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The device, called Water Energizer, can be fitted within
the inlet valve of the washing machine to treat the incoming
water, and, in turn, reportedly improves the overall performance
of the appliance.
The Water Energizer magnetic water treatment device
from Eco Crystal Private Ltd. can be used in washing
machines, water heaters, and dishwashers.
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The component is currently being used in some front-loading
washing machines in India. Reported advantages of the water
treatment device include the following: a scale-free tub and
heating coil even after prolonged use, without the use of
chemicals to remove the scale; substantial reduction in detergent
and energy consumption; reduced alkalinity of the final rinse
water, confirming reduction in residual detergent in clothes;
clothes feel softer after washing and drying; and an improvement
in wash quality.
According to the company, the advantages are most obvious
when water hardness is more than 7°eH. Kaustav Bhattacharyya,
director of Eco Crystal Private Ltd., explains, "The device
works on the principle of a mineral-magnet combination on
dissolved calcium bi-carbonate in the flowing water. The calcium
particles become more micro-fined than the original and cannot
stick to surfaces. Thus, the tub becomes scale-free."
While research is still being conducted on the effects of
magnetic water, Mr. Bhattacharyya believes that the higher
solvency power and micro crystallization of calcium crystals
of the treated water are the reason for reduction in alkalinity
of the rinse water, resulting in softer clothes, higher foaming,
and less detergent
necessary. "The conclusive experimental data demonstrates
that the reduction of detergent dosage can be achieved without
sacrificing wash quality," he explains. "Hypothetically, there
could also be a possibility of setting the machine at a lower
water consumption rate to save heating energy because of improved
wetting power of the water, depending on the type of program
cycle and water hardness condition."
The device can reportedly be engineered for assembly inside
the washing machine by minor changes in the assembly of the
inlet valve with the detergent box, or it can be mounted as
an attachment to the inlet valve. "A similar device can be
applicable for water boilers and dishwashers," Mr. Bhattacharyya
adds. "The device performs excellent in water heating systems,
making the heating coil absolutely scale-free after a long
period of use. Normally, chemicals are used to descale the
tubes, but this process isn't environmentally friendly. Also,
the tubes can corrode over time, as this needs to be done
periodically."
In the case of a dishwasher, he notes, the advantage is
limited to savings in detergent, unlike the washing machine,
where other benefits are measurable and distinct.
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