Applied water physics is the scientific branch dealing with the fundamental properties of water, among them its interaction with electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, and the impacts of these interdependencies on living organisms such as bacteria.
A wealth of research has explored the effects of the magnetic or electromagnetic treatment of water in the past 40 years, as is witnessed in more than a hundred papers and reports on this topic (example: extract (10–29)).
For many years, the scientific community was very doubtful concerning the proposition that magnetic fields influence hard water and thus the structure and morphology of the crystallization of calcium carbonate. This was mainly due to the fact that no plausible mechanism was known that could explain the persisting effect of magnetic fields even after the exposition.
For this reason, the application of this principle was controversial, not only with regard to GRANDER® water revitalization.
WETSUS – European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology
An interdisciplinary research cooperation encompassing several European universities and research institutions (3) realized in the framework of WETSUS – European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, produced a breakthrough in the understanding of magnetic water treatment (MWT) based on principles of water physics. (4)
Summary of Research Findings:
The research findings of Dr. Elmar Fuchs (5) and his team/WETSUS (6), see ‘Strong Gradients in Weak Magnetic Fields Induce DOLLOP Formation in Tap Water,’ were verified in a peer-review process. (7)
In 2012, Coey proposed a theory explaining the mechanism of magnetic water treatment based on the gradient of the field used instead of its absolute force.
Recent findings of the ‘Applied Water Physics’ research group at WETSUS (Martina Sammer, Cees Kamp, Astrid H. Paulitsch-Fuchs, Adam D. Wexler, Cees J.N. Buisman, and Elmar C. Fuchs) build on the discovery that calcium carbonate nanoparticles (‘DOLLOPs’) contained in tap water reorganize themselves under certain conditions (which are, inter alia, caused by the magnetic gradient) and in this process change the environmental factors for dissolved substances (such as lime). (8)
The study shows an increase of nm-sized pre-nucleation clusters (dynamically ordered liquid-like oxyanion polymers or ‘DOLLOPs’) caused by the exposition to a magnetic field. This effect is in line with Coey’s theory, showing that it is also applicable to very weak magnetic fields provided strong gradients are contained.
- Novel Water Analysis Procedures
Advanced research methods open up new opportunities in modern water analysis. This applies to trace analysis, which is used to determine the concentration of materials or substances (pg/l), as well as to microbiological testing, for instance for detecting the number of bacteria in water within one hour.
Conservative methods take 72 hours to establish the total bacterial count in potable water. What is more, only approx. 1% of the existing bacteria can be made visible while the remaining 99% stay obscured.
Flow Cytometry
Flow cytometry takes stock of 99% of the bacteria in the water and can even distinguish between living and dead cells. Time required: 1 hour
In flow cytometry, individual cells flowing past an electric-voltage or light source (laser beams in most setups) at high speed are analyzed. Depending on the cells’ shape, structure, and color, various effects are produced, from which the properties of individual cells can be deduced.
Illustration example – Lake Achen:
Surface area: 6.8 km², volume: 0.481 km³
If a single sugar cube were dissolved in Lake Achen, this highly developed measuring technology would be able to detect the sugar.
- Scientific Papers
A recently published peer-reviewed scientific paper presents evidence for the difference between regular and revitalized water. (7)
‘Strong Gradients in Weak Magnetic Fields Induce DOLLOP Formation in Tap Water’
Martina Sammer 1, Cees Kamp 2, Astrid H. Paulitsch-Fuchs 1, Adam D. Wexler 1, Cees J. N. Buisman 1 and Elmar C. Fuchs 1*,
1 Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands; martina.sammer@wetsus.nl (M.S.); astrid.paulitsch-fuchs@wetsus.nl (A.H.P.-F.); adam.wexler@wetsus.nl (A.D.W.); cees.buisman@wetsus.nl (C.J.N.B.)
2 Kamp Consult, Deventerweg 81, 7203 AD Zutphen, The Netherlands; ceeskamp@xs4all.nl
*Correspondence: elmar.fuchs@wetsus.nl; Tel.: +31-58-284-3162
Academic editor: Wilhelm Püttmann
Received: 21 January 2016; accepted: 23 February 2016; published: 3 March 2016
Results:
- Revitalization changes the alternating current resistance (impedance) in water
- Revitalization fosters an increased formation of lime nanoparticles (so-called DOLLOPs) in water
These phenomena could be observed using three independent research methods.
- a) Impedance Spectroscopy
An AC current is generated in a measuring cell filled with the water to be tested. In doing so, the AC current’s frequency is modified, and the electrical AC resistance (impedance) and the phase shift of the sample are established.
