ISSN 1453-0600

ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS Volume 16, Issue 1/2011 ORIGINAL ARTICLE

INFLUENCE OF MAGNETIC OR ELECTRIC ENVIRONMENT ON THE STRUCTURING OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS WITH SALT
Lajos KACS1, Zoltn Istvn MAROSY2, Ion SIMA3
Abstract: According to studies on crystallization of diamagnetic and paramagnetic solutions it has developed a procedure that supports a controlled crystallization process in a variable magnetic field. Other studies on the crystallization of liquid solutions in electric field highlight the ability of applying the wastewater treatment processes. The magnetic technology highlights the ability of solutions to respond to an external magnetic field and has a great variety of answers. But an intense external electric field changes enough structures in a saline solution to be able to notice the arrangement and grouping of crystallization centers. Using two experimental devices manufactured in our laboratory we performed several additional studies. A parallel between the two answers - electrical and magnetic can give us enough clues on how to operate with the matter in order to obtain maximum benefits of technology. Keywords: magnetic field, electric field, aqueous solutions, salt, technology

Experimental hypothesis - crystallization in a magnetic field The influence of magnetic field on some crystallization parameters of zinc sulphate - copper sulphate solutions and water were investigated in a series of experiments by A.M.B. Freitas, and F.J.G. Landgraf, University of Sao Carlos and Technology Research Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The solutions were exposed to magnetic fields with different intensities, up to a maximum of 0.7 T. There were noticed important differences between diamagnetic and paramagnetic solutions, which shows that magnetic field may alter the structure of crystallization of aqueous solutions depending on the material. Similar results were reported the researchers Mitsuo Ataka and Etsuko Kataoh in Japan, with the difference that they used high-intensity magnetic field. Their study is based on the desire to find appropriate ways in which different salts crystallize in a mixture of substances, in order to separate one product from another product. It was found that exposure to such magnetic field increases the MgSO4 nucleation rate. It was also noted that the presence of a magnetic field in a CaCO3 solution supported the formation of precipitation, a decrease of nucleation, crystal growth and changes in the morphology of rainfall.
1

Covasna County Medical Devices Center, Sfantul Gheorghe, Romania, kacsollajos@yahoo.com; 2 Ecological University of Bucharest, Romania, e-mail: marosy.zoltan@gmail.com; 3 Prof., PhD, Lumina University, Bucharest, Romania. 67

e-mail:

Lajos Kacs, Zoltn Istvn Marosy, Ion Sima

According to those studies it was noted that there is not a marked difference between the phenomena of crystallization at 0.3T or 0.7T. The effective presence of magnetic field changes the inner crystalline structure of diamagnetic solutions, but do not act on paramagnetic solutions. This gives us an idea that one can study the phenomena of structuring and layout of aqueous solutions even at low magnetic intensities, highlighting phenomena being important for different substances or other parameters such as time of exposure. Starting from this hypothesis it was developed a working procedure for crystallization of water with 5% salt solution. In order to highlight the concrete way of salt solutions crystallization and at the same time to perceive changes when using of different magnetic environments, a device similar to that of A.M.B. Freitas and F.J.G. Landgraf researchers was used. We have also developed a series of experimental studies to clarify the working features of the device, the limits of perception of the solution used (comparing the frequency used, time and power) as well as the influence of external environment on the final form of salt crystals. Experimental hypothesis - forced crystallization by electric discharge The current study is based on electrical discharges of moderate intensities (approximately 20 kV of applied voltage) between a spark gap and a small volume of 5% saline solution. Interaction between electric discharge and substance generates charged energetic particles (electrons or heavy particles ions), which in turn cause ionizations and excitations around the trajectory of original particle. Linear energy transfer increases as the particle velocity decreases towards the end of the path. Primary electrons dissipate energy in small groups (approximately 102eV), generating secondary electrons. Secondary electrons generate excited molecules and ions over a distance of about 1m around the primary ion. The direction of excitation and orientation depends on reaction rate and characteristics of the solution where is produced lightning. Through various processes of interaction with the substance, the secondary electron beam attenuates its speed as it enters the substance. The types of processes are the scattering and absorption. Scattering can be elastic or inelastic, depending on the collision type that the particle into the beam suffers. Particles completely lose their energy of motion (sometimes totally) by absorbtion, either by a single act of interaction, or by more, causing an exponential action, namely an attenuation map. The pathway length is thus directly proportionate to the initial degree of ionization in the substance, chemical bond type and strength of impact of the electron beam. Early experimental studies of the effects of very high voltage discharges on substances were made by Loeb and Meek (1941). The experimental model allowing the study of discharge forms consisted of a device producing a very high voltage pulse between two electrodes with plane parallel surfaces of 1 cm at a
68

