EP1301433A1 - Production d'hydrogene a partir d'aluminium, d'eau et d'hydroxyde de sodium - Google Patents

Production d'hydrogene a partir d'aluminium, d'eau et d'hydroxyde de sodium

Info

Publication number
EP1301433A1
EP1301433A1 EP01953713A EP01953713A EP1301433A1 EP 1301433 A1 EP1301433 A1 EP 1301433A1 EP 01953713 A EP01953713 A EP 01953713A EP 01953713 A EP01953713 A EP 01953713A EP 1301433 A1 EP1301433 A1 EP 1301433A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
aluminum
catalyst
hydrogen gas
reaction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01953713A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Erling Reidar Andersen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Andersen Erling Jim
Original Assignee
Andersen Erling Jim
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA002314403A external-priority patent/CA2314403C/fr
Application filed by Andersen Erling Jim filed Critical Andersen Erling Jim
Publication of EP1301433A1 publication Critical patent/EP1301433A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0006—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J19/002—Avoiding undesirable reactions or side-effects, e.g. avoiding explosions, or improving the yield by suppressing side-reactions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J16/00—Chemical processes in general for reacting liquids with non- particulate solids, e.g. sheet material; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J7/00—Apparatus for generating gases
    • B01J7/02—Apparatus for generating gases by wet methods
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/06—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
    • C01B3/08—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents with metals
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01F—COMPOUNDS OF THE METALS BERYLLIUM, MAGNESIUM, ALUMINIUM, CALCIUM, STRONTIUM, BARIUM, RADIUM, THORIUM, OR OF THE RARE-EARTH METALS
    • C01F7/00—Compounds of aluminium
    • C01F7/02—Aluminium oxide; Aluminium hydroxide; Aluminates
    • C01F7/42—Preparation of aluminium oxide or hydroxide from metallic aluminium, e.g. by oxidation
    • C01F7/428—Preparation of aluminium oxide or hydroxide from metallic aluminium, e.g. by oxidation by oxidation in an aqueous solution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00051—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2219/00054—Controlling or regulating the heat exchange system
    • B01J2219/00056—Controlling or regulating the heat exchange system involving measured parameters
    • B01J2219/00065—Pressure measurement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00162—Controlling or regulating processes controlling the pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
    • B01J2219/00193—Sensing a parameter
    • B01J2219/00195—Sensing a parameter of the reaction system
    • B01J2219/002—Sensing a parameter of the reaction system inside the reactor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
    • B01J2219/00211—Control algorithm comparing a sensed parameter with a pre-set value
    • B01J2219/00218—Dynamically variable (in-line) parameter values
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
    • B01J2219/00222—Control algorithm taking actions
    • B01J2219/00227—Control algorithm taking actions modifying the operating conditions
    • B01J2219/00229—Control algorithm taking actions modifying the operating conditions of the reaction system
    • B01J2219/00234—Control algorithm taking actions modifying the operating conditions of the reaction system inside the reactor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J2219/00245—Avoiding undesirable reactions or side-effects
    • B01J2219/0027—Pressure relief
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the production of hydrogen gas from aluminum, water, and sodium hydroxide as catalyst, and to an apparatus for carrying out the method.
  • compositions for generating hydrogen comprise any metal which can form an hydroxide when it is brought into contact with a solution of a suitable hydroxide.
  • a suitable hydroxide For example, aluminum is reacted with sodium hydroxide to release hydrogen and produce sodium aluminate.
  • the preferred magnesium composition comprises magnesium, and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of iron, zinc, chromium, aluminum and manganese.
  • the device has a reaction chamber containing a fuel composition that is reactive with water.
  • the fuel composition includes a main fuel part of magnesium and aluminum in a molar ratio of 1 :2, and the second part is composed of lithium hydride, magnesium and aluminum in equal molar ratio.
  • the process for producing hydrogen gas according to the present invention consists of reacting aluminum with water in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. This process is advantageous for being carried out at room temperature and for producing large quantities of heat and hydrogen gas at high purity.
