Magnetohydrodynamic Systems

How Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Technology Works

In lay terms, MHD technology sometimes referred to as magnetic fluid dynamics or magnetic fluid conditioning, simply reverses the laws of physics that cause minerals, such as calcium carbonate, to precipitate out of solution, cluster, and form hard scale through crystallization.

In technical terms, the magnetic field causes polar water molecules to be aligned along the flux or magneto-motive force vector effecting the kinetics of crystallization of the minerals in the water. Random covalent bonding of the nucleation points of these scale forming molecular clusters is reduced and therefore these minerals stay in suspension. They are prevented from precipitating out of solution to form hard scale on the walls of pipes and equipment.

1. Molecules suspended in fluids tend to cluster.

2. A fluid traveling through a pipe or line carries these molecules and clusters.

3. Larger clusters trap molecules.

4. These larger clusters tend to slow in speed and gravitate toward the side of the pipe or line forming unwanted deposits which restrict the flow of the fluid.

5. Immediately, as the flow of the fluid brings clusters of molecules in contact with the powerful magnetic circuitry of the power unit, clusters are broken apart with a single instantaneous jolt.

6. Free of clusters of molecules, the fluid proceeds through the pipe or line with the chemical characteristics of the fluid intact.

7. The impact of the magnetic circuitry is retained or "remembered" by the suspended molecules, preventing additional clustering as well as scale from forming.

No system is too old. When pre-existing scale with the corresponding correct magnetic property comes into contact with the flow of the treated fluid, it can become resuspended and gradually removed.

While MHD influence does not change the chemistry of the water, it has an effect on the carbonates that are allowed to precipitate out of solution. Scale forming carbonates are predominately a combination of two crystalline forms, aragonite and calcite. Calcite is the principle ingredient in hard scale and not only has a much more dense crystalline structure than aragonite but is also made up of adherent molecules. Aragonite's molecules are non-adherent molecules. An independent laboratory study reported by the American Society of Corrosion Engineers states 'Water that was not treated by magnetics precipitates a ratio of calcite to aragonite of 80% to 20% while the ratio measured in magnetically treated water was almost the opposite, 30% to 70%. The higher percentage of aragonite causes the formation of a soft scale or sludge that's more easily cleaned or carried through the system without creating a hard scale buildup on the lowest velocity area of the delivery system i.e., the walls of the pipe."

IntegraTech's MHD Background

IntegraTech Associates, Inc. traces it's history with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology back to the late 1950's and the work on Diamagnetic Theory by D. L. Moody. This led ultimately to the U.S. patent of the theory in 1966. In 1961, Roland K. Carpenter began his own research into magnetic fluid conditioning. He later acquired the patent rights to Diamagnetic Theory and began to engineer and patent MHD power units.

Mr. Carpenter spent 12 years with Honeywell as the manager of Energy services for Honeywell Energy Resources Center, served in their Aerospace and Defense Group and held various engineering management positions while on loan to the Pentagon in the Military-Space Sciences Department in Washington DC. He is a graduate of Marquette University, a member of American Hospital Engineering, American Water Works Association, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Past Chairman of Energy Engineers of America, and listed in Who's Who in US Executives. Mr. Carpenter has been the guest lecturer at international symposiums and the author of numerous technical papers and scientific studies. Mr. Carpenter holds the patents on virtually all non-intrusive, exterior mounted MHD power units manufactured throughout the world today.

Our intimate technical and marketing relationship with Mr. Carpenter has gained our organization one of the premier positions in the MHD technology marketplace. Our reputation for the successful application of MHD technology is unparalleled in the industry.

17 Year scale buildup reduced 70% in 4 months through the
effective use of MHD Technology

History of MHD Technology

The effect of MHD technology is indisputable and firmly anchored in the laws of physics. Oersted (1820), Henry (1831) and Faraday (1831) provided the basis for MHD technology by perfecting the laws of induced electromotive force. Lodestones and naturally occurring magnetic mineral formations had been used to decrease the formation of scale in cooking and laundry applications since the turn of the 19th century. Researchers in the 1930's first discovered that scale could be removed from pipes by treating the water magnetically. Theo I. S. Vermerian began the production of the first technology based, commercially available MHD units for the control of scale in pipes in Belgium in the 1950's. His company, Epuro, still competes effectively in the European marketplace today.

Typical Applications

Scientific Documentation of the Effectiveness of MHD Technology

MHD technology has gained wide acceptance by engineers in both the public and private sectors. The development and introduction of higher power, and rare earth element magnets, has widened the scope of applications, flow rates, and the pipe diameters that can be dealt with effectively.

Many studies have been performed proving the effectiveness of MHD technology.

US Department of Energy / Tulane University and Purdue University
"Magnetic water conditioners, a non-chemical method of treating water, are operating extensively throughout the world today with tremendous economic effect."

The New Scientist
"We can now show that the influence of magnetic fields on precipitation extends beyond simple descaling: it can prevent scale from forming."

United States Coast Guard
"Findings indicate that magnetic water treatment is extremely successful in private sector boiler and cooling tower water treatment applications. Scale is eliminated and corrosion rates are significantly reduced."

The US Department of Defense Air Force Office of Scientific Research Report; Magnetic Treatment of Water
"There am many basic areas where the utilization of this method has great practical merit as the elimination of scale."

The US Department of Energy in their Federal Technology Alert; Non-Chemical Technologies for Scale and Hardness Control
"Two experiences have been common. First, users have noted a dramatic reduction in scale formation to the point where the need for chemical scale control is eliminated. Second, the prior buildup of scale on heat exchanger surfaces has been removed over time."

Advanced Research Projects Agency
"Magnetically treated water, also called "magnetic water' is widely used in boilers for all purposes (everyday hot water requirement, power, heating systems, river and oceangoing vessels, etc.) and to increase the life of pipes in the oil, coal and mining industries, since it sharply reduces corrosion and the deposit of organic and inorganic compounds (such as paraffin) in pipes."

Continuing Research

Continuing research shows that we have yet to discover all of the benefits and applications of MHD technology. The most recent findings point to the ability of MHD technology to enhance reagent diffusion and control pH levels and corrosion.

US Nuclear Power Station
"accelerated chlorine diffusion in hard water so effectively that 65% less chlorine would be required to control macrofouling and biofilm buildup in their water service systems. Sediment buildup was also controlled and heat transfer rates were maintained at optimum efficiency. Also, pH levels were dramatically stabilized."

Magnetic Water Treatment in Lieu of Chemicals, Florestano et al
"Laboratory studies report that magnetic treatment reduces oxygen saturation levels in water which correspondingly reduces corrosion."

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