GB2490159A

GB2490159A - A mesh separator located between the cathode and anode of an electrolysis cell for the electrolysis of water

Info

Publication number: GB2490159A
Application number: GB1106736.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jake Gould; Detlef Beier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-20
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2012-10-24
Also published as: GB201106736D0

Abstract

A mesh supported by a frame 1 which is located between the cathode and the anode of an electrolysis cell to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The frame has at least one aperture located at the perimeter to configure the mesh within the cell, through the use of cell assembly rods 2 which are located in said at least one aperture. Supporting cross members 6 with associated nodes 7 may be provided to ensure that the the mesh remains taut in operation and to ensure that the spacing between the mesh and the electrodes (figure 2, 1 and 4) is maintained. Continuous raised ribs 3 may also be provided to locate the frame of the mesh in sealing engagement with the remainder of the cell assembly. The mesh can comprise a non-conductive material.

Description

I

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention is characterized through a mesh supported by a frame embodied essentially between the metal electrode plates of each cell compartment of a hydrogen generator used to power or increase horsepower in combustion engines but not exclusively combustion engines. The mesh supported by a frame enables the separation of the atomic elements of water i.e. hydrogen [Hi and oxygen [01. The pure hydrogen can be used to cook, heat or boil liquids in domestic appliances, liquid vessels and in home heating systems.

Background of invention

[0002] A hydrogen generator works by electrolysis; sending an electric current through a series of alternating negatively and positively charged metal plates [Fig. I: points 1, 2 3 &4] immersed in water containing an electrolyte. The electricity will break the bonds of the molecule H20 into their elements of Hydrogen [H] and Oxygen [0]. A function of existing hydrogen generators has been used to add a mix of Hydrogen and Oxygen, [HHO] to internal combustion engines to help bum the unburned fuel thus adding extra horsepower, saving fuel. The mix of gases is very explosive. It is the Oxygen that is responsible for the volatility of this gas.

[0003] The negatively charged metalS electrode plate will attract hydrogen [H-] and a positively charged metal electrode plate which is facing opposite will produce oxygen [0+], [Fig. I points 5 & 6]. A mesh is located between the electrodes separating the gases [Fig.1 point 7]. The hydrogen on the negative metal electrode plate is siphoned off through the hydrogen gas exit hole on one side of the top of metal plate [Fig. I Point 5], through the gasket [Fig I. Point 11] whilst its antagonist positioned adjacent to it on the other side of the same plate surface, the Oxygen gas exit hole, is blocked by the gasket [Fig.1 Point 13].

[00041 However on the opposite positively charged plate [0+] the oxygen is siphoned off on the other side of the metal plate through the oxygen gas exit hole [Fig 1. Point 6) and its antagonist, hydrogen, is blocked on the opposite facing side by the adjacent gasket [Fig 1. Point 12]. Fig 2 illustrates the water inlet holes at the bottom of the cell at Points 10, which fill the cells collecting the gases and forcing them out of their respective gas exit holes at the top.

[0005] The alternating positions of the gaskets exit holes ensure the gases do not mix [Fig. 2, Points 5 & 7] and are able to pass through the holes in the mesh [Fig.

2 Point 11] and through metal plates Fig.2 Points I & 2] at exit holes [Fig. 2 Points 4, 5 and 12a and I2b] as sealed separate tubes, when assembled and tightened.

[0006] This allows the oxygen [Fig. I Point 9] to be emptied into an oxygen-collecting tank and for the hydrogen [Fig.I Point 8] to be emptied into a hydrogen-collecting tank.

The mesh is permeable to water only which allows the current to pass between plates but does not allow the hydrogen and oxygen bubbles, due to their surface tension, to cross the membrane thus maintaining the gas purity of the atomic elements of Hydrogen and Oxygen.

[007] The Oxygen is released into the air from the holding tank and the pure hydrogen is used in the engine. The motor vehicles oxygen sensors will not signal the car computer [ECU] to inject more fuel, as there is no increase in the 02 readings.

