GB896038A - Method of generating hydrogen by the interaction of water and lithium hydride and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0896038/III/1> Lithium or other suitable metal hydride is introduced into a watertight disruptible covering within a lower chamber of a gas generator vessel, water is introduced into an upper chamber of the gas generator, separated from the lower chamber by a porous wall, and water is constrained to pass from the upper to the lower chamber while the disruptible covering is destroyed so that interaction of hydride and water occurs with evolution of hydrogen. The hydride may be contained in a tearable or soluble covering which is ruptured to permit contact between water and hydride. Alternatively the hydride may be temporarily sealed off beneath a wire mesh partition covered by a watertight membrane. As shown apparatus suitable for the production of hydrogen by contact between hydride and water comprises a generator vessel 1 having a gas outlet 2 provided with attachment means for an inflatable container, e.g. a balloon, a water inlet 5, and a wire mesh partition 8 separating the generator vessel into upper and lower chambers, the lower chamber having an opening for introduction of hydride. The hydride is held in a flexible watertight capsule beneath the wire mesh partition and contact between water and hydride is made by pulling ripcord 14.ALSO:<PICT:0896038/IV (b)/1> Lithium or other suitable metallic hydride is introduced into a lower chamber of a gas generator vessel, within which it is contained in a disruptible covering, water is introduced into an upper chamber of the gas generator separated from the lower chamber by a porous wall, and water is constrained to pass from the upper to the lower chamber while the disruptible covering is destroyed so that interaction of hydride and water occurs with evolution of hydrogen. The hydride may be contained in a tearable or soluble covering which is ruptured to permit contact between water and hydride. Alternatively the hydride may be temporarily sealed off beneath a wire mesh partition covered by a watertight membrane. As shown, apparatus suitable for the production of hydrogen by contact between hydride and water comprises a generator vessel 1 having a gas outlet 2 provided with attachment means for an inflatable container, e.g. a balloon, a water inlet 5, and a wire mesh partition 8 separating the generator vessel into upper and lower chambers, the lower chamber having an opening for introduction of hydride. The hydride is held in a flexible water tight capsule beneath the wire mesh partition and contact between water and hydride is made by pulling ripcord 14.