  • a process for producing heat, light and hydrogen gas comprises the steps of providing an expandable receptacle; partly filling the expandable receptacle with water and introducing an aluminum element and a catalyst in the water.
  • the process also comprises the steps of partly sealing the expandable receptacle and reacting the aluminum element with the water. Then, the expandable receptacle is expanded and contracted in response to more or less pressure therein, and by the same action, the fuel element is emerged out or immersed into the water.
  • This method is advantageous for providing the ability to control the intensity of the reaction between the water and the aluminum element in response to the pressure generated inside the expandable receptacle by the reaction.
  • the aluminum element comprises a coiled strip of aluminum having several layers set vertically in the water.
  • the hydrogen gas raising to the top ofthe water causes a partial vacuum between the layers of the coiled strip, to absorb more water through the bottom of the coiled strip, thereby promoting an effective wetting ofthe aluminum element.
  • an apparatus for producing heat, light and hydrogen gas comprising essentially an expandable receptacle having an upper end, a central portion and a fuel element suspended to the upper end and inside the central portion.
  • the apparatus also has means for raising and lowering the fuel element in the central portion in response to more or less pressure inside the expandable receptacle, respectively.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention uses the pressure and temperature of a reaction occurring between a fuel element and the water contained therein to control the degree of immersion of a fuel element in the water and consequently to control the intensity and duration ofthe reaction between the fuel element and the water.
  • the apparatus comprises a timer mechanism and latch means responsive to the timer mechanism for timely raising the fuel element out ofthe water contained in the receptacle.
  • the processes and apparatus according to the present invention are practical and safe for use by the general public to generate heat, light and hydrogen gas in power outage situations for example, or in remote locations where electricity is not available. Furthermore, the method and apparatus according to the present invention use aluminum waste readily available in domestic garbage and metal working shops, to promote recycling and energy conservation.
  • a process for producing alumina comprising the step of reacting aluminum with water in the presence of a catalyst wherein the catalyst is sodium hydroxide.
  • This process is advantageous for extracting available energy from a reaction between aluminum waste and water, and for simultaneously producing a basic material which can be reused for manufacturing new aluminum.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred energy production apparatus, also referred to herein as the hydrogen generator;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the energy production apparatus illustrating a mode of operation thereof when the fuel cartridge is entirely immersed in water;
  • FIG. 3 is another cross-section view of the energy production apparatus with the fuel cartridge in a raised position when pressure inside the apparatus force the bellows ofthe apparatus to expand;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates yet another cross-section view ofthe energy production apparatus with the timer mechanism in an unlatched mode causing a spring to pull the cartridge out ofthe water;
  • FIG.5 is a schematic diagram ofthe preferred gas handling manifold and a burner plate mounted on the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of the upper fuel support portion of the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a preferred burner plate and an optional heat storage device for use with the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 8 is a top view of the preferred timer mechanism for use with the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section view through the timer mechanism along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a first arrangement for a fuel cartridge for use with the energy production apparatus;
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a second arrangement for a fuel unit for use with the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 12 illustrates one form for the fuel pellet for use with the energy production apparatus
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a third arrangement for a fuel unit for use with the energy production apparatus.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a graph of temperature over time for a typical hydrogen gas production reaction.
  • the production of hydrogen gas according to the present invention is obtained by a reaction of aluminum with water in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst.
  • the reaction produces a large amount of heat and hydrogen gas.
  • the catalyst is mixed with tap water in a proportion of about 225 g. per liter of water.
  • the sodium hydroxide content of the catalytic solution is preferably about 18% by weight.
  • the catalyst is not chemically consumed in the process.
  • the aluminum used in the reaction comprises aluminum foil, electrical wire, beverage cans and other similar aluminum waste.
  • the intensity ofthe reaction depends upon the surface of contact between the aluminum and water.