Influence of Magnetic or Electric Environment on the Structure of Aqueous Solutions with Salt

distance of 1 cm. Atmospheric pressure was 760 torr, and the discharge voltage was 31.6 kV. Repeated analysis indicated that using a pulse train of a certain frequency, the voltage at which electric discharge occurs is significantly reduced. By applying an external electric field, reorientation effect in liquid can be achieved. Molecules in the liquid have dipolar momentum which is oriented parallel to the applied electric field. As the molecular dipoles are placed parallel or perpendicular to the axes of the molecules, they have positive or negative dielectric anisotropy; the phenomenon was discovered in 1968 by G. Heilmaier, being called dynamic dispersion, and appears in both DC and AC current. Description of Aqua Magnetic LP 01 device The studying of the A.M.B. Freitas and F.J.G. Landgraf works indicates that the device is relatively simple, with the need for a system of easily controllable electrical signal playback. The work has the following components (fig. 1): a. The TA device - a feeder, contains network transformers for the operation of the device, connected to CR network cable, and CA cable to the AQUA device. It has three fuses to protect the entire assembly, two LEDs (La and Lb) to check empty or load operation, opening and closing switch (Ki). b. The device AQUA is in fact the device for charging the solution from receiver R. It contains the electrical device of apparatus, the two loading coils (B1, B2), and is connected to AC cable, which came from the feeder TA and programming cable CP. c. Container R is pharmaceutical glass of 20 ml, with stopper and brown colored (to protect from light). d. The two coils (B1, B2) are related to the electronic device that generates the magnetic field, coil power being controlled by the RP switch (control power) of the device AQUA. Operation of coils are controlled as the phase shift wave by the switches K1 and K2 for each coil separately. Each switch has one working LED which nominalizes the working in different study specific phase shift, (L1 and L2). e. The CP cable is connected to the control system (SC), which is a computer that generates the working protocol, the electrical signal which generates magnetic field necessary to study the subjected sample.

69

Lajos Kacs, Zoltn Istvn Marosy, Ion Sima

220 V CR
Ki

R SC B1
La Lb

B2

TA

L1

L2 RP K2

Fig.1. Basic layout of the experimental device AQUA LP 01

CA

K1

CP

Description of the PL-01 lightning IKEL device IKEL PL-01 device has two main parts: the high voltage source and the screen able to view electric discharge. The screen is made of two glass surfaces of the same size, between which put 0.9% saline as a leader agent, and a thin layer of copper as electrode. The construction unit of study is simple and allows great freedom of movement. Simplified scheme of the system is shown in fig. 2.

mA

220 V

Fig.2. The schematic diagram of the device IKEL PL-1

The device has the following components: 1. Network Connection Plug; 2. Start / Stop button;
70

Influence of Magnetic or Electric Environment on the Structure of Aqueous Solutions with Salt

3. Input voltage button; 4. Electric discharge button; 5. Voltmeter; 6. Milli-ampermeter; 7. KV voltage regulator; 8. Grounding plug connection and on working screen; 9. Earthen plug spark gap, with polarity (- / +); 10. High-voltage cable for linking to the the spark gap; 11. Spark gap with various forms of peak; 12. Electric discharge between the spark gap and the sample studied; 13. Different samples of water drops for study; 14. Electric discharge of the sample studied; 15. Glass slide on which a drop of solution studied is arranged. 16. Protective screen made of glass, Plexiglas etc. 17. Material that sealed the middle of the screen where is filled with saline water for electric potential distribution; 18. Screen Protectors at the bottom; 19. Saline solution as the leading agent of electric potential; 20. Anode; generally link to the ground. Material of Study Studies have focused on highlighting the differences in the crystallization of water solution with salt (5-10% NaCl) under static magnetic field and lightning. This w ay it has been studied following types of solutions: a. Control - distilled water with salt, denoted ADS, kept in 100 ml pharmaceutical glass; b. Sample 1 - distilled water with salt, subjected to a weak intensity of magnetic field, crystallized (ADM noted), kept in Petri dish with a diameter of 90 mm; c. Sample 2 - distilled water with salt subjected to electrical discharges of medium intensity, crystallized (ADE noted, stored on the pharmaceutical-type blades 15 x 70 mm. Method study for samples of 5% salt water in a magnetic field Aqueous salt solution is loaded into the AQUA for a specified time, and then using graduated pipettes four drops of this solution are drained in Petri dishes. Then they are dried to a constant temperature of 30C. The final study is based on observation through the microscope of the crystallization pattern of salt solutions.

