Date on Master's Thesis

5-2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M. Eng.

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair

Williams, Stuart J.

Committee Member

Brehob, Ellen G.

Committee Member

McGinley, William M.

Author's Keywords

limescale; hard water; electric field water treatment; non-chemical water treatment

Abstract

Water containing high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, is known as hard water, which is commonly found across the world due to calcium’s abundance in the earth’s crust. Hard water can lead to calcium carbonate buildup (also referred to as limescale) that reduces flow, clogs pipes, and lowers heat exchanger efficiency, all of which can drive up costs. This work evaluated two commercially available chemical-free treatment devices from HydroFLOW USA LLC, called the Pearl Plus and s38 devices. These electromagnetic devices are designed to alter calcium carbonate crystal structure, potentially reducing the amount of calcium carbonate buildup and/or making it easier to remove. A custom flow loop circulated 9.0 liters of hard water (400 mg/l CaCO3) at 2.3 GPM through an electric heater set to 120 °F (48.9 °C). Water chemistry data was collected before and after trials (hardness, pH, conductivity, TDS, and alkalinity). The heating elements that were treated and untreated were compared using a custom 3-D printed scrape test, SEM imaging, and XRD analysis. A filter was introduced into the system to capture suspended calcium carbonate crystals. The results indicate that electromagnetic treatment modifies limescale properties, offering an effective approach to managing calcium carbonate buildup in water systems.

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