Abstract: Plasma discharges and electromagnetic fields may be applied to a liquid, such as water, for desalinization purposes and to treat unwanted material in the liquid.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a power conversion circuit configured to generate an output voltage from an input voltage, and a controller coupled to the power conversion circuit and configured to control the power conversion circuit to generate the output voltage for causing or enhancing coalescence of a multi-phase liquid mixture when the output voltage is applied to the multi-phase liquid mixture. The controller is configured to control generation of the output voltage in accordance with a synchronization signal. The controller is further configured to generate the synchronization signal and transmit the synchronization signal to another power supply device, or receive the synchronization signal from another power supply device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetic probe device. The magnetic probe device includes a magnetic probe body and a signal processing circuit, and an output end of the magnetic probe body is connected with an input end of the signal processing circuit; the signal processing circuit includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a Faraday shield and a step-up transformer, and the Faraday shield is fixedly arranged between a primary winding and a secondary winding of the step-up transformer; a center tap is arranged at the primary winding of the step-up transformer, and the center tap is grounded; and a first end of the primary winding is in series connection with the first capacitor, and a second end of the primary winding is in series connection with the second capacitor. The magnetic probe device provided by the present invention can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of a magnetic probe and the measurement accuracy of the magnetic field in plasma.

Abstract: A system for desalting crude oil includes delivering a stream of salty crude oil and wash water into a mixing valve, mixing the stream of salty crude oil and wash water through the mixing valve to create a mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water, delivering the mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water to a static mixer, and mixing the mixed stream of crude oil and wash water in the static mixer. Within the static mixer, the mixed stream is mixed in a coalescing regime to coalesce smaller droplets of water into larger droplets of water. The mixed stream is subjected to an electric field to cause additional coalescence before being directed to a desalter where the salty wash water is separated from the desalted crude oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying electromagnetic energy to a dielectric fluid includes a chamber to contain the dielectric fluid. At least three parallel or coaxial electrode plates are arranged within the chamber to apply substantially equal electromagnetic energy per unit volume of the dielectric fluid between neighboring ones of the at least three electrode plates. Electrical conductors are electrically connected to electrode plates to apply a radio frequency electric field between neighboring ones of the at least three electrode plates. In one embodiment the electrode are connected in series and in another embodiment the electrodes are connected in parallel.

Abstract: Resources, such as water, energy, power, amount of de-scaling chemicals, device lifetimes, data analytics and system depreciation may be conserved through the use of dual-field electric and magnetic probes that create and apply electromagnetic fields to liquids, such as water.

Abstract: Electromagnetic water treatment devices for applying electromagnetic fields to liquids, such as water are disclosed. The water treatment devices may include a water-immersible probe configured to generate electromagnetic output fields effective to remove scale, prevent the growth of scale and/or eliminate microbes in a water supply system. Systems and methods for treating water using the disclosed devices are also provided.

Abstract: Dual-field electric and magnetic probes create and apply electromagnetic fields to liquids, such as water, to treat unwanted material in the liquid.

Abstract: Dual-field electric and magnetic probes create and apply electromagnetic fields to liquids, such as water, to treat unwanted material in the liquid.

Abstract: Dual-field electric and magnetic probes create and apply electromagnetic fields to liquids, such as water, to treat unwanted material in the liquid.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element circuit. Each array element circuit includes a top substrate electrode and a drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, with an insulator layer being interposed between the one or more droplets and the drive electrode; and write circuitry configured to write data to the array element. At least some of the array element circuits include measure circuitry configured to detect a pinhole defect in the insulator layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a flow-through capacitor and a related controller for performing the method. The method includes establishing a summed-current capacity of the flow-through capacitor. In an operational cycle, the flow-through capacitor is operated to transfer ions between the pair of electrodes and water. A current is monitored during operation of the flow-through capacitor. This current is integrated over time to calculate a monitored-current value. To determine an end of the operational cycle, the monitored-current value is compared to the summed-current capacity.

