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| MUSSELS IN PIPE |
INTRODUCTION
The invasion of many non-indigenous species to the Great Lakes and beyond has not caused the massive economic and investment of time to the extent of the zebra mussel. Management of this nuisance is accomplished mostly by a combination of chemical and on-chemical applications. Though successful, the monetary expensive seems trivial hen environmentally concerned communities are slowly convincing the government to phase out the use and manufacture of certain toxic chemicals. The progressive route in managing nuisance organisms actually may employ a reformative approach to control. Living organisms, specifically zebra mussels, can be controlled by purely physical methods. The effectiveness of magnetic fields on fluids have been debated, though, are known to change the way crystals form in fluids [Freidel, 1950; Craine, 1984; Busch et al, 1986]. When used as the effective agent in water conditioning devices, such as those employed to retard or prevent scale formation in industrial boiler operations, magnetic fields alter the size of crystals, usually making them smaller, with the effect that the precipitation of insoluble salts may either be inhibited or eliminated entirely [Freidel, 1950; Craine, 1984; Busch et al, 1986; Donaldson and Grimes, 1988]. Although the embryos of this technology extend as far back as 1918 [F. Ehrenhaft, 1918], the phenomenon still is not well understood at the level of basic science. There are, however, numerous publications describing effective and useful applications in both industry [Donaldson and Grimes, 1988; Busch et al, 1986]. Of what is known, primarily from industrial experimentation, magnetic water treatment alters the inorganic chemistry of the calcium ion. Since the availability of calcium is a prime factor regulating zebra mussel growth and metabolism [Tippit, 1993], it was probable that magnetic water treatment of water in which zebra mussels were living also might impact on the biology of these mollusks.
The Zebra Mussel has become one of the most devastating and costly of the non-indigenous mollusk's invasions into US waters. Since its spread throughout the freshwater waterways in the eastern US (coming from European ballast water in shipping), densities have been reported as high as 700,000 per square meter. They form like rock onto water intake pipes, water filtration and electric generating plants. An estimated $3 billion is spent annually for control and cleaning of zebra mussels.
The damage that they are creating has never seen a parallel in regards to clogging intakes and now the shutting down of entire factories, power houses, and city water supplies.
Solutions To The Problem: In 1990 Acme Aqua. International L.L.C. began a research project that today offers a non-chemical solution to Zebra Mussel control. Through on-site case studies at factories, such as United States Steel Co., and research studies at Purdue University and the Department of Natural Resources, Acme Aqua. International L.L.C. has proven that the Electric Magnetic King does effectively control Zebra Mussel Infestation. With a VEM unit installed they are not able to develop a shell. The existing shell also dissolves and they die from exposure. Most important, baby zebra mussels cannot form shell and die. In addition to eliminating zebra mussels you will also incure several other time and money saving benefits by using the VEM.
Principles of Operation: The biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetism are well documented. ELF magnetism affects the binding and transport of ions such as calcium within the cells and tissue. The physical mechanisms of ELF magnetism with living tissues is the induction of weak electrical currents which influences proper cellular function in Zebra Mussels. For the mussels, exposure to electromagnetically charged water increases calcium loss at a greater rate than the mussels can absorb calcium, resulting in a net loss of this important mineral. ELF magnetism inhibits the ability for Zebra Mussels to assimilate calcium. Theoretically, closed-shell molecules such as water have all their electrons paired and consequently, these substances do not behave like a magnet substance such as iron. However, a magnetic field does distort the electron density distribution of electrons of molecules like water. This will make water a better solvent for substances like calcium carbonate by increasing the bonding between water and the calcium such that the Zebra Mussel can no longer sense the mineral. This accounts for the net calcium loss.
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Availability: VEM are available for pipe of any kind installations. Many sizes are in stock and ready for immediate shipment. Those that are not in stock will generally have approximately a two weeks shipment time.
Labor: Chemical treatment requires continuous monitoring, adjusting feed, servicing of feed equipment, handling, and extensive water testing required to maintain proper water chemistry.
Safety: Safety is the most feared part of using chemical treatment in water systems. There have been many cases of severely burned hands, arms, and faces of persons handling chemicals.
The VEM System requires no chemicals.
Places to use: The VEM System for Zebra Mussel control can be used in any water system. The places of use range from 21 foot main water intakes (or larger), to actually putting the cell into a process water pipe line as small as ?”. The VEM System works in any size water system no matter what the size. Each system is designed to fit the need.
Space: The VEM System requires little room for installation since the entire cell is placed directly into the water line, requiring only electrical service.
Continuous Treatment: The VEM system operates automatically, 24 hours a day with no assistance or monitoring.
Expenditure: You can normally own an VEM System for less than it costs to operate a chemical system for one year.
OEM Services: Acme Aqua. International L.L.C. maintains a qualified engineering staff experienced in assisting staff engineers in solving their Zebra Mussel problems.
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