GB939120A - Means for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen and for the safe consumption thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

939,120. Electrolytic generator of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. HENES MANUFACTURING CO. May 23, 1962, No. 19762/62. Class 41. [Also in Groups XXII and XXIX] An electrolytic generator produces a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen and delivers the mixture through a restricted outlet to a flash-back arrestor connected to a welding torch. A generator 10, shown in Fig. 2, has a pure iron anode 12 and cathode 14 having openings 86 and 90 to allow circulation of the electrolyte, e.g. substantially saturated aqueous NaOH. A cover is held closed against an insulating ring 66 by springs 74 but can lift to relieve explosive pressure. The electrolysis may employ a current of 250 amps. at 4 volts giving a current density of 1 amp./ sq. inch of the generator area. A small electrolysing current is supplied via a low wattage lamp 150, Fig. 1, even when a switch 148 is open so that gases in the generator are not allowed to recombine and evacuate it. The hydrogen and oxygen leave the generator through a restricted outlet 94, Fig. 2, e.g. <SP>5</SP>/ 100 inch in diameter and then pass through a flash-back arrestor 36, Fig. 1, which comprises a U-tube containing non-inflammable liquid. A cork in an arm 40 of the tube can blow out in the event of an explosion. The gases pass througha pressure relief valve 44 (see Group XXIX) and through a flexible conduit 50 to a torch 54 which incorporates a porous carborundum flash-back arrestor 128, Fig. 3, in its handle. Any gases escaping from the relief valve are diluted by air from a blower 136. Instead of the U-tube flash-back arrestor 36, a vertical tube containing water may be used. A further embodiment, Figs. 7 and 10, comprises a generator 162 mounted on a U-shaped aluminium structure 152 whereby heat can be dissipated. The generator comprises a steel anode 174 and cathode 162 having screwthreads or fins to increase their surfaces. Alternatively, the anode may comprise a perforate tube or have an undulated surface. It may be secured and have an electrical connection as shown in Fig. 12 and be replaceable. A float 192, Fig. 10, and rod 194 serve as a level indicator when filling the cell. The generated hydrogen and oxygen mixture is supplied to a welding torch, the gases passing through a restricted outlet provided by a tube fitting 206, a flash-back arrestor comprising a casing 210 having a porous stone filling 212, and being bubbled through methyl alcohol or equivalent liquid hydrocarbon so as to entrain some and so increase the calorific value of the gas mixture (see Group XXII).