Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of fluids using electrostatic fields generated by a high voltage electric current, which reduces or eliminates calcification, scaling and microbiological contamination. A high voltage DC current is applied to a core electrode, generating an electrostatic field which traverses a dielectric sleeve surrounding the core electrode and charges the exterior surface of the dielectric sleeve, charging inorganic particles and, in the case of a biological contaminant such as bacteria, killing the organism. Fluid flowing through the device is agitated by a combination of spiral vane sections surrounding the dielectric sleeve and helical baffle sections lining the housing wall. Charged inorganic particles coalesce into spherical aggregates which resist adhesion to pipes and vessels and can be filtered by techniques such as reverse osmosis without deteriorating the filter membrane.