A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid
containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are
established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows
so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the
magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually
orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further
processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or
reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be
processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is
suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other
contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally,
the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or
sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may
be collected from ground water.