Varying with frequency, significant differences between samples of regular water (8) and water revitalized with GRANDER® could be observed:
Note: the proposed DOLLOP formation was tested in at least 16 independent experiments. 12 measurements per experiment, each encompassing complex impedance at 65 frequencies, measurement of two parameters (phase and impedance) per frequency. (8)
- b) Laser Scattering
The number of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (DOLLOPs) was measured using flow cytometry. (8)
- c) Scanning Electron Microscopy
Following a revitalization of the water with GRANDER®, DOLLOP formation was increased. DOLLOPs can act as crystal nuclei, and, as such, influence lime deposit behavior. (8)(9)
- Interpretation of Results with Regard to GRANDER® Effects
- a) Change in Deposit Behaviour
Fewer DOLLOPs without Revitalization
Dissolved lime crystallizes on pipe walls, gradually constricting the pipes (9)
A crystallization of dissolved lime on pipe walls produces detrimental effects such as a constriction of pipes and an increase in flow resistance. Moreover, a rougher surface due to lime deposits is good breeding ground for harmful bacteria and biofilms.
Many DOLLOPs with Revitalization
Dissolved lime already crystallizes in the water due to DOLLOPs and is flushed out (9)
In water with a high concentration of DOLLOPs, crystallization starts already in the water and hardly affects pipe walls. As a result, crystals are not deposited on the pipes but are flushed out with the water stream. (8)
- b) Improved Self-cleaning Properties
The water’s background flora (autochthonous bacteria) works like an immune system. It protects the water from harmful bacteria in a natural way by consuming nutrients due to its activities, depriving unwanted bacteria of their sustenance.
This process is a fierce competition in which usually only ‘healthy’ flora prevails.
Please note that if the system is infiltrated with an excess amount of pollutants, GRANDER® should be combined with conventional water treatment methods to produce the desired effects.
What are the results of increased self-cleaning properties?
- Water can be stored for longer
- Reduced risk of bacterial growth
- Increased microbiological stability
- Increased resilience of water
Using flow cytometry, it could be shown that GRANDER® water revitalization supports the water’s background flora and thus its resilience.
- Benefits of GRANDER® effects
Example: likelihood of deposit formation
Fig. 1: Likelihood of Deposits
Water can dissolve lime. In this process, the pH value and the temperature are important parameters. The mineral saturation state is another factor determining the amount of lime in solution and the threshold value from which it starts to crystallize.
In revitalized water, deposits start to form from a higher water hardness threshold value compared to regular water. For very hard water and unfavorable conditions, a combination with conventional water treatment methods (ion exchanger) is recommended in order to prevent lime deposits.
Effects of water revitalization regarding deposits
- Revitalized water tolerates a higher degree of water hardness without deposit formation
- Combined use with an ion exchanger allows for an upward adjustment of residual hardness
- Reduces expenses for chemicals, electricity, and maintenance
- Improved taste
Example: Microbiological Stability:
Fig. 11: Example: Microbiological Stability
Bacteria need nutrients and a certain environment to exist and multiply in the water.
In revitalized water, the natural background flora is more active, using up more nutrients and creating a bulwark against unwanted bacteria.
For systems frequently contaminated with large amounts of pollutants, a combination with conventional treatment methods is recommended.
Effects of water revitalization regarding microbiological stability
- Higher microbiological stability
- Revitalized water remains stable also at higher nutrient concentration
- Reduces expenses for chemicals, electricity, and maintenance (9)
Thanks to advances in modern measuring technologies, we are starting to get a glimpse of what is happening in water revitalization! Johann Grander was decades ahead of us in understanding these phenomena.
Visions for a Sustainable Future
Using the natural strengths
of revitalized water is an
important step towards
sustainability and health.
The stronger and unadulterated water is,
the less treatment it needs.
This saves resources, protects nature,
and also saves a penny.
Our philosophy is to
strengthen the positive forces of water,
helping it maintain a natural balance.
Sources:
(1) Link: https://www.wetsus.nl/research/research-themes/applied-water-physics
(2) Link: https://www.grander.com/international/grander-wasser/wasserforschung/forschungskonzept/externe-forschung/messmethoden
(3) List of universities: https://www.wetsus.nl/research/research-institutes
(4) Coey, J. M. D. (2012). Magnetic water treatment – how might it work? Philosophical Magazine, 92(31), 3857–3865.
