Plate Conditioning with a +10n- Plate Brick

I conducted plate conditioning with a +10n- plate brick. I was after conditioned plates, while at the same time I wanted to see what would happen with this particular setup. I estimated that I would have 12/11= 1.09 volts across the plate gaps. Unfortunately I must have placed the plates too close together.





Otherwise the brown particulate occurred as normal.

Observational Electrolyte Test Series Summary

The Observational Electrolyte Test Series was intended to provide a body of work where the electrolytes were subjected to cooking, mostly by way of just two plates. The results were then observed and recorded. The primary intent was to observe particulate and scum formation along with additional data as it was observed. While I attempted an observational assessment of gas production, it was not a parameter or goal of the test.

To date I've tested the following electrolytes.

• Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
  
• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
  
• Vinegar(CH₃COOH)
  
• CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust Cleaner, proprietary mix)
  
• Baking Soda (NaHCO₃)
  
• Baking Soda/Vinegar (NaHCO₃/CH₃COOH)
  
• Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O)
  
• Sea Salt/Sodium Silicate (NaCl)
  
• Calcium Hydroxide (CaOH)
  
• Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO₄·H₂O)
  
• Borax (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O)
  
• Kool-Aid (Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, others)
  

I note that for the purposes of this test, there were three classifications of effect and two that I recorded. Particulate is the formation of solids in the electrolyte, usually brown. Particulate usually settles on the bottom after testing with the exception of vinegar. Scum is the formation of a surface viscus mass that interferes with bubbles bursting. Scum does not seem to have a color of it's own and usually dissolves back into the water within a few minutes of electrolysis. Foam is similar to scum in the interference of bubble bursting, but without direct observation of a substance on the surface. Foam usually lingers on the surface for awhile after electrolysis. Foam measurements were not taken, but foam formation did cause me to abort the CLR test.

I determined early on that using distilled water or reverse osmosis purified water has by far the least effect on particulate formation. This in turn causes me to assert that ordinary tap water with high mineral content should be avoided when performing electrolysis. Softened water is also better than plain tap water, but is still second to distilled or reverse osmosis purified water.

Despite some inconsistencies in the tests these are the results. I may add tests to this series but felt there was enough of a body of work to produce a summary.





I also note that compounds containing Magnesium or Calcium should be avoided as they leave hard water deposits on the container and plates.

NOTE: Wear hearing protection when igniting a foam buildup!!! Igniting foam makes a sound at least as loud as a high caliber rifle or shotgun.

Observational Electrolysis Test using Potassium Hydroxide

I conduct an observational electrolysis test using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the electrolyte and observe the results.



My Observations

1 The electrolyte particulates out about 3/16Th of an inch before the test begins.

2. Brown particulate forms about 1/4 inch during the test.

3. Foam forms on the surface and stays there during the test.

4. Gas production is quite good.

5. Some brown particulate makes its way into the foam. It doesn't appear to be of the scum variety.

6. I used quite a bit less KOH in this test than the electrolytes in other tests.

7. I suspect my batch of KOH is an inferior grade.

Electrolytes & Electrolyte Testing Articles

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Previous: Grape Kool-Aid Long Term Particulate Comparison Test

Hydrogen Facts and Figures

I went out on a quest to gather bits and pieces of information I felt was relevant to Hydrogen Gas as produced during electrolysis of water. This is by no means a complete list, it is rather a collection of pertinent facts I felt were relevant to the electrolysis of water and the subsequent handling of the gas. As such this list will likely change as I gain knowledge on the subject.

Hydrogen Facts and Figures

Represented in the Periodic Table by the symbol H.

Has atomic weight of 1.

Has one proton and one electron.

Sometimes has one or two neutrons.

Atomic mass of 1.00974 amu

Is the lightest of elements, and the most common, comprising 75% of the mass of the known universe and 90% of all atoms.

Almost never found in its free state on Earth.

