FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) 1. Title of the invention: ANTI-SCALING DEVICE
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
BAJAJ ELECTRICALS LTD Indian 45/47, Veer Nariman Road,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 001,
India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

BACKGROUND
[0001] Scales are hard deposits, which may stick firmly to inner surfaces of
the pipes and are difficult to remove. Scale formation is caused by impurities being precipitated out of a fluid, such as water, on surfaces or by suspended matter in the fluid settling out on the material and hardening thereon. The impurities in water causing scaling may include, for instance, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium sulphate, and the hardening and subsequent deposition of these impurities may result in formation of scales. The formation of scales, amongst other things, may adversely affect the component or part on which they are formed. For example, in case of heat exchangers, the scales can significantly impair the ability to transfer heat which may further lead to high operational and maintenance cost. In another example, in case of fluid ducts, the scales may reduce the cross-sectional area of the fluid duct though which the fluid flows, which may lead to pressure drop. Accordingly, a separate pressure pump may be required for pumping the fluid through the fluid duct, leading to additional cost of operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be
better understood with regard to the following descriptions and accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Use of the same reference number in different figures indicates similar or identical features and components.
[0003] Fig 1a illustrates a heater, in accordance with an example
implementation of the present subject matter.
[0004] Fig. 1b illustrates an exploded view of the heater, in accordance with
an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 1c illustrates another exploded view of a heater, in accordance
with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a heater, in accordance with
an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the heating assembly, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4a illustrates an exploded view of the anti-scaling device, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig.4b illustrates a cut section view of the anti-scaling device, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0010] Fig. 5a illustrates the perspective view of the retainer ring 412, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0011] Fig. 5b illustrates the perspective view of the magnet 406, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0012] Fig. 5c illustrates the perspective view of the separator 410, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0013] Fig. 5d illustrates the perspective view of the magnet 408, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0014] Fig. 5e illustrates the perspective view of the retainer ring 414, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Various techniques are conventionally employed for preventing scale
formation in fluids. One such technique to prevent scale formation may include softening of water using, for example, Phosphate conditioning, Carbonate conditioning, and Calgon conditioning. In another conventional technique, magnets are used to prevent scaling. The deployment of said magnets takes account of the fact that water is a polar fluid and by exposing the polar fluid with an appropriately focused and sufficiently powerful magnetic field, the surface energy of small particles of impurities can be increased thereby maintaining the size of the particles

to be sufficiently small and leading to higher solubility in water. Accordingly, the tendency of particles or impurities of sufficiently small size to form scales becomes considerably low.
[0016] Conventionally known anti-scaling devices include a magnet which
externally surrounds a fluid duct, such as an inlet pipe. The fluid is routed through the fluid duct and exposed to the surrounding magnet to prevent scaling. For effective operational efficiency of an anti-scaling device and to be able to handle large quantities of fluid, the deployment of a large magnet or at least a number of magnet(s) is recommended, however, the same is subjected to space constraints and the overall weight of the anti-scale device assembly. In the conventional setup of anti-scaling device, the period of contact between the flowing fluid and the magnets therein is not optimized. Furthermore, the conventional anti-scaling devices are not designed to optimize the period of contact between the flowing fluid and magnets therein, therefore, the operational efficiency of conventional anti-scaling devices is low. Therefore, the conventional anti-scaling device(s) are functionally limited in their capability to prevent scaling.
[0017] The present subject matter relates to an anti-scaling device which is
deployed inside a fluid duct. The anti-scaling device is designed to be compact and effective in preventing scaling. The anti-scaling device includes a plurality of magnets which can be deployed in path of fluid flow. According to an aspect, the plurality of magnets within the anti-scaling device are deployed in a manner to be movable according to the fluid flow, thereby allowing more contact area as well as increased contact duration between the flowing fluid and the magnets leading to an effective anti-scaling device. Due to the flexibility of movement of magnets due to fluid flow, the anti-scaling device can operate for life of the system without requiring external sources for energization. The anti-scaling device can be used as a stand-alone device or an integral part of a tubing or any fluid-flow application.
[0018] According to the present example, the anti-scaling device includes a
casing and a mounting shaft disposed along a longitudinal axis of the casing. The magnets in the anti-scaling device are mounted on the mounting shaft in a manner