  • Aluminum foil for example reacts faster than a heavy gauge aluminum wire, and aluminum in a powdered form reacts instantly to produce hydrogen gas.
  • the volume of water displaced by the gas produced was measured and corrected to a gas volume at standard temperature and pressure (STP). Atmospheric pressure on that day was obtained from a local weather office. The corrected volume of gas produced was compared to the theoretical quantity of hydrogen gas, which would be obtained according to the equation,
  • Table 2 shows that the purity of the hydrogen collected in the second sample was 98%. This is close to what was theoretically expected. The lower 92% concentration observed in the first sample was probably due to the fact the system was not completely purged with hydrogen before the sample was taken. By the time the second sample was taken, most of the air had been purged from the tube and the reaction bottle.
  • reaction bottle was placed in a water bath before the aluminum was added to the water, and the hydrogen produced was bubbled through the bath water.
  • the temperature of the bath and the catalytic solution were measured before and after the reaction, and at about four minutes after the reaction was completed.
  • the water equivalent of the plastic containers for absorbing heat and their specific heat were determined experimentally by adding a known quantity of hot water to the reaction system at room temperature and then calculating the heat transfer based on the final temperature.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 an energy production apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated therein.
  • the energy production apparatus also referred to herein as the hydrogen generator 20 is illustrated in these figures in its entirety.
  • the hydrogen generator 20 uses water and aluminum particles as fuel, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst and a surface conditioner to reduce the formation of oxide layers on the aluminum particles.
  • the sodium hydroxide may be mixed or otherwise closely associated with the aluminum particles in a sufficient amount to ensure complete reaction of the aluminum particles with water in an energy production period. Further discussion on the incorporation of sodium hydroxide with the aluminum particles will be provided later, especially when making reference to FIGS.
  • the hydrogen generator 20 comprises firstly a receptacle 22 having a first closable fill opening 24, a sight glass 26 for monitoring the level of water therein, and a second closable larger opening 28 in a central upper region thereof.
  • the receptacle 22 also preferably has a cleanout bung 30 through its bottom surface to facilitate the periodic removal ofthe reaction byproducts such as alumina.
  • the receptacle 22 is filled with water 32, to a level of between half and three-quarter of its capacity.
  • a fuel cartridge 34 hanging from a vertical tube 36 is immersed into the water 32 for causing a chemical reaction to occur with the water, and for producing heat and hydrogen gas.
  • the fuel cartridge 34 is supported in a perforated basket 38 affixed to the vertical tube 36.
  • the vertical tube 36 is connected to a gas handling manifold 40 mounted above the receptacle 22, and has a series of holes 42 therein for admitting the hydrogen gas into the gas handling manifold 40.
  • An annular cap 44 is also provided for mounting over the upper central opening 28 of the receptable.
  • Several clasps 46 are provided around the annular cap 44 for securing the annular cap 44 in a sealing manner to the upper central opening 28.
  • the upper central opening 28 has a dimension to accommodate the insertion of the fuel cartridge 34 and the basket 38 inside the receptacle 22.
  • the clasps 46 may be replaced by other closure means for quickly and easily removing the annular cap 44, for replacing a spent fuel cartridge for example.
  • a bellows 48 having an interior region communicating with the receptacle 22 such that the expansion and retraction ofthe bellows are relative to the pressure inside the receptable.
  • a timer mechanism 50 Atop the bellows 48, there is provided a timer mechanism 50, the operation of which will be described later.
  • the gas handling manifold 40 is affixed to the upper portion ofthe vertical tube 36 above the timer mechanism 50.
  • the annular cap 44, the bellows 48, the timer mechanism 50 and the gas handling manifold 40 define with the receptable 22 a closable space for containing and controlling the hydrogen gas being generated inside the receptacle 22.
  • a burner plate 60 is mounted over the gas handling manifold 40.
  • the gas handling manifold 40 has conduit means communicating with the burner plate 60.