71

Lajos Kacs, Zoltn Istvn Marosy, Ion Sima

Study method for 5-10% salt water samples subjected to electrical discharge An ADS sample is placed on a glass slide using graduated pipette. The amount of sample is between 0.01 and 0.02 ml. Sample is placed the slide on the table of IKEL device and an electrical discharge of about 15 to 20 kV is triggered. The pulse train is kept for 5-10 seconds, while the water evaporates and in force crystallized salt remains on the slide. The analysis is done through a microscope. Highlighting the results through a microscope Final analysis for of WMD and ADE samples is made by the means of a microscope and digital camera. The 4x, 10x and 10x eyepiece microscope facilities were used for viewing and studying. The system is equipped with a minicamera with a PC specialized software, being used Ulead Video 7 SE program. Mini-camera has the ability to make pictures at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. The digital magnifying capacity is 10x zoom, keeping 4x or 10x objectives. In conclusion, the actual magnifying of salt crystals in this study was conducted between 40x (for the 4x objective) and 100x (for 10x objective) digital and optical, but enough to reveal the effective characteristics of shape and structure. To record the result of observation it has not been applied other forms than those provided by digital camera to imaging, while maintaining maximum brightness offered. Study on the crystallization process of a solution of distilled water and 5-10% salt, in neutral medium in terms of electric and magnetic The first session of the study aimed to highlight how the crystallization occurs in a neutral environment. We have recorded these forms of crystallization to create a studying base. Distilled water has a special crystallization. It meets the specific cubic form and successive layers are distinguished very difficult (fig. 3 a, b and c). They seem to be compact and sometimes bright sides, a pattern which gives crystals fine features. Their shape and arrangement are refined structure and without mistakes. At most crystals peaks of the bases can be seen.

(a (b (c Fig. 3. Crystallization solution of distilled water and 5% neutral salt in terms of electric and magnetic. Photos by the microscope, enlargement 100 x

72

Influence of Magnetic or Electric Environment on the Structure of Aqueous Solutions with Salt

Highlighting differences in crystalline structure of water with salt solutions in static magnetic field For the next study was considered a sample of distilled water with 5% salt in a static magnetic field of 0.5 mT.

(c (b (a Fig. 4. Crystallization of distilled water solution with salt 5% under static magnetic. Photos by the microscope, enlargement 100 x

Both neutral and magnetic environment environment is specific cubic shape of crystallization, with straight edges and size of crystals as large as about 0.7 - 1 mm for one side of the base of crystallization (higher than in neutral medium crystallization). The structured salt crystals in a magnetic field (ADM) has a significant difference between the linking areas in the crystals - called amorphous zone. Inside the whole mass is formed structures that are like the branch of a tree and shows a visual diversity (fig. 4 a, b and c). All non-crystallizable amorphous mass of ADM is ordered and arranged to shape of tree branch. Is there a permanent connection between two crystals and it was noticed that if crystallization was made in a South magnetic field, there are often areas of specific fractal arrangement without being tied to a specific crystallization center (fig. 5 b and c), which is not noted where crystalline structures of ADM loaded in Northern static magnetic field (fig. 5).

(c (b (a Fig. 5. Crystallization of distilled water and 5% salt solution under static magnetic field. Salt structures formed in the North magnetic field (a) are different from the arrangement in South magnetic field (b and c). Photos by the microscope, zoom 40 x

The crystalline structuring of water salt solutions through electric discharge Using the experimental device IKEL we have conducted a series of experiments by various lightning. Experimental outcomes indicated that the
73

Lajos Kacs, Zoltn Istvn Marosy, Ion Sima

phenomenon of electric discharge occurs starting from 9 kV. The acqueous solution is spread on the plate surface, allowing different forms of structured deposits. According to the theory of electrical discharge in liquid, the ions in solution tend to be oriented in the direction of electric current flow, thereby generating lines of crystallization (fig. 6).

(a

(b

(c

Fig. 6. Crystallization of distilled water and 5% salt solution after a lightning Photos by the microscope, zoom 40 x

Also in areas that small electrical discharge was triggered, crystallization of cubical shape can appear, with small semi-cristallized debris around. Crystal dimensions vary little. One can observe the brightness and random ordering of the structured forms (fig. 6 b). Between those two areas there is an area distinguished by the fact that the shift of crystallization forms not strictly comply with specific cubic form in fig. 6c, and while the directions of electric discharge are not well ordered and parallel as can be seen in fig. 6a. There are several ways to download and crystalline forms are elongated, forming multiple links between them (fig. 6b). Through repeated studies, analyzing the relationship between the concentration of salt in water solution, the terminal voltage and exposure time, provides a transition between the two areas where the relationship forms between cubic crystals to grow significantly.

