Understanding The Basics Of A Magnetic Water Treatment System
A magnetic water treatment system will do not rely on an electric current. In fact, the magnetic field found within the device is a result of the small magnetic fields that align and help to produce atoms within the magnet. The magnetic field is a result of the orbital movements of the electrons. There are a number of elements that will undergo a similar alignment at an atomic-level, this is due to the applied magnetic field. Only a ferromagnetic material will be able to keep an atomic-level alignment once the applied field has been removed. A permanent magnet is created from iron, nickel, cobalt, and a number of other ferromagnetic materials, as these are generally the most common elements.
The magnetic flux density is what is used in determining the overall strength of the magnet through the use of gauss. Gauss is registered as the centimeter to the gram to the second unit of magnetic flux density. In other words, this is going to be equal to one Maxwell per square centimeter. To give a better idea in real-world terms, the magnetic field of our planet is about 0.5 gauss. Whereas the average magnet found with the typical household refrigerator is about 1000 gauss. The density of a typical magnet that would be found in a magnetic water treatment system will be between 2,000 to 8,000 gauss.
What is Hard Water?
People began to use the phrase “hard water” when they noticed how much more water they need to produce an adequate amount of soap suds for regular laundry. The actual hardness of water today is done through the measurement of dissolved mineral content. As water passes through aquifers and soil it will connect with minerals such as dolomite and limestone. As these minerals dissolve into the water it transforms into what is known as “hard water”. The percentage of mineral concentration is what helps to determine just how “hard” the water actually is. Calcium, sulfates of magnesium, and carbonates are the most common elements in hard water. Any water that will test above 60 parts per million is considered “hard water”.
“Hard water” has the ability to form scale, this is known as the solid phase of these dissolved minerals. These minerals will become less soluble as the temperature of the water begins to increase. The minerals now have the ability to form deposits on hot water pipes, faucets, bathtubs, and water heating elements. Unfortunately, these deposits will shorten the overall life span of your appliances.
Magnetic water Treatment Options
There are a number of magnetic water treatment devices available on the market in a number of sizes for a variety of uses. Typically, the majority will consist of one or multiple magnets that are installed on the exterior surface of the incoming water pipe and lead into your home or irrigation system. As the water flows through the pipes, the magnetic field, the water is exposed between the magnets.
One of the main benefits of a magnetic water treatment system is the fact that it is going to decrease the “hard water” found in the system. Additionally, it has the ability to lower scale build-up, increase the life-span of your appliances, lower electric bills, and decrease the amount of soap needed. Some also believe the water that is treated through magnets is much healthier and that which is salt treated due to an increase in sodium concentration. This would be a major concern for individuals struggling with high blood pressure and those on sodium-restricted diets.
In a study that was conducted by the United States Test Center Inc to help understand the buildup between untreated water and that of magnetic treated water showed that there were various physical samples. The study would x-ray both samples to reveal that they contained the same chemical constituents. One of the main differences that was found in the study was that the untreated water contained calcium sulfate and calcium silicate both of which are corrosive elements. Whereas the treated water only contained calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate which are considered non-corrosive elements. This essential evidence showed that both water samples are physically different.
NASA has tested a magnetic water treatment system and a chemical treated system for corrosion rates and steel corrosion in an effort to find the influence on the rate of corrosion. Their study confirmed that the magnetically treated water had 0.0 mils per year whereas the chemically treated water had rates in excess of 50 mil per year.
Additionally, there was another research study through the Advance Research Agency of the Department of Defense that supported magnetic water treatment in an effort to reduce the crystallization process in water considering the fact of the water temperature.
Recently, homes, businesses, government offices, and schools have begun to use magnetic water treatment systems in an effort to provide cleaner and softer water for a wide variety of uses. Magnetic water treatment is helping to block the corrosion of pipes, algae build-up, and ensuring the protection of hot and cold water pipes against the build-up of scale. This is just one of the many water softener alternative solutions.