the Zeta Rod™ story

Zeta Corporation was founded in 1994 to continue development of commercial and industrial applications of the Zeta Rod™, and the Company now clearly holds the lead in the science, technology, and application of electronic fluid treatment systems.

The story of the development of the Zeta Rod goes back to 1990. That year, in parallel with his doctoral studies at the University of Arizona, Dr. Michael Pitts experimented with high voltage electrostatic fields as a means of preventing the formation of costly sludge deposits in the solvent extraction process for copper production. Although full-scale trials were successful, the durability, reliability, and power of the equipment available at that time limited the prospects for engineering commercially successful applications.

Over the next several years, space-age materials were combined with down-to-earth engineering know-how to create the Zeta Rod™, a vitrified ceramic (similar to the material used in the tiles that provide heat shielding for the space shuttle) electrode capable of holding an extremely high voltage electrostatic charge.

In January 1997 a US patent was awarded to Dr. Pitts for his unique design and the work substantiating the effectiveness of the electrode.

The introduction of the Zeta Rod™ marked the first application of electronic treatment technology into high volume flows of industrial cooling water, process fluids in pulp & paper, metal working and glass production, membrane separations, and beverage and food production, and represents the first major advance in water treatment technology in 30 years.