(b (a (c Fig. 7. Different stages in the crystallization of solution 10% salt in distilled water and from a lightning Photos by the microscope, enlargement 100 x

For the beginning, the transition from elongated forms without central crystal to germination crystal structure is achieved as shown in Fig. 6c (Fig. 7a). Analysis of samples with discharge at higher voltages (of the order of 16 to 20 kV) having a higher concentration of saline solution (approximately 10%) and an exposure time of about 10-15 seconds, shows that the shapes may vary
74

Influence of Magnetic or Electric Environment on the Structure of Aqueous Solutions with Salt

sufficiently hard to find an optimal (fig. 7b). Finally, by combining the three variables it was find the exact distribution of these parameters for the remaining shape after the electric discharge is presented as in fig.7c. As illustrated cubic crystal is clean, whole, without breaks or disharmonious increases, showing a significant increase in the area that contained the form of "tree branch." The forms are diverse and show that ions in solution have sufficient energy to create lines of orientation and structuring, but not large enough to create new germs of crystallization. Comparing the results between crystallisation in magnetic medium and electrical discharge The pattern of crystallization for water solutions with salt in different environments - magnetic and electric - shows, for an optimal measure, similar forms. According to surveys by the two experimental systems, AQUA for the magnetic structuring and IKEL - for analysis of electric discharges in liquids, we can see that the growth directions of crystallization forms comply with a certain pattern. This is due to specific properties of salt solution. Unless significant differences between the sizes of the crystals, can easily notice the structural similarities (Fig. 8 and 9).

Fig. 8. Crystallizing of 10% salt solution in distilled water from a lightning Photos by the microscope, enlargement 100 x

Fig. 9. Crystallizing 5% salt solution in distilled water under static magnetic field. Photos by the microscope, zoom 40 x

One can notice the increase of arrangement forms in non-crystallized areas under electrical discharges, by increasing the exposure time and at a lower voltage. Crystallization under magnetic field indicates an increase of exposure time without increasing the magnetic field strength. When lightning, the variation forms is greater even if a small change in a working voltage. In the case of crystallization under magnetic field one noted any significant differences at higher magnetic field variations. The differences arise because orientation in magnetic field is achieved only if the ions in solution are free and in constant motion.
75

Lajos Kacs, Zoltn Istvn Marosy, Ion Sima

Conclusions 5% NaCl solution in water activelly meets an external magnetic field. Even if the field strength is 0.5 mT we can say that there are changes in internal structure, that can be seen under a microscope. According to studies by A.M.B. Freitas and F.J.G. Landgraf, crystallization in solutions is very similar for large modifications in the magnetic field as well. The same result was also noted in the experiments of the current study. The presence of even weaker magnetic field has changed significantly the inner organization in the saline solution studied. The structuring of 10% NaCl solution in distilled water under electric discharge presents a similar behavior as in the case of magnetic field. There are notable differences in the size of crystals. In the case of crystals grown in a magnetic field the size of the base is about 1 mm. Under electrical discharge the size of the basic crystal does not exceed 0.01 mm. Discharges ranged from 15 to 25 kV. Over this voltage discharges distorted too much salt crystals and observations had no basis of comparison with the structures resulting from crystallization under magentic field. Studies developed in our country are in the direction of research designed to discover the mechanism of self-structuring, where we consider we can bring a significant contribution. A first step in this direction is to use a simple and effective way to purify waste water, thereby improving the classical methods of industrial water ecology. REFERENCES
[1] [2] [3] Dumitrescu, I. FL., Electronography, electro methods in biology, Scientific and Encyclopedic Publishing House, Bucharest, 1979; E. Usher, Encyclopedia of Chemistry, Scientific and Encyclopedic Publishing House, Bucharest, 1983; Freitas, AMB; Landgraf, FJG; Nvlt, J., Giulietti, M., Influence of Magnetic Field on the Kinetics of Crystallization of Inorganic Salts diamagnetic and paramagnetic, Crystal. Res. Technol. Nr. 34, p. 1239-1244, 1999; Jantsch, Lorentz, Chemical Physics, Chemical and Instrumental Analysis, Academic Direct Publishing House, Bucharest, ISBN 973-86211-7-8, 2004; Nenitescu, C.D., General Chemistry, Didactic and Pedagogic Publishing House, Bucharest, 1972; S.M. Grimes, Magnetic field effect on crystals, Tube International March, 1988; Wichmann, E.H., Quantum Physics, Vol. IV, Didactic and Pedagogic Publishing House, Bucharest, 1983.

[4] [5] [6] [7]

76