that leads to their free rotation during the flow of fluid within the fluid duct. In an embodiment, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is in the shape of a vane and is rotated by energy of the flowing fluid impinging thereon so that the energy is effectively converted into rotational movement of the magnets.
[0019] Further, according to an aspect, each magnet of the plurality of
magnets inside the casing is configured to rotate in a direction that is opposite to a direction of rotation of the adjacent magnet. Due to counter rotating movements of the plurality of magnets, the contact duration between the plurality of magnets and the fluid molecules becomes high, resulting in effective anti-scaling operation. In continuation, since the plurality of magnets are moving, the possibility of the plurality of magnets getting jammed inside the anti-scaling device is low. Therefore, the anti-scaling device of the present subject matter requires considerably low maintenance.
[0020] With the flow of fluid, the plurality of magnets in the anti-scaling
device start rotating in opposite direction to the each other. The rotation of plurality of magnets in opposite direction causes a spiral flow of the fluid leading to breakage of the compounds/impurities responsible for scale formation. The rotation of plurality of magnets in the opposite direction creates a magnetic field leading to increase in the surface energy of the small particles and thereby ensuring solubility of the small particles in the fluid to prevent scale formation.
[0021] In addition, the anti-scaling device further includes a separator
disposed in the casing between adjacent magnets of the plurality of magnets. The separator has a plurality of flow-breakers to laminarize fluid flow through the anti-scaling device, thereby preventing energy losses in the fluid flow which may otherwise occur due to turbulence in the flow.
[0022] In an example, the casing of the anti-scaling device may be configured
to act as a magnetic shield. Accordingly, the casing encloses the magnetic field in the specified region and does not allow the magnetic field to propagate outside the anti-scaling device. The shielding effect in the casing is achieved through the nature of material constituting the casing. In an embodiment, the nature of material

constituting the casing may include material with low magnetic reluctance. Therefore, the casing prevents the magnetic field due to the rotating magnets to interfere with the electrical or magnetic fields of other devices in proximity of the anti-scaling device.
[0023] In another example, the casing of the anti-scaling device may be
configured to act as a magnetic shield wherein the plurality of magnets rotate freely inside the casing by the fluid impinging thereon. Furthermore, each of the plurality of magnets may have a curved profile along the direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the casing. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets may be positioned inside the casing to be freely movable and be mirror-image of the adjacent magnet. According to an aspect, each magnet of the plurality of magnets can be configured to move in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the adjacent magnet. Further the anti-scaling device may include the separator disposed in the casing between adjacent magnets. The separators may further include a plurality of flow-breakers to laminarize fluid flow through the anti-scaling device.
[0024] The above aspects are further described in conjunction with the
figures, and in associated description below. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various assemblies that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, may be devised from the description and are included within its scope.
[0025] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a heater 100, in accordance
with an implementation of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the heater 100 may be cylindrical in shape. Further, the heater 100 may include an inlet duct 102 and an outlet duct 104. The anti-scaling device 106 may be mounted anywhere onto the inlet duct 102.
[0026] Fig. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the heater 100, in accordance
with an implementation of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the heater 100 may include an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. In an example, the outer layer maybe an outer casing 108, the middle layer maybe an insulation

layer 110 and the inner layer may be a heater shell 112. Further the heater 100 includes a heating assembly 114.
[0027] Fig. 1C illustrates another exploded view of a heater 100, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the heater 100 may include a heating assembly 114 inside a heater shell 112. The heating assembly 114 may include an inlet duct 102 and an outlet duct 104. In another example, an anti-scaling device 106 may be mounted onto the inlet duct 102. Further the heating assembly 114 includes a heater element 116. In addition, the heating assembly 114 may include a sealing cap 118.
[0028] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a heater 100, in accordance
with an implementation of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, a fluid may enter the heater 100 from the inlet duct 102 and flow through the anti-scaling device 106. In one example, the heater element 116 may heat the fluid flowing in the inlet duct 102 and may exit hot fluid out the heater 100 through the outlet duct 104. In another example, the heater 100 may include an insulating layer 110 which may prevent the heat from escaping the outer casing 108. In another example, the heating assembly 114 may be inside a heater shell 112 which contain the fluid for heating.
[0029] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the heating assembly 114, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the heater element 116 in the heating assembly 114 include heater terminals 302 which connect the heater element 116 to the electrical source. The heating assembly 114 further includes a supporting plate 304 which may support the inlet duct 102 and the outlet duct 104. In an embodiment, the inlet duct 102 may include screw arrangement 306 which connects the anti-scaling device 106 to the inlet duct 102. Further, the inlet duct 102 may include an inlet screw arrangement 308 which connects the inlet of the anti-scaling device 106 with the fluid source.
[0030] Fig. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the anti-scaling device 106, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. In an example, the anti-scaling device 106 may include a casing 402 which may shield the magnetic