Abstract: A system and method of using a traveling electric wave generated by means of intertwined helically wound electrodes powered by a polyphase alternating current, such that the traveling electric wave attracts both anions and cations in alternating bands of anions and cations, providing an electromotive force for these ions along the direction of travel of the electric wave, thus moving a concentrated ionic flow for the purpose of propulsion or removal of ions from a fluid.

Abstract: A water treatment device and related method of operation may include receiving used, dirty and/or waste water from a well or other source of water. The water may then be prepared for a voltage treatment by injecting a gas into the water, treating the water with pH adjustments and then applying a voltage to the water in order to remove the sediment from the water to provide a recycled water for continued use.

Abstract: A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.

Abstract: In an electrolytic apparatus for removing contaminants from water, a set (110) of spaced apart conductive electrodes (40) in a reaction chamber (54, 112, 114), is arranged in oppositely charged groups of first and second interleaved electrodes with flow paths between them. Non-conductive turbulence inducers (158, 168) on the faces of electrodes (40) are applied to water in the flow paths. One variety is modular elements (158) with stepped increases in width to present a narrow leading edge in the direction of flow. Another variety is a continuous set of wave guides (168) bordering the flow path. Electrodes (40) are selectively powered in patterns creating turbulence, with effective patterns including a first and last electrode powering pattern and a mini-cell electrode powering pattern.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may comprise different types of pulses. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the electrical field may be tuned.

Abstract: An electrochemical desalination system includes a first and a second electrochemical device and a controller. The first and second electrochemical devices each comprises a electrochemical desalination module comprising at least one pair of electrodes and a compartment between each pair of electrodes for receiving an electrolyte solution. Each of the first and second electrochemical desalination devices comprises a plurality of successive operation cycles. Each cycle comprises a charging mode of operation for charging each pair of electrodes and for adsorbing ions in the electrolyte solution on the electrodes, and a discharging mode of operation for discharging the pair of electrodes and for desorbing ions from the pair of electrodes. The controller is configured to control the system that the first and second electrochemical desalination devices have interleaved charging and discharging modes of operation.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive input fluid and release output fluid, the input fluid having a first level of a microorganism. First and second electrodes are about a water-splitting membrane in the electrochemical cell. A valve controls the flow of fluid through fluid orifices of the electrochemical cell. A power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes. A control module comprises program code to operate the valve to flow the input fluid into a fluid orifice of the electrochemical cell and provide a residence time of the fluid in the cell of at least 0.05 minutes, while controlling the power supply to supply to the first and second electrodes, a current having a current density of from about 0.01 to about 20 mA/cm2.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz and and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus is provided. In the water treatment apparatus, a filter unit includes a first electrochemical filter and a second electrochemical filter for filtering raw water. A control unit drives the first electrochemical filter and the second electrochemical filter. The first electrochemical filter and the second electrochemical filter are installed in parallel. The control unit controls the second electrochemical filter to perform a water purifying operation when the first electrochemical filter needs to be recycled.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.

Abstract: A matrix electrode-controlling device for driving a droplet according to this aspect of the present invention comprises a substrate, a dielectric layer positioned on the substrate, a plurality of control electrodes positioned in the dielectric layer in a matrix manner, and a ground electrode positioned at a predetermined position around the control electrodes without generating electromagnetic shielding effect. The control electrodes in the same row are electrically connected to form a plurality of lateral controlling rows and the control electrodes in the same column are electrically connected to form a plurality of longitudinal controlling columns, and the droplet is driven to move on or above the dielectric layer by biasing the ground electrode to the ground voltage and applying a predetermined voltage to one of the controlling rows and/or to one of the controlling columns to undergo the predetermined assaying operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field treatment method for water includes applying, to water, an alternating magnetic field generated by applying an alternating current to a coil, and applying, to the water, an alternating electric field generated by applying an alternating voltage in synchronization with the alternating magnetic field to an electrode, wherein the alternating current has a rectangular alternating current wave, and the alternating voltage at rise time of an alternating wave of the alternating magnetic field has a high level, whereas the alternating voltage at fall time of the alternating wave of the alternating magnetic field has a low level, or the alternating voltage at the rise time of the alternating magnetic field has a low level, whereas the alternating voltage at the fall time of the alternating magnetic field has a high level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.

Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: The invention relates to textiles, reservoirs, or films which may be switchably rendered hydrophilic or hydrophobic for liquid wicking, repelling, moving, holding, absorbing, drying, wetting, dispensing, and other means of electrically manipulation of liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating time variant and invariant electric fields (E-fields) for various applications. Generating the E-field utilizes high impedance dielectric materials having a collection of three imperative material properties: high permittivity (?), high volume resistivity (?) and high maximum allowable E-field stress (?) and physical geometries that take advantage of the manner in which E-fields are divided or distributed in series capacitance networks. The generated E-field can act upon a subject material, including a gas, liquid or solid, wherein the material is stationary or in motion. The method allows an E-field of given intensity to be set up in the subject material with a significantly lower applied voltage ?a, or conversely, a significantly higher E-field intensity with a given applied voltage ?a.

Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed. The fluid treatment device includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode in direct contact with the fluid. The fluid treatment device may include a control device which adjusts a parameter of an alternating potential difference provided between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the indication of the conductivity between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrostatic coalescing device that includes a vessel or a pipe through which a mixture of fluids flows. At least one metal electrode plate and transformer are arranged inside the pipe/vessel. The electrode plate and transformer are fully enclosed by insulation, and the transformer is energized from an external alternating low voltage source/power supply located outside the vessel/pipe. The transformer includes a first end of a high voltage winding connected electrically to the metal plate within the insulation.

Abstract: Provided are a method of and an apparatus for rapidly and effectively mixing fluids even in a laminar flow regime with a very low Reynold's number by applying AC power with a resonant frequency to more effectively induce electrokinetic instability. Also provided are a method of and an apparatus for mixing fluids in which the degree of mixing of the fluids can be varied with time by applying AC power with a lower frequency than a resonant frequency to synchronize a pattern of mixing fluids with the AC power.

Abstract: The water is at the origin of an entire series of geological and climatic processes and is primarily the basis of all forms of life. Actually, it is the majority component of all living organisms (50% to 98%); the human body contains 70% of the total mass thereof. The biosphere in its entirety consists of 80% water. Although this may be one of the most highly examined liquids, its properties comprising numerous anomalies have not yet all been elucidated. It plays an essential role in the structure and metabolism of all living beings. This biological role is due to its physical and chemical properties that are out of the ordinary. Bernal and Flower established a rule defining that each oxygen atom has two hydrogen atoms as neighbors and each hydrogen bond contains one hydrogen atom. The separation of the liquid water molecules produces the formation of hydroxyl ion (OH?) and hydronium ions (H3O+), which hampers this rule.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate solids from an oil based drilling or completion fluid is disclosed. The method involves exposing the fluid to an electric field to electrically migrate particulate solids suspended therein, and collecting the migrated particulate solids to remove them from the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment utilizing an electrical power supply providing at least one distinct programmable output of electrical energy wherein one or more of the voltage, current, repetition rate, amplitude or wavelength of the programmable output establish at least one distinct electrical signal generating concentrated magnetic in a plurality of distinct areas.

Abstract: A method of separating gaseous components, heavier liquid components and lighter liquid components of a stream including the steps of conducting the stream between spaced apart electrodes in a treatment vessel, supplying from a voltage source an AC voltage of at least one base frequency F1 to at least one of the electrodes to establish an electric field within the vessel through which the stream passes, modulating the frequency F1 of the AC voltage at a modulation frequency F2, and withdrawing separated gaseous components from an upper portion of the vessel, heavier stream components from a lower portion of the vessel, and lighter liquid components from an intermediate portion of said vessel.