[008] The non conducting gaskets or sealing components have gas exit holes in alternating positions at the top [Fig. 2 Points 6 and 7] which continue through each plate ensuring all Hydrogen evacuates the cell from the gas exit holes, through the hydrogen tubes in the negatively charged metal plates and all oxygen evacuates the cell from the gas exit holes, through the adjacent oxygen tubes, in the positively charged metal plates, emptying into two separate tanks.

Statement of the invention

[009] The mesh is supported by a frame [Fig.3 Point 1], which enables easier assembly of the cell. The frame is suspended by the cell assembly rods [Fig. 3 Point 2] that fit through the cell assembly holes disposed around the perimeter of the components of the cell [Fig. 3 Point 8].

[0010] The frame ensures that the mesh is taught. The mesh cannot be flaccid or allowed to come into the proximity of the metal plates [electrodes].

[0011] The surface areas of both sides of the frame have at least one continuous raised rib surrounding the frame's perimeter [Fig 3. Point 3] and around the gas exit holes [Fig. 3 Point 4b] and water input holes [Fig 3 Point 4a]. Hydrogen is so thin that it has a propensity for leaking. The raised rib acts as a seal, when in contact with the adjacent components once the cell has been assembled and the cell assembly rods are tightened. The continuous rib around the frame, can replace a sealing component and be in contact directly with the electrodes acting as a seal.

[0012] The frame, which supports the mesh, consists of at least one supporting cross member (acting as a strut) [Fig.3 Point 6]. The supporting members are substantially raised in places on both their sides, perpendicular to the frame, sometimes in the form of nodes [Fig. 3 Point 7]. Since they are substantially perpendicular to the metal plates [electrodes] [Fig.4 Point 1] they prevent the mesh from entering the proximity of the metal electrode plates [Fig.4 Point 2].

The supporting members support the mesh on both sides of its surfaces where it is kept rigid and centered. The mesh is located substantially in a centerline between the supporting members. [Fig.4 Point 5b] This allows the mesh to maintain an equal distance from the adjacent components on either side.

[0013] The supporting members with their substantially raised areas prevents the mesh becoming flaccid enough to block the gas exit holes and prevents it from being in the proximity of the metal plates, which could enable gas to permeate from one side of the mesh into the other due to pressure areas building up though blockages caused by a flaccid mesh once the cell was energized.

[0014] The mesh supported by a frame includes an area at its top, the direction of the bubbles traveling to the water's surface, that is inside the cell compartment and sealed [Fig. 3 Point 9] and therefore not permeable to water, electric current, air or gas. It is a safety feature in the event the circulatory system through the cell's metal plates and or non-conductive sealing components cannot evacuate the fast forming bubbles quick enough. The bubbles would begin to collect at the top of the cell compartments, displacing the water. The gasses would then not be in the form of bubbles. One side of the mesh would be a gas pocket of hydrogen and the other a gas pocket of oxygen. If not for the closed area [Fig. 3 Point 9], an extension of the top rail of the frame, the gas elements would pass through the mesh and a mixing of H and 0 would occur. The gases are allowed more time to evacuate from their designated side of the mesh until the cell pressure stabilizes.

[0015] The water inlet holes at the bottom of the supporting frame [Fig. 2, Point 13 and 15] is part of a circulation system for water from outside the cell through the frame, gasket and metal electrode plate water inlet holes as two separate tubular pathways [Fig 2 Point 14a and b], collecting gas elements from each side of the mesh, traveling upwards to the top of the cell, delivering the gas elements externally to separate H and 0 tanks. The gas elements travel separately through the alternating series of positive and negative metal plates, sealing components and mesh supporting frame with H emanating from the negative plate gas exit holes and 0 emanating from the positive plate gas exit holes. The water input apertures [Fig.3 Points 4a] and gas output apertures [Fig 3. Point 4b] have substantially the same cross section area (A). This ensures the stability of the water circulation and pressure in the cell and through the external open system gas collecting tanks. These cross sections match all the other cross section areas (A) of the said circulatory system.

Description of Drawings

[0016] Diagrammatical representations.

Fig. I -Cross section NB -horizontal plane C/D: anterior view.

1. Negative metal electrode plate producing Hydrogen elements 2. Positive charged metal electrode plate side facing Point 1; producing Oxygen. Its flip side has a negative charge; producing hydrogen.