  • a series of orifices are provided in the burner plate 60 to allow the burning of hydrogen gas for cooking food for example in a similar manner as is known of gas stoves.
  • the illustrations show a side view of the burner plate 60 it will be appreciated that the burner plate 60 is preferably a circular plate similar to those mounted on common gas stoves.
  • the gas handling manifold 40 also has a selector valve 62 and a gas outlet fitting 64 communicating with the selector valve 62.
  • the selector valve 62 is operable for selectively directing the hydrogen gas to the burner plate 60 or to the outlet fitting 64.
  • the appliance may have a water filter 72 thereon if needed or a check valve 74 to prevent any backflow of gas into the receptacle 22 at the end of an energy production period.
  • a typical energy production period is known to have a heating phase 'A' during which the temperature inside the receptacle 22 rises; an active phase 'B' during which the temperature inside the receptacle 22 is preferably kept at around 85° C, and a cooling phase 'C during which the reaction gradually stops.
  • a heating phase 'A' during which the temperature inside the receptacle 22 rises
  • an active phase 'B' during which the temperature inside the receptacle 22 is preferably kept at around 85° C
  • a cooling phase 'C during which the reaction gradually stops.
  • the heating phase 'A' can be shortened by introducing a fuel pellet 80 inside the receptacle 22, through the fill opening 24.
  • the fuel pellet 80 preferably contains very fine aluminum particles such as saw dust and filings for examples, compressed with waste paper bits that are impregnated with sodium hydroxide in a dry form.
  • the small aluminum particles of the pellet 80 are known to be highly reactive with water to generate a burst of heat which causes the water temperature to approach the ideal temperature 'T' quickly, and to accelerate a reaction ofthe water with the larger fuel cartridge 34.
  • Another fuel pellet 80 may also be introduced in the receptacle during the cooling phase 'C to prolong the duration of an energy production period.
  • a fuel cartridge 34 having a volume of about one liter, that is about 500 ml of aluminum and about 500 ml of paper filler material impregnated with sodium hydroxide in a dry form, immersed in 10 liters of water is believed to be sufficient for producing heat and maintaining a reaction for about two hours, in which the active phase is about one hour, and the heating and cooling phases are about one-half hour each. It is believed that the amount of hydrogen gas produced during the active phase 'B' is sufficient for cooking food on the burner plate 60.
  • FIG. 3 the operation of the bellows 48 is illustrated therein. When the reaction enters its active phase, the heat and pressure generated inside the receptacle 22 rise. The increase in pressure inside the receptacle 22 causes the bellows 48 to expand upward as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the expansion of the bellows 34 causes the fuel cartridge 34 to be lifted toward an upper region ofthe receptacle 22, and by the same doing, causes the water level to fall in the receptacle 22.
  • the contact surface between water and the fuel cartridge 34 is thereby greatly reduced.
  • the reaction is slowed down and the pressure and temperature inside the receptacle 22 are consequently also reduced.
  • the bellows 48 collapses to re-immerse the fuel cartridge 34 and to resume the active reaction phase.
  • the energy production apparatus 20 Given the structure ofthe energy production apparatus 20 according to the preferred embodiment, it is believed possible to calibrate the characteristics ofthe bellows 48 for use with a specific size of receptacle 22 and a specific size of fuel cartridge 34, to precisely control the pressure and temperature of a reaction, such that the apparatus 20 will be practical and safe for use by the general public.
  • the timer mechanism 50 is provided for further improving the safety ofthe hydrogen generator 20.
  • the timer mechanism 50 is used for lifting the fuel cartridge 34 above the water 32 after a set time period, even when the bellows 48 remains in a collapsed mode.
  • the reaction inside the receptacle 22 can thereby be manually stopped or caused to terminate at a set time period by adjusting a knob 90 relative to a dial 92.
  • the preferred timer mechanism 50 comprises a coil spring 94 mounted over the vertical tube 36 and an annular spring-abutment plate 96 affixed to the vertical tube 36 above the spring 94 for retaining the vertical tube 36 at a fixed position relative to the upper end ofthe spring 94.