Abstract: A liquid purification apparatus, including a flow cell having an opening at each end for conducting a liquid therethrough. The liquid purification apparatus also includes a pair of electrode plates disposed within the flow cell, each electrode plate comprising an elongated rectangle having a length, width, and thickness, the length and width defining a face of each electrode plate, the width being greater than the thickness. The electrode plates are arranged such that the faces of the electrode plates are parallel and opposite one another with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that has an open space that receives waste feedstock. At least two plasma electrodes are mounted to the vessel. An electrode movement control system may position the plasma electrodes to facilitate a pryolysis process to treat the waste feedstock.

Abstract: An electrical system of an electrochemical purification apparatus is presented. The system includes a plurality of electrodes for deionizing fluids passing through the electrodes, a power supply connected to the electrodes, the power supply providing power to the electrodes while maintaining a predetermined current, a predetermined voltage, or a power within some range, a programmable logic controller, connected to the power supply, for controlling the power supply, and a monitoring device connected to the programmable logic controller for delivering data regarding the system to the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Communication between microchannels of a microfluidic circuit is controlled through a combination between a membrane and a pin-actuated valve arrangement. The deformable membrane contributes to the formation of the surface of the microchannels. Alternatively, or in addition, the valve arrangement is operated through combination of the membrane with a control fluid. Systems, devices and methods based on such communication are shown. Also shown are methods to manufacture a system having a fluidic circuit and a control arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for activating an electronic paint including at least two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22), an electronic brush (30) including an electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32), and a controller (40). The controller (40) is operably coupled to the two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and the electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32). An electronic-brush location with respect to locations of the independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) is determined from ultrasonic signals communicated between the ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and received by the controller (40).

Abstract: A water purification apparatus (10) which includes at least one emitter (12) and a processor (14). The emitter (12) is for emitting an electromagnetic wave having a specific frequency through water (14), with the emitter (12) also being configured to propagate the emitted wave through water (14). The processor (16) is arranged in communication with the emitter (12) which processor (16) is configured to automatically regulate a frequency of the electromagnetic wave emitted by the emitter (12) so that the specific frequency or harmonic components of said wave is similar to a resonant frequency of a particular impurity typically found in water (14) in an attempt to destroy the impurity.

Abstract: A method of augmenting the separation of immiscible heavier and lighter components of an emulsion including the steps of conducting the emulsion into a treatment vessel, providing an AC voltage source, employing from the source an AC voltage of at least one selected frequency F1 to establish at least one electric filed within the vessel through which the emulsion passes, and cyclically modulating the AC voltage with a method of modulation selected from: (a) amplitude modulation; (b) frequency modulation; and (c) combined amplitude and frequency modulation.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus used to prevent the formation of scale around electrodes which form part of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one electrode containing a proportion of an ion-emitting electrode such as copper, silver or a copper and silver alloy and at least one electrode containing a proportion of a non-emissive metal such as titanium. The electrodes are connected to a DC power supply which has switching means to reverse the polarity of the electrodes at predetermined intervals. The apparatus ensures accurate control of disinfection and minimal equipment maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manipulating droplets. The apparatus is a single-sided electrode design in which all conductive elements are contained on one surface on which droplets are manipulated. An additional surface can be provided parallel with the first surface for the purpose of containing the droplets to be manipulated. Droplets are manipulated by performing electrowetting-based techniques in which electrodes contained on or embedded in the first surface are sequentially energized and de-energized in a controlled manner. The apparatus enables a number of droplet manipulation processes, including merging and mixing two droplets together, splitting a droplet into two or more droplets, sampling a continuous liquid flow by forming from the flow individually controllable droplets, and iterative binary or digital mixing of droplets to obtain a desired mixing ratio.

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: 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.