3. Same as Point 2 4. Positive Metal Plate producing Oxygen elements.

5. Gas exit hole in gasket or sealing component for hydrogen.

6. Gas exit hole in gasket or sealing component for Oxygen.

7. Mesh supported by a frame.

8. Hydrogen exiting after collection from the negative sides of all the cell compartments.

9. Oxygen exiting after collection from the positive sides of all the cell compartments.

10. Raised areas or nodes on both surfaces preventing the mesh and supporting members from coming into proximity with the metal electrode plates.

11. Gasket or sealing component.

12. Blocked gas exit on the gasket preventing oxygen mixing with the hydrogen.

13. Blocked gas exit on the gasket preventing hydrogen mixing with the oxygen.

Fig. 2 1. Negative metal electrodes plate against the gasket no 8 illustrating gas exit hole in the plate at point 4 and blocked gas exit hole from the surface area of the metal plate at point 5 by the gasket.

2. Positive metal plate [0+].

3. Frame supporting a mesh.

4. Gas exit hole through metal plate. [H-] 5. Gas exit hole through metal plate. [0+] 6. Gas exit area from gasket to metal plate 12a. [0+] 7. Gas exit area to metal plate 12b. [H-] 8. Alternating Gaskets or sealing components separating the gas elements of H and 0.

9. Cell assembly rods, which tighten, clamp and seal the cell together securing the mesh-supporting frame in the center, essentially between the metal electrode plates, without coming into their proximity and keeping the mesh taught.

10. Separate water inlet holes provide water through pipes from a pressure free open tank system, which also acts as a flashback arrestor in the form of bubblers. The hole on one side of the frame bottom rail receives water from the oxygen compartments of the cell's mesh and the hole on the other side receives water from the hydrogen compartments of the cells mesh.

11. Oxygen gas transit hole through the top rail of the mesh-supporting frame from Oxygen side of cell, avoiding the hydrogen side, so as to exit as pure oxygen.

12.12a is the oxygen gas exit hole through the metal plate. 12b is the hydrogen gas exit hole through the metal plate.

13. Water transit hole through the frame allowing increased flow should any portion of the mesh become blocked over time. It also allows water to the behind side of the mesh barrier whilst Point 15 allows water to the front side of the mesh barrier. This equalizes pressure on both sides of the mesh ensuring a stable stream of bubbles.

14. 14a and b are Water inlet holes through metal plate.

15. Water exit hole in front of the mesh-supporting frame, which equalizes flow of water in balance with Point 13.

Fig. 3 1. A mesh supported by a frame.

2. Cell assembly rods which hold all the cell components together when fastened at the other end, sealing and enabling the metal plates, gaskets/sealing components and frame gas exit holes to form continuous gas evacuation tubes on each side of the cells, evacuating the separate gas elements during electrolysis.

3. Raised ribs on the frame perimeter that when tightened against the adjacent components will seal the cell compartments preventing the leakage of water and gas, particularly the extremely thin hydrogen elements.

4. 4a and 4 b are the raised ribs on the frame that seal the gas exit tubes and water input tubes when tightened against the adjacent components, preventing leakages 5. Mesh supported by a frame disposed essentially between the negative and positive metal electrode plates permeable to water but not to the gas element bubbles during electrolysis, thus separating the gas element to each side of the mesh in their purity.

6. Supporting members [struts] of the frame, designed to give rigidity to the mesh, has substantially raised sections or nodes on either side.

7. Nodes or raised sections which are substantially perpendicular to the mesh and supporting frame, preventing the mesh from coming into the proximity of the electrode plates and gas exit holes.

8. Holes through which the cell assembly rods pass through.

9. The top part of the mesh supported by a frame is not permeable to either water or gas bubbles and not conductive to electricity. Its proximity is adjacent to the gas exit holes. Should the gas production at times exceed the cells ability to evacuate water, a gas build up occurs in the top of the cell. Gas elements [not in the form of bubbles] can safely collect in this area without crossing the mesh giving more time for them to evacuate.

Fig. 4-Cross section NB 1. Raised nodes on the supporting members to prevent the mesh-supporting frame from coming into the proximity of the metal electrodes or gas exit holes.

2. 2a and b are metal electrode plates.