  • the spring 94 is set in a cylindrical pocket 98 extending downward through the timer mechanism 50.
  • the depth ofthe pocket 98 is sufficient to accommodate the spring 94 in a compressed form when the timer mechanism is in a latched mode.
  • a seal 100 is affixed to the bottom portion ofthe pocket 98 around the vertical tube 36, for allowing a sliding movement of the vertical tube 36 through the timer mechanism 50, under the action ofthe spring 94, and for preventing hydrogen gas from leaking out ofthe bellows 48.
  • One or more latch tabs 102 are movably connected to the timer mechanism 50 and are linked to the operation of the selector knob 90. When the burner plate 60 is pushed down to immerse the fuel cartridge 34 in water, the latch tabs 102 engage with the annular spring-abutment plate 96 to keep the spring 94 in a compressed state inside the cylindrical pocket 98.
  • the linkages, the clockwork and other components mounted inside the timer mechanism 50 have not been illustrated herein for being common to those knowledgeable in latches and locks.
  • the clockwork is a mechanical device not requiring electric power.
  • the latched tabs 102 are in a latching position when the timer knob 90 is set at any time value, and are in an unlatching position when the knob 90 is set at or reaches zero (0) time on the dial 92.
  • the gas handling manifold 40 comprises a first set of conduits 110 extending from the vertical tube 36 to the selector valve 62, to a pressure relief valve 112, and to a flow control valve 114; a second set of conduits 116 extending from the selector valve 62 to the burner plate 60; and a third conduit 118 extending from the selector valve 62 to the outlet fitting 64.
  • the burner plate 60 has a plurality of gas orifices 120 therein, and each gas orifice is preferably surrounded by one or more air inj ection holes 122 to admit oxygen around the gas orifice 120 during the burning of hydrogen gas.
  • a minimum amount of hydrogen gas is always directed to the gas orifices 120 to be burnt.
  • the burning of this minimum amount of gas provides a visual indication ofthe operation of the apparatus 20, and prevents any accumulation of hydrogen gas in the room in which the apparatus is being used.
  • a flow control valve 114 is provided in the gas handling manifold 40, and has a fourth conduit 124 bypassing the selector valve 62. Therefore, when the selector valve 62 is set to direct the hydrogen gas to the outlet fitting 64, a minimum amount of gas is still allowed through the flow control valve 114 and to the gas orifices 120 ofthe burner plate 60.
  • the flow control valve 114 is preferably an adjustable type such that it can be opened fully to bypass both the selector valve 62 and the pressure relief valve 112, to obtain a larger flame 126 at the center ofthe burner plate 60 if needed.
  • the pressure relief valve 112 is provided to further improve the safety of the apparatus, as will be understood from the following description.
  • the pressure relief valve 112 monitors the pressure inside the vertical tube 36 and releases a pressure over an unsafe level, to a whistle 128 which has an outlet opening positioned near one of the gas orifices 120.
  • the gas flowing from the whistle 128 may thereby be readily ignited by the flame above that orifice 120, to provide a visual indication of an abnormal operation ofthe apparatus.
  • the sound ofthe whistle 128 is yet another sign to alert a user of an over pressure inside the receptacle 22, and to urge that user to set the knob 90 to zero time to cause the timer mechanism 50 to raise the fuel cartridge 34 out ofthe water.
  • the burner plate 60 preferably has a pair of handles 130 affixed thereto to manipulate the upper portion of the apparatus 20 when the clasps 46 are released and the basket 38 is lifted out ofthe receptacle 22.
  • a gas filter 132 may also be installed over the gas admitting holes 42, for preventing any accumulation of reaction byproducts inside the vertical tube 36.
  • the vertical tube 36 may be filled with an appropriate granular filtering medium for example for preventing reaction byproducts from reaching the gas handling manifold 40.
