on the anode and are stripped therefrom to be carried along with the water, which cause crystallization thereon of carbonates contained in the water. Thereby formation of boiler scale, when the water is heated, is reduced. The water from the treatment chamber is exposed to another electric field in an aftertreatment chamber for a dwell time longer than the dwell time in the treatment chamber. Thereby, the growth of the seed crystals is enhanced. The efficiency of a treatment chamber with aftertreatment is higher than the efficiency of the treatment chamber alone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for reduction of flow resistance in pipes and ducts where a fluid or a powder is flowing in single or multiphase. In the method, the flow resistance is reduced by applying an electrical field on the pipe or duct wall. Also, the strength of the field is regulated according to measurements of the flow regime before and after the unit which exposes the fluid or powder to the electrical field. The fluid may be a pure fluid, colloidal fluid or contain inclusions in the form of particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus that employ electrohydrodynamic flows in miscible, partially miscible and immiscible multiphase systems to induce mixing for dissolution and/or reaction processes.

Abstract: A device and method for separating ions uses electric and magnetic fields that are specifically configured and oriented in a vacuum chamber. Also, a central electrode that is made of the materials whose ions are to be separated is positioned in the chamber. Magnetic coils mounted on the chamber generate a magnetic field, B, that is oriented parallel to the central electrode and is configured with a disk-shaped magnetic mirror at one end of the chamber, and an annular-shaped magnetic mirror at the other end. A plurality of electrodes generate an electric field, E, that is oriented perpendicular to the central electrode. In operation, neutral atoms in the chamber are ionized by the electric field. The electric field, however, is specifically configured to confine relatively lighter mass ions in the chamber. These ions are then subsequently removed from the chamber through the opening in the annular-shaped magnetic mirror.

Abstract: A method for separating contaminants from a aqueous source containing contaminants. In one embodiment, the method involves the use of a high powdered oxidant dissolved within the aqueous system. The gas is dissolved within a reservoir in the aqueous solution and the pressure within the reservoir is controllable. This allows maximum contact of the oxidizing dissolved gas with the contaminant material. Once oxidized, the outlet of the reservoir is adapted to permit hydraulic cavitation. The net effect of the cavitation is to induce a foam formation which foam transports a floc into a separate phase from the aqueous solution. In this manner, the process is effectively a dissolved oxidizing gas mass transfer process. In another embodiment, the process may be augmented by electrocoagulation. This involves the use of an electric cell which is disposed within the reservoir containing the oxidant material.

Abstract: An energy efficient flow-through capacitor, particularly for the concentration and/or separation of seawater. The flow-through capacitor is successively charged and discharged prior to the cell voltage exceeding 1.5 volts.

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable electrochemical cell (30) for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes includes two end plates (31, 32), one at each end of the cell (30). A new regeneration method is applied to the cell (30) which includes slowing or stopping the purification cycle, electrically desorbing contaminants and removing the desorbed contaminants. The cell (30) further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes (37-43) that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes (35, 36). As the electrolyte enters the cell, it flows through a continuous open serpentine channel (65-71) defined by the electrodes, substantially parallel to the surfaces of the electrodes. By polarizing the cell (30), ions are removed from the electrolyte and are held in the electric double layers formed at the carbon aerogel surfaces of the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytically active, permeable composite material, a method for producing said composite material, and the use of the composite material. The inventive composite material can be used for separating mixtures of materials. The fact that various catalytically active substances can be incorporated into the material in various ways makes it highly flexible in terms of possible applications with properties which can be adapted to the particular purpose of an application. The inventive composite material can be used as a catalytically active membrane electrode, for example. According to the invention, the material is obtained by solidifying a suspension on and in a porous, permeable support. The production of the material requires either a very short period of heat treatment at temperatures of around 400° C. or treatment for a longer period at very mild temperatures of below 100° C.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter using a helical magnetic field for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical outer wall located at a distance “a” from a longitudinal axis. Also included is a coaxial cylindrical inner wall positioned to establish a plasma chamber between the inner and outer walls. The magnetic field is generated in this chamber with an axial component (Bz) and an azimuthal component (B&thgr;), which interact together with an electric field to create crossed magnetic and electric fields. The electric field has a positive potential, Vctr, on the inner wall and a zero potential on the outer wall.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination system has a liquid treatment chamber having a liquid input and output and a gas input and output. A plurality of electrodes are positioned to place a voltage across the liquid treatment chamber and the liquid therein. A plurality of magnets are also positioned adjacent the electrodes for placing a magnetic field across the chamber and liquid therein. As the contaminated liquid is fed through the liquid treatment chamber, a predetermined gas, such as nitrogen, ozone, oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide, are fed into the contaminated liquid while simultaneously having the electric and magnetic fields applied to the liquid. The liquid leaving the treatment chamber is fed to a flush tank which removes contaminates and agglomerated solids therefrom.

Abstract: One or more water treating devices each includes a housing for receiving a number of electric conductive particles and a filter plate secured in the housing for supporting the particles in the housing. The waste water to be treated is introduced into the housing and flows through the particles when the particles are electrified for allowing the particles to treat the water. The particles, after use, may be discharged from the housing so as to be cleaned. The water treating devices may be arranged in series or in parallel or in both series and parallel.

Abstract: One or more water treating devices each includes a housing for receiving a number of electric conductive particles and one or more electrodes for electrifying the particles. The waste water to be treated is introduced into the housing and flows through the particles when the particles are electrified for allowing the particles to treat the water. The particles, after use, may be discharged from the housing so as to be cleaned. The water treating devices may be arranged in series or in parallel or in both series and parallel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to electrolytically produce high-purity magnetite particles is provided. The apparatus comprises a container for holding an electrolytic solution. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrolytic solution includes sodium chloride and deionized water. A pair of carbon steel electrodes are submerged within the electrolytic solution. A d.c. power supply is also provided to apply a voltage to the electrodes for a period of time sufficient to produce the magnetite particles.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a liquid by controlling molecular clusters in liquid in which a very narrow electric or magnetic energy field produced by at least two electrodes or magnetic poles spaced apart by less than 1 mm is applied to a liquid with the length of the spaced apart electrodes or magnetic poles set transversely to the flow direction of the liquid passing through the pipe. The overall thickness of the electrodes or magnetic poles is less than 10 millimeters.