MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Do magnets soften water? There is some evidence to suggest that very strong magnetic fields may make it more difficult to for the compounds responsible for water hardness (mainly calcium and magnesium carbonates) to crystallize and form "scale" in water heaters and pipes. There is a lot of garbage pseudo-science on this topic on the web and in the popular press. For real science, check out: The Skeptical Inquirer http://www.csicop.org/si/9801/powell.html Consumer Reports, September 1998 Consumer Reports, February 1996 (You can get these on the web, but you have to pay. Check out your library!) Here are some additional points of view: A plumber's view: http://www.plumbingstore.com/limefighter.html The U.S. Department of Energy also has a lot to say: http://www.pnl.gov/fta/11_non.htm A manufacturer of a competing (electromagnetic) technology weighs in: http://fieldcontrols.com/faqs.html And here's a fan of magnetic water treatment from the San Antonio Express- News: http://www.allwest.net/naturestreatment/articles.html
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