  • a pressure gauge 134 may also be provided on the annular cap 44 or at another convenient location allowing a communication with the receptacle 22, for visually monitoring the development of a reaction occurring inside the apparatus.
  • the burner plate 60 is shown supporting a heat storage device 140, for storing heat during the operation ofthe apparatus 20.
  • the heat storage device 140 is used for prolonging the beneficial effect of an energy production period when the apparatus 20 is used to heat a camp in the wilderness, or a household during a power outage period for example.
  • the preferred heat storage device 140 comprises a copper plate 142, supported on legs 144, above the burner plate 60, and a perforated dome- shape enclosure 146 enclosing one or more rocks 148 laid over the upper portion ofthe copper plate 142.
  • the heat storage device 140 is removable from the burner plate 60 and is preferably used whenever the burner plate 60 is not used for cooking food.
  • the receptacle 22 is preferably made of steel or similar heat conductive material for radiating heat during the entire energy production period.
  • the inside diameter ofthe bellows 48 is sufficiently large, 15-25 cm for example, and the spring 94 is calibrated such that the weight of the heat storage device 140 or the weight of a common cooking pot (not shown) which may be set on the burner plate 60 does not significantly affect the operation ofthe bellows 48 or ofthe timer mechanism 50.
  • FIGS. 10-13 several arrangements are proposed for preparing the fuel elements required for use in the hydrogen generator 20 according to the preferred embodiment.
  • the fuel bundle 34 is preferably prepared by overlaying a thin strip of aluminum 150 over a sheet of embossed paper 152 impregnated with sodium hydroxide in a dry form. The aluminum sheet and the paper layer are coiled together to form a cylindrical shape.
  • the preferred cartridge 34 is loosely coiled such that water may be readily absorbed between the layers of the cartridge.
  • the advantage of a loosely coiled cartridge 34 is that the water is allowed to seep into the entire cartridge at once to create an intense reaction, and reduce the duration ofthe heating phase 'A' ofthe reaction as illustrated in FIG. 14.
  • Another advantage of the cartridge 34 as described above is that when the layers ofthe coil are set vertically, the hydrogen gas generated between the layers rises up and creates a vacuum between the layers at the lower end ofthe cartridge 34 to admit more water from the lower end of the cartridge. This phenomenon is advantageous for wetting the aluminum strip quickly, entirely and continuously.
  • the preferred fuel cartridge 34 is packaged in a sealed envelope that has an indication as to its duration, potential heat energy and volume of hydrogen gas to be produced by it.
  • FIG. 11 Another preferred fuel unit 160 having a loose content in a bag-like envelope is illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • the envelope 162 is water-permeable, and the loose content comprises aluminum turning, aluminum saw dust and filings, aluminum shreds and other aluminum waste particles 164 as normally found in a metal working shop, or as available from scrap metal vendors.
  • the waste aluminum is obtained by shredding food or drink containers for example, the waste material is preferably pre-treated to at least partly remove a protective coating on this aluminum material.
  • the loose content ofthe fuel unit 160 also comprises waste paper bits 166 impregnated with sodium hydroxide and dried.
  • the paper bits 166 are made of waste newsprint or similar recyclable paper waste.
  • the paper bits 166 preferably have sizes and quantities similar to the aluminum particles, and are mixed with the aluminum particles 164. The presence of the paper bits 166 prevents the fusion of the aluminum particles 164 together and ensures a continuous absorption of water throughout the loose content of the fuel unit 160.
  • the fuel unit 160 is also preferably manufactured and labelled as to indicate its expected energy production period.
  • the fuel pellet 80 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12, and as previously described contains very fine aluminum particles such as saw dust and filings for example, to provide a better water contact and a more intense reaction.
  • One or two fuel pellets 80 are preferably packaged in a sealed envelope and distributed as reaction accelerators with each fuel cartridge 34, or with each fuel unit 160 sold.
  • a third preferred arrangement for a fuel element usable in the apparatus 20 according to the preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG.