Largest industrial uses are fossil fuel upgrading also known as hydro-cracking among others and ammonia production for fertilizer.

Hydrogen is classified as a flammable gas and will react with any of a host of oxidizers. Notably, Air, Chlorine, Florine, Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Oxygen.

Hydrogen can violently and spontaneously react with Chlorine and Florine at room temperature.

Hydrogen will burn at approximately 4% concentration in air and the upper limit is approximately 75% concentration in air. EngineeringToolbox.com has a comparison of the different flammable gases.

Hydrogen will ignite at 560 degrees Celsius or 1040 degrees Fahrenheit. The hydrogen ignition temperature behaves on a curve where the ignition temperature actually is lower at lower concentrations and will ignite as low as 910F at 8-15% volume in air. At concentrations similar to those found in electrolysis, the heat ignition point is about 1080F.
See Hydrogen Leakage Detection & Safety, Jones, Pg 16

Hydrogen burns with oxygen in the ultraviolet range making the flame nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Hydrogen has two different types of diatomic molecules that are identified by the spin of their nuclei. The excited state orthohydrogen forms about 25 percent of hydrogen gas at standard temperature and pressure while parahydrogen makes up the rest.

Hydrogen has an adiabatic flame temperature in air of 3712.73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hydrogen has a flame quenching distance of approximately .3mm and a mesh engineered to less than this distance will prevent flame propagation. This distance is equal to .01181 In or about 3/256th of an inch(.01172In). This is in the same range as the diameter of a human hair. Reference

According to testing done by Dr William Rhodes, the flame propagation rate of ducted Hydrogen-Oxygen gas is 8160 feet per second or approximately Mach 7.5.

Facts and Figures Articles

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Introducing the Rotameter

I went out on Ebay and acquired a Rotameter to measure my gas production with. While using pop bottles is a cheap way of doing so, I wanted to be able to monitor the gas flow more often to see if there is a distinct correlation between heat, current and gas production. Measuring once in a while with a bottle doesn't really do that, without making a mess of course.

The answer was the Rotameter. This one had too much capacity for the current projects, but I was able to get another tube with the capacity range I'm likely to see for now. Even with the second tube I paid less than retail for the whole rig.

Sweet!

Gadgets & Gizmos Articles

Next: Rotameter Box Schematic Diagrams
Previous: Receiving and Setting up a Scan Gauge II

Overnight Observational Test with Grape Kool-Aid

I was impressed with the Kool-Aid as an electrolyte so I decided to let the test run overnight. In the morning Cinderella had a pumpkin. Darn.





My Observations

1. The electrolyte clouds up overnight.

2. The plates had a brown patina that took awhile to remove in the CLR.

3. No noted corrosion on the plates.

4. After settling, the particulate was about 3/4" deep.

Electrolytes & Electrolyte Testing Articles

Next: Grape Kool-Aid Long Term Particulate Comparison Test
Previous: Observational Electrolyte Test with Grape Kool-Aid

Observational Electroyte Test with Grape Kool-Aid

Nope. Not a joke. I conduct an observational electrolyte test using grape Kool-Aid. For short tests, it really appears to work.





My Observations

1. Gas production is moderate

2. the mix clears up and becomes a brownish-purple at test end.

3. No significant particulates are observed. (Wait for the overnight test on this).

Electrolytes & Electrolyte Testing Articles

Next: Overnight Observational Electrolyte Test with Grape Kool-AidPrevious: Precipitate Comparison Test; Borax and Sea Salt with Calcium Silicate

Proposed Electrolysis Suplementation System Diagram

I was playing around with Visio yet again and came up with a proposed electrolysis supplementation system. There's more I could add, but this diagram is plenty busy.

Documentation & Terminology Articles

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Previous: Plate Configuration Nomenclature 101

Initial Electrolysis Test with a 12VDC Neon Sign Transformer

I conduct an initial test with a sign transformer and get disappointed with the results.