(5) Homepage Dr. Elmar C. Fuchs – http://ecfuchs.com/
(6) WETSUS – Applied Water Physics – https://www.wetsus.nl/research/research-themes/applied-water-physics
(7) https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/8/3/79/pdf
(8) Strong Gradients in Weak Magnetic Fields Induce DOLLOP Formation in Tap Water
Cees J. N. Buisman and Elmar C. Fuchs , Martina Sammer , Cees Kamp , Astrid H. Paulitsch-Fuchs , Adam D. Wexler
Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, MA Leeuwarden
Received: 21 January 2016; accepted: 23 February 2016; published: 3 March 2016
(9) IPF GmbH
(10) Josh, K.M.; Kamat, P.V. Effect of magnetic field on the physical properties of water. J. Ind. Chem. Soc. 1966, 43,620–622.
(11) Duffy, E.A. Investigation of Magnetic Water Treatment Devices. Ph.D. Thesis, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA, 1977.
(12) Lin, I.; Yotvat, J. Exposure of irrigation and drinking water to a magnetic field with controlled power and direction. J. Mag. Magn. Mat. 1990, 83, 525–526.
(13) Higashitani, K.; Kage, A.; Katumura, S.; Imai, K.; Hatade, S. Effects of a magnetic field on the formation of CaCO3 particles. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 1993, 156, 90–95.
(14) Gehr, R.; Zhai, Z.A.; Finch, J.A.; Rao, S.R. Reduction of soluble mineral concentrations in CaSO4 saturated water using a magnetic field. Water Res. 1995, 29, 933–940.
(15) Baker, J.S.; Judd, S.J. Magnetic amelioration of scale formation. Water Res. 1996, 30, 247–260.
(16) Pach, L.; Duncan, S.; Roy, R.; Komarneni, S. Effects of a magnetic field on the precipitation of calcium carbonate. J. Mater. Sci. Lett. 1996, 15, 613–615.
(17) Wang, Y.; Babchin, A.J.; Chernyi, L.T.; Chow, R.S.; Sawatzky, R.P. Rapid onset of calcium carbonate crystallization under the influence of a magnetic field. Water Res. 1997, 31, 346–350.
(18) Parsons, S.A.;Wang, B.L.; Judd, S.J.; Stephenson, T. Magnetic treatment of calcium carbonate scale-effect of pH control. Water Res. 1997, 31, 339–342.
(19) Barrett, R.A.; Parsons, S.A. The influence of magnetic fields on calcium carbonate precipitation. Water Res. 1998, 32, 609–612.
(20) Colic, M.; Morse, D. The elusive mechanism of the magnetic ‘memory’of water. Colloid Surface A 1999, 154, 167–174.
(21) Goldsworthy, A.; Whitney, H.; Morris, E. Biological effects of physically conditioned water. Water Res. 1999, 33, 1618–1626.
(22) Coey, J.M.D.; Cass, S. Magnetic water treatment. J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 2000, 209, 71–74.
(23) Hołysz, L.; Chibowski, E.; Szcze´s, A. Influence of impurity ions and magnetic field on the properties of freshly precipitated calcium carbonate. Water. Res. 2003, 37, 3351–3360.
(24) Kobe, S.; Draži´c, G.; McGuiness, P.J.; Meden, T.; Sarantopolou, E.; Kollia, Z.; Sefalas, A.C. Control over nanocrystalization in turbulent flow in the presence of magnetic fields. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2003, 23, 811–815.
(25) Knez, S.; Pohar, C. The magnetic field influence on the polymorph composition of CaCO3 precipitated from carbonized aqueous solutions. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2005, 281, 377–388.
(26) Fathia, A.; Mohamed, T.; Claude, G.; Maurin, G.; Mohamed, B.A. Effect of a magnetic water treatment on homogeneous and heterogeneous precipitation of calcium carbonate. Water Res. 2006, 40, 1941–1950.
(27) Li, J.; Liu, J.; Yang, T.; Xiao, C. Quantitative study of the effect of electromagnetic field on scale deposition on nanofiltration membranes via UTDR. Water Res. 2007, 41, 4595–4610.
(28) Katsir, Y.; Miller, L.; Aharanov, Y.; Jacob, E.B. The effect of rf-irradiation on electrochemical deposition and its stabilization by nanoparticle doping. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2007, 154, 249–259.
(29) Hołysz, L.; Szcze´s, A.; Chibowski, E. Effects of a static magnetic field on water and electrolyte solutions. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2007, 316, 996–1002
Dissertation at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Institute for Horticulture, Fruit and Viticulture
Improved plant growth scientifically confirmed by GRANDER®
Dr. Heidrun Schinagl
In the year 2004, Dr. Heidrun Schinagl at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Institute for Horticulture, Fruit and Viticulture, presented her dissertation on “Investigations of the influence of plant-strengthening agents on the growth, yield and quality of horticultural crops.