  • the fuel measure 170 is preferably comprised of a perforated container 172 filled with aluminum waste 164 and paper bits 166 as previously described.
  • the fuel measure 170 described herein is recommended and is preferably used with a nominal quantity of sodium hydroxide 174 set over the fuel measure 170.
  • the sodium hydroxide 174 may be compressed into a tablet form as illustrated for easy handling and storage. It may be used in a powder form contained in a water-permeable sachet (not shown), or may be kept in a sealed container and sprinkled generously over the water 32 before introducing the fuel measure 170 into the water 32.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

Procédé de production d'hydrogène qui consiste à mettre en réaction de l'aluminium avec de l'eau en présence d'hydroxyde de sodium en tant que catalyseur. Un appareil permettant de mettre en oeuvre ledit procédé est également décrit. Ledit appareil comporte un récipient dilatable (22), la pression et la température de la réaction entraînant une dilatation et une contraction du récipient, ce qui régule le degré d'immersion d'une cartouche de combustible (34) dans l'eau (32), et permet par conséquent de contrôler l'intensité et la durée de la réaction.
EP01953713A 2000-07-20 2001-07-13 Production d'hydrogene a partir d'aluminium, d'eau et d'hydroxyde de sodium Withdrawn EP1301433A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2314403 2000-07-20
CA002314403A CA2314403C (fr) 1999-07-28 2000-07-20 Production d'hydrogene a partir de l'aluminium, eau et hydroxide de sodium en tant que catalyseur
PCT/CA2001/001021 WO2002008118A1 (fr) 2000-07-20 2001-07-13 Production d'hydrogene a partir d'aluminium, d'eau et d'hydroxyde de sodium

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EP1301433A1 true EP1301433A1 (fr) 2003-04-16

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EP (1) EP1301433A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2001276204A1 (fr)
IS (1) IS6671A (fr)
WO (1) WO2002008118A1 (fr)

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CA2414135C (fr) * 2002-12-12 2009-04-14 Erling Reidar Andersen Methode de production d'hydrogene
TWI381572B (zh) 2003-11-14 2013-01-01 Encite Lllc 自動調節之氣體產生器和方法
US7803349B1 (en) 2005-06-08 2010-09-28 University Of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc. Method and apparatus for hydrogen production from water
US20070020174A1 (en) * 2005-07-25 2007-01-25 Jianguo Xu Method for generating hydrogen gas
KR100878401B1 (ko) * 2006-10-02 2009-01-13 삼성전기주식회사 수소발생장치 및 이를 갖는 연료전지
KR100900664B1 (ko) * 2006-11-22 2009-06-01 삼성전기주식회사 수소발생방법과 장치 및 이를 갖는 연료전지
KR100790688B1 (ko) 2006-12-26 2008-01-02 삼성전기주식회사 수소저장탱크를 갖는 연료전지
KR100820229B1 (ko) * 2007-06-18 2008-04-08 삼성전기주식회사 수소 발생 장치와 그 제조방법 및 연료전지 발전 시스템
KR100842810B1 (ko) * 2008-01-04 2008-07-01 한국과학기술원 블록 공중합체와 금속의 산화반응을 이용한 수소의제조방법
JP4744641B1 (ja) * 2010-10-18 2011-08-10 ミズ株式会社 生体適用液への水素添加器具
US9522371B2 (en) 2012-05-07 2016-12-20 Encite Llc Self-regulating gas generator and method
US9889429B2 (en) 2012-10-16 2018-02-13 Bill W. Helton Hydrogen production catalysts and associated systems and methods
FR3009296A1 (fr) * 2013-08-01 2015-02-06 Gerard Yves Francois Montel Generateur d'hydrogene
US9878907B2 (en) * 2015-10-12 2018-01-30 Cavendish Energy System and method to produce hydrogen

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IS6671A (is) 2003-01-06
WO2002008118A1 (fr) 2002-01-31
AU2001276204A1 (en) 2002-02-05

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