Abstract: An electrolytic filter system (16) is disclosed for use in treating fluid provided by a fluid source(12) to a supplied environment (14). The system includes an electrolytic cell(18) controlled by control circuit(20). Various alternative constructions of the cell are described in which the effective separation of active electrodes, as well as the effective area of the active electrodes can be altered by a switching circuit (94) and controller (96) included in the control circuit (20). The controller responds to inputs from a current sensor (92) reflecting variations in the resistivity of the water. As a result, the controller is able to alter the effective separation and area of the active electrode, in response to resistivity variations to provide optimal operation.

Abstract: A fluid system (10) is disclosed including a filter system (16) for the moving contaminants from fluid provided by a fluid source (12) to a supplied environment (14). The filter system includes an electrolytic or electrostatic cell (26) which is operated by a control circuit (28). The control circuit is programmed to continue to operate the cell after active water flow from fluid source is discontinued. The cell is designed to passively circulate fluid entirely within the cell, allowing efficient continued filtration to occur. As a result, more efficient matching of the cell to the particular supplied environment may be achieved. Several alternative constructions of the cell are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolytic filter system (16) is disclosed for use in treating fluid provided by a fluid source (12) to a supplied environment (14). The system includes an electrolytic cell (18), whose operation is governed by a control circuit (20) to allow a desired average current to be applied to the cell substantially independent of variations in fluid resistivity, to allow the cell to simultaneously achieve, for example, the desired removal of contaminants, killing of biological materials, and alteration of the fluid's chemical characteristics, and to provide relatively high levels of energy to the fluid quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: Liquid is clarified by passing it between spaced plates of a stack including two interleaved sets of plates, one set being connected to one direct current lead and the other set being connected to the other direct current lead. The liquid may flow through the spaces between the plates in a single direction in parallel paths or may flow in a serpentine path. Impurities removed from the liquid adhere to the plates and may be purged from the plates periodically by reversing the direction of flow of current between the plates. Impurities sloughed off the plates are trapped in a filter in the cell outlet.

Abstract: Liquid is clarified by passing it between spaced plates of a stack including two interleaved sets of plates, one set being connected to one direct current lead and the other set being connected to the other direct current lead. The liquid may flow through the spaces between the plates in a single direction in parallel paths or may flow in a serpentine path. Impurities removed from the liquid adhere to the plates and may be purged from the plates periodically by reversing the direction of flow of current between the plates. Impurities sloughed off the plates are trapped in a filter in the cell outlet.