3. Gasket or sealing component.

4. The top part of the mesh supporting frame is not permeable to either water or gas bubbles and not conductive to electricity.

5. 5a and Sb, a mesh supported by a frame, permeable to water but not to the gas element bubbles as a result of electrolysis, thus separating the gas element to each side of the mesh in their purity. Supporting members for rigidity, disposed on both the front and back surfaces of the mesh, give support.

6. Fasteners or nuts which when tightened clamp the components together along the cell assembly rods, sealing the cell system.

7. 7a and b are the H and 0 gas exit holes.

8. 8a and b are the water and electrolyte input holes.

9. The front and back surfaces of the frame perimeter are surrounded by at least one rib that forms a gas tight seal between the frame and the sealing components.

10. A continuation of the ribs along the bottom rail of the frame.

11. Supporting cross members known as struts.

Fig.5 -Cross Section NB -Diagrammatical representation The inflow of water [H20] through both sides of the mesh is represented.

After passing the energized electrodes on either side of the mesh, the separated elements of water leave from separate designated gas exit holes as pure hydrogen or oxygen.

Fig. 6 1. Metal electrode plate 2. One of two sealing components with [31 in one of the cell's compartments to hold and secure the mesh without cell assembly rods.

3. Sealing component as in [2] 4. Metal electrode plate in direct contact with a sealing component or gasket.

5. Cell assembly rods 6. Mesh supported by a frame without cell assembly holes.

Description of the embodiments

[0017] The mesh supported by a frame is assembled between the sealing components or gaskets [Fig. 4. Point 3], which are in direct contact with the metal electrode plates on either side, sealing the cell [Fig.4, Points 2a and 2bJ [0018] The frame is suspended and secured by the insertion of the cell assembly rods [Fig. 4 Point 61 through at least one hole before being bolted and assembled by tightening the fastener nuts at the ends.

[0019] The ribs [Fig.4 Points 9 and 101 that surround the frame form a gas tight seal when in direct contact with the adjacent sealing components. The sealing component forms a gas tight seal when in direct contact with the metal electrode plates [Fig.4 Points 2a and 2b].

[00201 The supporting member [Fig. 4, Point 11] supports the mesh [Fig.4, Point 51 at a substantial midpoint between the two metal electrode plates on either side.

[0021] A centered position for the mesh is critical for functionality of the cell and is ensured by raised areas on the supporting members.

[0022] The closed part [Fig.4, Point 4] at the top of the mesh is critically situated adjacent to the Hydrogen gas exit hole [Fig.4, Point 7bJ while its other closed surface is situated adjacent to the oxygen gas exit hole [Fig. 4, Point 7a). This allows any excess gas element build up to exit the cell without crossing the mesh.

[0023] The water input holes [Fig. 4, Point Ba and Bb] allow uninterrupted water flow with equal pressure to either side of the mesh. The water then moves upwards on either side of the mesh after collecting the gas elements, and then exits the cell through the designated gas exit holes. [Fig.4, Points 7a and 7b] [0023] The water flow on both sides of the mesh is represented in [Fig. 5] where the medium of water and electrolyte collects the separated elements of H and 0 and delivers them out of the hydrogen generator from separate gas exit holes in their purity.

[0024] Fig. I shows exclusively the separate gas flow of the elements of water.

[0025] The embodiment of the mesh supported by a frame can be assembled within several cells of the hydrogen generator unit either by the cell assembly rods method or simply held in position by the pressure from the adjacent sealing elements. [Fig.6] In this case the mesh-supporting frame has no position fixing holes through its surrounding frame for the cell assembly rods to protrude through.

[0026] The mesh if manufactured to a substantial strength providing it with rigidity to withstand the pressures of the water flow without swinging side to side, whilst not in a frame would behave as though in a frame, where the mesh apertures are small enough to prevent H and 0 bubbles from penetrating them. It would require thinner sealing elements to compensate for the mesh being substantially thicker.

[0027] The mesh as the previously described design and including a design as constructed in [0026] could in itself be a sealing component in direct contact with the electrode plates. There would be no need for the additional sealing components, sometimes called gaskets as the mesh-supporting frame can take care of both functions thus saving money.

