Beyond Salts: Innovations in Reducing the Viscosity of Water

Introduction

Water is a fundamental substance, widely used in various applications including industrial processes, food preparation, and everyday domestic use. However, in certain scenarios, the viscosity of water can be a limiting factor. Reducing water viscosity can enhance many practical and industrial processes. In this article, we explore alternative substances that can be added to water to reduce its viscosity. Unlike salts, which are common but not the only option, several other materials can achieve the desired effect. Additionally, we will discuss a novel multi-step process that further lowers the viscosity of water without the use of salts.

Substances to Reduce Water Viscosity

There are various substances beyond salts that can be added to water to reduce its viscosity:

Alcohols: Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol have lower viscosities than water, providing a straightforward method for reducing the viscosity of water. Surfactants: Examples include detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and surfactants like Tween 20. These substances can lower the surface tension and viscosity of water, making it a less viscous solution. Glycerol: While glycerol is more viscous than water when mixed in small amounts, it can reduce the overall viscosity of a solution when used in appropriate concentrations. Hydrocarbons: Light oils and organic solvents like hexane can effectively reduce the viscosity of water when added, although solubility may be an issue. Polymers: Low-concentration polymers like polyethylene glycol can help reduce the viscosity when dissolved in water, depending on the concentration. Acids or Bases: Substances such as acetic acid and sodium hydroxide can alter the ionic strength of the solution, potentially affecting viscosity.

When experimenting with these substances, it is essential to consider their compatibility with water and the potential for chemical reactions. It is also important to adhere to safety guidelines and regulations for the use of these materials.

Russian Patent 0936188 A1: A Unique Method for Reducing Water Viscosity

While conventional methods may involve mixing in lower viscous materials, EP 0936188 A1, a Russian patent application, describes an innovative process for reducing water viscosity without using salts. The process involves a multi-step method wherein each step yields a product with a lower viscosity than the previous one.

The first step of the process does not involve electrolytes or salts but rather involves the passage of an electric current through water. This step initially reduces the viscosity of the water. Subsequently, the water is subjected to a series of batch energizer reactors. These reactors irradiate the water with far-infrared light, each with a specific resident time period. The result is a series of increasingly less viscous water solutions, as the process moves through each reactor.

Importantly, the method does not solely rely on physical mixing but also includes a non-physical method of lowering viscosity, such as irradiation with far-infrared light. The key advantage of this method is that it can be applied multiple times to achieve a desired level of viscosity reduction.

Applications and Conclusion

The applications for water with reduced viscosity are vast and varied, impacting virtually any application where water is used. When the viscosity is reduced, it can enhance the efficiency and performance in fields such as chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food production. Additionally, reduced viscosity water may offer improved conductivity, better heat transfer, and enhanced solubility.

In conclusion, while salts are commonly used to reduce the viscosity of water, there are numerous alternative substances and methods available. The multi-step process described in the patent EP 0936188 A1 provides a novel approach to achieving the same result without the use of salts. By understanding and exploring these options, industries and individuals can optimize their processes and achieve better results.