I have two ideas on how to proceed

1. Adjust the plate gap closer, probably 1 millimeter apart.

2. Add capacitance to the circuit in some way.

High Voltage Articles

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Observational Electrolyte test using Ferrous Sulfate

I conduct an observational electrolyte test using ferrous sulfate and observe the results.





My Observations

1. The mixture starts out a cloudy orangish brown.

2. if allowed to sit for a short period a film develops on the surface.

3. After only 30 seconds a bluish green particulate begins to form.

4. The blue-green particulate tends to float and form a scum.

5. After 6-10 minutes the blue-green particulate changes color to orange-brown and begins to sink.

6. The cloudy aspect of the mixture clears up after 5 minutes or so as the particulates begin to appear.

7. Particulates settle throughout the test eventually building to one inch in the bottom after an hour.

8. after an hour or so a slight odor is noticeable.

9. The negative side plate accumulates a dark deposit similar to magnesium sulfate, but in slightly larger quantity.

Electrolytes and Electrolyte Testing Articles

Next: Particulate Comparison Test, Borax and Sea Salt with Calcium Silicate
Previous: After Electrolysis Observations; Sea salt & Calcium Silicate

After Electrolysis Observations; Sea Salt & Calcium Silicate

I make some significant observations regarding sea salt and calcium silicate.





My Observations

1. The amount of particulate is extreme and has a dark almost black appearance.

2. CLR does NOT cleanup the plates worth a darn.

3. The Positive(?) plate is eroded pretty badly. The erosion is most notable along the plate edges and pitting pretty bad on the side of the plate facing the negative plate.

4. The gunk even blackens the CLR.

5. The temperature electrode was pitted as well.

6. I suspect if there ever was a candidate for Cr(VI) or Hexavalent Chromium reduction, this sample is it. The mere evidence of erosion of one of the plates is proof enough that there is significant chromium in the particulate.

Electrolyte & Electrolyte Testing Articles

Related: Precipitate Comparison Test; Borax and Sea Salt with Calcium Silicate
Next: Observational Electrolyte Test Using Ferrous Sulfate
Previous: Observational Electrolysis Test Using Sea Salt

Safety Info on Four Inch PVC Pipe

I went down to the plumbing supply house today and rounded up some info on 4 inch PVC pipe that I believe folks ought to know.





What I learned is:

1. There are more types of PVC pipe than you may suspect.

2. I know of three schedules: Sched 20, Sched 40, and Sched 80.

3. Sched 20 has 1/8" sidewall on 4 inch pipe. Sched 40 has 1/4" sidewall. Sched 80 has to be ordered(at least at the business I went to) so the sidewall thickness couldn't be checked.

4. There are at least two types of core: foam core and solid core. The foam core is NOT able to withstand pressure. If you buy pipe and see bubbles inside the cut end it is not worth a hill of beans as a container.

5. Pipe that does not have a pressure rating is not suitable to withstand pressure. The pressure rating is found just after the SCHED rating.

6. The plumbing supply house "might" cut the length you want, but SCHED 40 solid core pressure rated PVC pipe only arrives in 20 foot lengths. That means you are looking at 45-50 Dollars in outlay for a container that is about 8-10 inches long. Yikes!

UPDATED: More Info on PVC pipe

7. Great link on PVC pipe pressure ratings: Engineeringtoolbox.com. I note that the pressure rating on this site is noticably lower than the pressure rating of the pipe I bought. This is due to the figures being the industry standard. Individual pipe manufacturers are likely to exceed these numbers and will state so on thir product if they do. If not then go with the industry standard.

8. PVC pipe derates to 20 percent at 140F and long term failure occurs above that. Check the link at Engineeringtoolbox.com.


I think this means PVC pipe should be abandoned and move to one of the other plastic pipe materials unless a non-heat environment can be achieved. According to the charts, PB and PEX perform the best in heat conditions, but have about 40 percent of the strength of PVC. CPVC performs marginally better with heat, but has the same strength properties as PVC.