The subject of the dissertation was a “study of the influence of plant-strengthening agents on growth, yield and quality of horticultural crops”. Four different preparations were tested for their plant-strengthening effect. The experiment was carried out on lettuce and tomatoes, which were grown in a film tunnel in the experimental garden of the university in the years 2002 and 2003.
The results are more than convincing …
GRANDER® water caused
For heads of lettuce
- An improved after harvest
- Improved storage behavior
For tomatoes
- yield increase
- Increasing the number of extra fruits (increased share of quality 1)
- Greater resistance to black rot Increase of vitamin C content
- No occurrence of shell cracks
>> Download: Abstract dissertation
Dr. Heidrun Schinagl makes a clear recommendation in the publication of the dissertation in the magazine “demeter 7 zeitung” for the use of GRANDER® water revitalization in tomato cultivation.
External study by B.A.U.M. confirms effect
B.A.U.M. confirms effect of GRANDER® and recommends its use
Water revitalisation on the test stand and GRANDER® received top marks. An external study by B.A.U.M. confirms the effect.
Behind the code B.A.U.M. (Federal German Study Group for Ecologically Sensitive Management) there stands an environmental organisation with 500 member companies. The target of the study group is to coach and to advise its members under the motto “environmentalism has the highest corporate priority”.
A B.A.U.M. recommendation is business circles is regarded as a high seal of approval.
The chairman Prof. Dr. Maximilian Gege wanted to know whether or not he could recommend the GRANDER® revitalised water system to his companies. 23 enterprises have been chosen from different fields such as leisure time, health, industry and tourism in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the statements concerning the effects of the GRANDER® revitalised water system have been checked. Apart from the questions regarding the area of use, the expectations and effects on the production process, also records on external and internal laboratory tests have been included into the check.
In all cases, the tester has gained positive results. “The chemical additives have decreased, the maintenance has been reduced, and the working times of operative devices as well as exchange intervals have been prolonged,” so the judgement of teh technicians at Formtec.
The users of the Alpine outdoor swimming pool in Halbleck-Trauchgau (Germany), the water park in Plattling (Germany) and the Fitness Park National in Luzern (Switzerland) have noticed the greatly reduced chlorine smell at once.
“Nobody was able to explain the effects of the GRANDER® revitalised water system on a natural scientific basis, but the positive effect is definitely there. The expectations have been met and most of the time even exceeded. We do recommend the use of the GRANDER® revitalised water system in industrial companies”, reads the final report by B.A.U.M. after the tests, carried out for a duration of over half a year.
Use of GRANDER water revitalisation in industrial companies ca
In-House Research Projects
Research reports and documentation of the recent past
Research is an integral component of product development at GRANDER®. The increased scrutiny and interest by customers and other groups in society have advanced professionalization in this field.
Since the 1980s, GRANDER® has cooperated and engaged in proactive information exchange with industrial, trade, and private customers in the following branches and fields of application:
- Trade & industry
- Heating and water systems
- Swimming pools
- Bakeries & breweries
- Food & beverage manufacturers
- Agriculture & horticulture
- Animals & husbandry
- Private homes
Research reports and documentation since 1979
GRANDER® water revitalization has been a part of customers’ daily routines and projects for 40 years. Cooperating with the respective technical or production managers, project protocols and research reports have been drafted, documenting measured differences and findings throughout the entire project duration. In this section, we will continuously present and discuss research reports and photo documentation from projects in various industries realized in the past.
It is important to us to stress that we clearly distinguish between empirical reports detailing user experiences and real scientific research. Experience reports are used in research to serve as material from which research questions and hypotheses can be deduced, which are subsequently subjected to testing using scientific methods in the course of a project. This applies to research carried out by GRANDER® itself as well as to commissioned projects carried out by research institutes.
Water has its own rules
water is different, complex and unique
At first glance water appears inconspicuous and quite calm, however upon closer observation it is very unique, puzzling and follows its own rules.
The processes within a drop of water are so complex that they exceed the average person’s imagination.
Even the exterior, recognizeable characteristics of water are so completely different from all other comparable elements that the science of water is called “abnormal”. More than 60 “anomalies” have been documented by the English scientist Martin Chaplin.
Viktor Gutmann, six-time master degree and two-time candidate for the Nobel Prize for Chemistry replies to the question whether water has been completely researched, “Nowadays science assumes that water is abnormal because it has its largest density at plus 4 degrees and not as science has dictated at 0 degrees. It is not water that is abnormal, but rather our formulas are inadequate to describe the phenomenon of water.”
Based on the observations of Johann Grander the mere chemical formula H2O is inadequate to describe water and its effects even in the slightest.