The first physical water treatment devices were magnets and they have already been used for one century. In general, physical water treatment devices (PWT devices) are able to promote crystal growth in the bulk of the water. Particles with a negative charge, positive and negative ions (dissolved minerals) will form crystals under influence of the physical agitation caused by the magnetic field. These crystals have no or not much surface charge and have therefore no tendency to adhere to pipe walls or other surfaces of water using equipment. The crystals leave the system; they go down the drain. In a circulation system like a cooling tower or central heating system they will stay suspended in the liquid and will do no harm.

WARNING: Magnet drawbacks are evident once one understands the phenomenon.

 

1. A magnet needs a sufficient velocity of water to be effective.
2. A magnet cannot be used for very large pipe sizes, as the magnetic field inside the pipe will be too weak.
3. A magnet looses its strength with time.
4. A magnet needs a filter up stream to collect particles, which may otherwise be attracted by the magnet.

Scalewatcher is based on an alternating magnetic field, which induces an electric field in the water. This is the reason why this product performs very well with slow flowing water, and even stagnant water. Large pipe sizes are no problem as the magnetic field generated is controllable by electronics and there is virtually no limitation in pipe sizes. Water flowing in pipes with a diameter of 40 inches has been treated successfully. As the optimum frequency of the alternating magnetic field to treat the water is unknown (this depends on many unpredictable variables in the water) this product uses a series of frequencies sweeping within a certain frequency band. This technique is patented in Europe, the United States and Canada preventing others of unlawfully copying and using the idea.

I still have the feeling Scalewatcher is at the beginning of an exponential sales curve leading to more and more industries using less harmful chemicals and/or salt to solve their scaling problems. Or using a hybrid system using physical and chemical water treatment for optimum result.

Jan P. de Baat Doelman