effect inside the anti-scaling device 106. Further, the anti-scaling device 106 may include a mounting shaft 404 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the casing 402. In an example, the anti-scaling device 106 may include a plurality of magnets 406 and 408. Although in the figures and the following description, two magnets 406 and 408 are shown, it will be understood that the anti-scaling device 106 can have a plurality of such magnets provided along the mounting shaft 402, for instance, depending on the application for which the anti-scaling device 106 is used and the amount of impurities in the fluid, and various other factors. Further the anti-scaling device 106 may include a separator 410 between the magnets 406 and 408. The anti-scaling device 106 may include retainer rings 412 and 414 at both the ends.
[0031] Fig.4B illustrates a cut section view of the anti-scaling device 106, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. The illustration is according to the components explained in Fig. 4A. The retainer rings 412 and 414 as shown in Fig 5A and Fig 5E may allow free rotation of the mounting shaft 404 hold the components in place. In an example, the magnets 406 and 408 as shown in Fig 5B and Fig 5D may be shaped like vanes. For example, each of the magnets 406 and 408 can have curved profile along a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation as well as along a direction of the axis of rotation. Accordingly, when the fluid in the inlet duct 102 impinges on the magnets 406 and 408, the magnets 406 and 408 may rotate. Further, the curved profile of the vanes of the magnets 406 and 408 may produce more movement for a less amount of fluid flow increasing the magnetic effect.
[0032] Further, as mentioned previously, the magnets 406 and 408 can be
configured to rotate counter clockwise with respect to each other. The flow of fluid through the anti-scaling device 106 leads to rotational movement of the magnet 406. Subsequently, the flowing fluid comes in contact with the separator between the magnets 406 and 408 and the flow of fluid through separator leads to generation of laminar flow within the flow. Thereafter, the fluid impinges on the magnet 408 and leads to counter rotational movement of the magnet 408. The counter-rotating magnets 406 and 408 may increase the contact time between the magnets 406 and

408 and the fluid. In an example, the design of the magnets 406 and 408, and the positioning of the magnets 406 and 408 on the mounting shaft 404 is achieved in a way that the magnets 406 and 408 can rotate in opposite directions. For instance, the magnets 406 and 408 can be installed on the shaft in a way that along the length of the mounting shaft 404, i.e., along the central longitudinal axis of the casing 402, in such a manner that one magnet 406 is a mirror-image of the other magnet 408. In such a position, when the water impinges on the magnets 406 and 408, the two rotate in opposite directions. As a result, the increased contact time between the fluid particles and the magnets 406 and 408 may decrease the particle size and increase the solubility, which prevents scale formation efficiently.
[0033] In one example, the magnets 406 and 408 can be permanent magnets
made of rare earth metals or of any other material. In addition, to prevent the corrosion of the material of the magnets 406 and 408 inside the inlet duct 102, the magnets 406 and 408 can be coated with a protective coating with the appropriate process, such as a polymeric coating or plastic moulding. Such a coating may also prevent the material of the magnets 406 and 408 from entering into the fluid, which may otherwise be detrimental for human use.
[0034] In operation of the anti-scaling device 106, the fluid may enter through
one end of the anti-scaling device 106 and pass through the retainer ring 412. Further, after passing through the first magnet 406 the fluid may pass through the separator 410. The separator 410 as shown in Fig. 5C may include plurality of flow breaker 500 which may cause laminar flow and preventing unwanted energy losses inside the anti-scaling device 106. The flow breaker 500 may assist the second magnet 408 to rotate in the opposite direction to the first magnet 406 by eliminating the swirl effect. Further the fluid may flow through the second magnet 408 and exit the anti-scaling device 106 through the second retainer ring 414. The increased contact time due to the counter rotating magnets 406 and 408 may increase the solubility and decrease the particle size to prevent the scale formation.
[0035] Although examples for the anti-scaling device 106 have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be

understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of the anti-scaling device 106.

I/We Claim:
1. An anti-scaling device (106) for a fluid duct, the anti-scaling device (106)
comprising:
a casing (402);
a mounting shaft (404) disposed along a longitudinal axis of the casing (402);
a plurality of magnets (406 and 408) freely-rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft (404), wherein each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) is shaped as a vane to be rotatable by fluid impinging thereon, each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) configured to rotate in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of an adjacent magnet; and
a separator (410) disposed in the casing (402) between adjacent magnets, wherein the separator (410) comprises a plurality of flow-breakers to laminarize fluid flow through the anti-scaling device (106).
2. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (402) is constituted of material with magnetic shielding property
3. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) has curved profile along a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation as well as along a direction of the axis of rotation.
4. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) appears as a mirror-image of the adjacent magnet positioned along a length of the mounting shaft (404).
5. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of retainer rings (412 and 414), wherein a retainer ring is provided at each terminal of the mounting shaft (404), the retainer rings (412 and 414) supporting the mounting shaft (404) for free-rotatability.

6. An anti-scaling device (106) for a fluid duct, the anti-scaling device (106)
comprising:
a casing (402);
a plurality of magnets (406 and 408) freely-movable inside the casing (402) by fluid impinging thereon, each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) configured to move in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of an adjacent magnet; and
a separator (410) disposed in the casing (402) between adjacent magnets, wherein the separator (410) comprises a plurality of flow-breakers to laminarize fluid flow through the anti-scaling device (106).
7. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the casing (402) is constituted of material with magnetic shielding property
8. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) has curved profile along a direction perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the casing (402) as well as along a direction of the central longitudinal axis of the casing (402).
9. The anti-scaling device (106) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of magnets (406 and 408) appears as a mirror-image of the adjacent