[0028] Embodiments are not restricted to flat electrode plates and indeed the same principles can apply for embodiment with electrodes of various shapes whether substantially round, rectangular, oval, curved or a shape which would be conducive in constructing a hydrogen generator that separates the elements of H20 into their basic elements of H and 0.

Claims

Claims: 1) A mesh disposed essentially between the positive and negative metal electrode plates with at least one aperture at the perimeter edges for penetration and suspension by the cell assembly rods to keep the mesh taught and efficiently separate on either side of its surfaces the oxygen and hydrogen elements during electrolysis.
2) A mesh supported by a frame, permeable to water and electrolyte when energized in a hydrogen electrolyzer, but not permeable to the resulting hydrogen or oxygen bubbles due to their surface tension, thus enabling the separation of the gas elements of water on either side of the mesh.
3) A mesh supported by a frame as in claim 2 whereby the frame is comprised of at least one supporting cross member in contact with to at least one surface of the mesh, bringing rigidity against the pressure from the water flow.
4) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 and 3 whereby the mesh surfaces are in contact with the supporting members on both its sides to maintain its position substantially in a centerline between the said supporting members.
5) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2, 3 and 4 whereby the supporting members have raised areas on at least one side substantially perpendicular to the frame, to prevent the mesh from coming into proximity with the gas exit holes and metal electrode plates.
6) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 to 5 whereby the frame surround is disposed with at least one aperture for the cell assembly rod to protrude and maintain the rigid integrity of the mesh, preventing it from being flaccid and blocking the gas exit holes in the adjacent components.
7) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 to 6 whereby a substantially small part of the mesh at its top, within the cell compartment, is totally sealed closed and when embodied, the surfaces of both sides of the closed part are adjacent to the gas element exit holes of the adjacent components on either side.
6) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 to 7 whereby both sides of the frame perimeter surfaces have at least one continuous raised rib to act as a seal when in contact with any adjacent component.
9) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 till 8 where the continuous raised rib on both sides of its surfaces are disposed around the water input, gas exit and cell assembly rod holes to prevent leakages when assembled to the adjacent components.
10) A mesh supported by a frame, as in Claims 2 till 9 whereby the frame top rail has a gas transit hole on the right or left side of the frame to transport either pure hydrogen or pure oxygen from the neighboring cell within separately sealed gas element transport systems to the exterior of the cell.
11) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 till 10 whereby the frame has a water transit hole through the bottom rail so that if water circulation is slowed by blockages to the mesh, water can pass unhindered relieving pressure and avoiding gas permeation through the mesh.
12) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 till 11 that when embodied essentially between a positive and negative metal electrode plate, its embodiment can simply be reversed 180 degrees to fit the next cell in series where the electrode plate is negative first and its opposing plate is positive.
13) More than one mesh in a common frame, the said frame as described in any of the claims 2 till 11.
14) A mesh supported by a frame as in previous claims 2 till 13 but without location fixing holes in the frame, embodied essentially between the positive and negative metal electrode plates, held in place solely by pressure from its adjacent components.
15) A mesh of substantially rigidity where it is manufactured as one integral and rigid piece able to withstand the force of water circulation.
16) A mesh as in claim 15 where at least one substantially raised area or at least one rib are constructed as an integral part of the rigid mesh.
17) A mesh as in claim 15 and 16 where the rigid mesh has its apertures disposed to the proximity of any edge.
18) A mesh supported by a frame as in claims 2 till 14, made from electrically non-conductive materials.
19) A rigid mesh as in claims 15 to 17 made from electrically non-conductive materials.
20) A porous barrier supported by a frame whereby the said frame has all the same features in its construction as described in claims 3 to 12 and 14.
21) A rigid porous barrier as in claims 15 to 17.
22) A mesh supported by a frame as described in claims 2 till 14 and a porous barrier as described in claims 15 to 17, whereby the water input apertures and gas output apertures through the frame rails, each have substantially the same cross section area (A), a minimum of 25 square millimeters to keep the pressure and circulation stable within the cell and associated open system gas collecting water tanks.
23) A mesh supported by a frame as in claim 22, made from an electrically non-conductive material where the said apertures match those in the adjacent sealing components and metal electrode plates within the cell and associated circulatory system.