Electrolysis: processes – compositions used therein – and methods – Electrolytic synthesis – Preparing nonmetal element
Patent
1995-10-10
1998-01-27
Valentine, Donald R.
Electrolysis: processes, compositions used therein, and methods
Electrolytic synthesis
Preparing nonmetal element
204228, 204229, 204270, 204277, 204278, 204292, 204293, 204290R, 204279, 204284, 204294, C25B 106, C25B 1508, C25B 900
Patent
active
057118655
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to electrolytic producer apparatus.
This invention has particular but not exclusive application to electrolytic producer apparatus for producing mixed hydrogen and oxygen gases from water for use as a fuel or feedstock, and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as producing oxygen and hydrogen mixtures for technical and/or analytical use, and other electrolytic processes having a gas output.
The use of electrolysis for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases is well known. In general, such apparatus have comprised an electrolytic cell including an anode and cathode immersed in an electrolyte solution comprising a dilute aqueous solution of a mineral acid. The apparatus have generally been operated by the application of direct current of voltage sufficient to effect electrolysis water. The produced gases have generally been kept separate by means of a cell divider dividing the head space of the cell, and generally including level control means or the like, such that explosive oxygen/hydrogen mixtures are substantially minimized in the output streams. Certain apparatus utilizes a salt bridge connecting two separate half cells.
The prior art apparatus suffer from several disadvantages. The separation of the gases is rarely efficient that the rise of explosion is eliminated. Backpressure differential between the cell halves may result in electrolyte being displaced to the point where the gases mix without inhibition. Additionally, plain electrode surfaces of such apparatus are subject to ionic polarization requiring the application of an overpotential to continue electrolysis.
The present invention aims to substantially alleviate the above disadvantages and to provide electrolytic producer apparatus which will be reliable and efficient in use. Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter become apparent.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in gas production apparatus including: electrolyte to form a gas;
The apparatus is preferably for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases from water and to this end the electrolyte is preferably comprises an dilute aqueous solution of a mineral acid catalyst selected from the hydrogen halide acids, sulphuric or nitric acids. Preferably, the catalyst comprises hydrochloric acid.
The housing may be of any suitable material resistant to the electrolyte. Preferably, the housing is of an insulating material to prevent losses due to conduction through the housing such as impedance and hysteresis losses. The housing is preferably substantially sealed with the entry of maintenance water and exit of produced gases being via appropriately valved inlet and outlet apertures. The
The electrodes may take any suitable form and are preferably non sacrificial under expected electrolytic conditions. For example, the electrodes may comprise an inert conductive substrate such as noble metal, graphite or stainless steel, with or without a surface activating catalyst. Preferably, the electrodes comprise stainless steel mesh material having a coating of platinum black deposited thereon.
The electrodes are preferably supported rigidly within the housing such that distortion and shorting in use may be minimised. For example, the electrodes may be mounted in electrode frames which support the electrodes. The mounting frames may provide for setting the interelectrode distance by being adapted to engage locating means associated with housing. For example the housing may be provided with grooves or the like adapted to receive the frame edges, the frame and electrode assemblies being retained therein by a top cover member of the housing.
Preferably, however, the electrodes comprise a plurality of electrode assemblies of alternating polarity and comprising the preferred stainless steel mesh electrode bodies configured with insulative frame portions such that the electrodes may b
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patent: 5211828 (1993-05-01), Shkarrand-Moghaddam
Renjean Pty Ltd
Rhyddings Pty Ltd
Valentine Donald R.
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