Thanks to commenters for the additional data and links!

Observational Electrolysis Test Using Sea Salt

I conduct a observational electrolysis test using sea salt with calcium silicate(yes, that's what the box states is in it) and observe the results.

I don't recommend anyone duplicating this test because Chlorine gas can be produced by the test.



My Observations

1. Good gas production is observed.

2. Holy cow! enough particulate to clog a landfill! Now if that ain't a bucket of mud I don't know what is!

3. Needless to say there's no need to recommend San Fransisco Bay Sea Salt as an electrolyte!

Electrolytes & Electrolyte Testing Articles

Next: After Electrolysis Observations; Sea Salt & Calcium Silicate
Previous: Observational Electrolyte Test using Borax

Adjusted Concentration for Calcium Hydroxide Electrolyte Test

I conduct a second test using Calcium Hydroxide as the electrolyte. The concentration this time was 1/4 teaspoon per gallon.




My Observations

1. The gas production is moderate at best.

2. there are very low levels of particulate when compared to 1 teaspoon per gallon.

3. The amperage is very low indicating the electrolyte could be in stronger concentration, but the cost of doing so may be to filter out the white particulate before use.

4. There is a considerable amount of scum that forms at this concentration. It may dissipate over time, but did not do so in the hour and 45 minutes I ran the test.

Electrolytes & Electrolyte Testing Articles

Next: Calcium Hydroxide Electrolyte After Test Observations
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Particulate Comparison Between Magnesium Sulfate and Baking Soda

I compare the water samples from electrolysis testing between Magnesium Sulfate and Baking Soda. There's clearly more particulate from the Magnesium Sulfate.





My Observations

1. It occured to me that many electrolytes are producing particulate, so I wonder if they can be rendered suitable in combinations like baking soda and vinegar can.

Demo Incorporating an On-On Switch in an Electrolysis Circuit

I demonstrate how an On-On switch can be incorporated into an electrolysis circuit on a car to provide control over the electrolysis while continuing to allow the oil pressure sensor to do it's job of monitoring the engine oil pressure.



The Schematic should help those that need a piece of paper to see how it works.



The On-ON switch I used can be found at Unicorn Electronics

Electrolysis Test with Calcium Hydroxide

I conduct an electroysis test with calcium hydroxide (lime) in reverse osmosis purified water.




My Observations

1. Calcium Hydroxide does not readily disolve in water.

2. The one tablespoon per gallon used creates a lot of white precipitate.

3. Heating or standing may allow more to dissolve.

4. Remaining precipitate should be filtered before using

5. Foam forms near the beginning of the test but dissipates between 40 and 60 minutes into the test.

6. Brown particulate forms in considerable quantities and forms larger flakes than other tests.

7. Good gas production is observed.

Demonstrate Using an Oil Pressure Sensor to Control Electrolysis

I perform a demonstration of how an oil sensor can be used to control electrolysis.





The results show the idiot light type of sensor is suitable for use as a switch to control electrolysis

Electrolysis Test Using Magnesium Sulfate

I conducted electrolysis testing using magnesium sulfate(Epsom Salts) as the eletrolyte and observed the results.



My Observations

1. The scum is must likely caused by the magnesium.

2. The scum builds for arround 40 minutes and then seems to dissipate around 50% towards the end of the test.

3. The brown particulate forms in the highest quantity to date.

4. Bubble formation seems to be good for the concentration and amperage

Observations of Electrolyzed Vinegar After Settling

I make some quick observations of vinegar after settling for a day and a half.





My Observations:

Pure vinegar remains cloudy(about like grapefruit juice) after one and a half days.

Some white/chalky particulate settled to the bottom. The volume of the settled substance was similar to the baking soda and vinegar recipe I tried earlier.

The plates have some white substance on them, about like the brown particulate found on the plates after Sodium Hydroxide and also Baking Soda.

CLR removes the white substance, but about half as fast as the brown particulate.