Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating fluid hydrocarbon fuels. The method includes flowing the fuel through a treater region defined by the apparatus including a cylindrical outer electrode positioned coaxially about an insulated inner electrode. The annular treater region is preferably filled with small dielectric beads of a selected size and having spaces therebetween of a selected size. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the electrodes are connected across the high voltage ignition circuit of a motor, such a motor thereafter consuming the treated fuel, to thereby establish a high intensity electric field within the treater region.

Abstract: A pilot light assembly for use in an electrostatic fluid treater, having spaced inner and outer electrodes, includes a pilot light mounted on a conductive fitting receivable in an aperture through an end of the outer electrode, the fitting being connected to one of the pilot light terminals. A divergent spring wire contact is connected to the other pilot light terminal through a dropping resistor. The divergent spring wire contact has free ends which are resiliently urged through the aperture into electrical contact with the interior surface of the inner electrode, whereby the light, when energized, is a positive indication of a high voltage across the electrodes.

Abstract: An annular seal construction for sealing the ends of the flow passage between a pair of concentric, cylindrical electrodes of an electrostatic fluid treater includes a frusto-conical outer surface for engagement with a similar surface formed on the interior of the outer electrode, a cylindrical, inwardly directed seal face for sealed engagement with a dielectric annular electrode spacer mounted on the ends of the inner electrode, and an end surface for engagement by a cap received on the ends of the treater and urging the seal against the conical surface of the outer electrodes and into sealing engagement with the spacer.

Abstract: The application of an electrostatic field across energy fuels subsequently burned in a reciprocating internal combustion engine improves anti-knock characteristics, thereby increasing available energy for engine operation.

Abstract: A reliable and efficient device for the treatment of liquid system, to inhibit scale formation, subjects the liquid to an electrostatic field and includes a pair of concentric cylindrical electrodes mounted one within the other with a dielectrically isolated flow passage therebetween. The outer surface of the inner electrode and the inner surface of the outer electrode each have a layer of electrical insulation thereon to severely limit current flow to and from the liquid, and a circuit is provided for continually applying D.C. potential to the electrodes. Dielectric fluid fittings connect the device into a liquid system. The dimensions of the inner and outer electrodes and the thickness of the insulation thereon are determined, according to the parameters of the liquid system and the chemistry of the liquid, from a mathematical model of the treating device as the equivalent of three capacitors connected in series.