Substrate Modification and Magnetic Water Treatment on the Maintenance of Tunnel Drainage Systems. II: Field Tests

Abstract

As a result of previous laboratory tests suggesting an effect of magnetic fields on the deposition of calcium carbonate, tunnel operators in Seoul, South Korea, assigned three tunnel sites, Namsan #3 tunnel and subway tunnel segments near stations 750 and 542, to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic fields in inhibiting calcium carbonate deposition. Field tests conducted over several months revealed no significant effect from the use of magnets. Observations from one site suggested the use of magnets to be a clogging hazard, as iron compounds would assemble around the magnet. From these results, the application of magnetic fields to inhibit calcium carbonate deposition in tunnel drainage systems is not recommended.