September 16, 2002
A PVC pipe hydrogenator,
with autogenous H2 production via Al,
and with “shaker” features,
and self regulated pressure,
can be built by anyone who knows how
to wield a hack saw and solvent glue.
(This would exclude Gluefingers Mc Osmium,
I regret to note.)
[Note that the mods have been instructed
to not respond to such insults,
as they are to set a higher standard than this..”:<) ]
Anyway, here’s the quick and dirty:
details available if needed,
though the elaboration of the construct
is not rocket science...
The device is shaped like a capitol
N
The left UP arm (of the N )
has a poppet valve set at 70 PSI t the top,
and the upper end is removable for addition of AL and base or acid.
(An automatic pressure regulating NaOH “dripper”
has been conceived,
although the size of the Al will determine the rate of production of H2,
so it has not been fabricated..)
The DOWN middle arm (of the N ) delivers
the produced H2 to the right “reaction vessel”.
The middle arm of the mechanism
can be a smaller size if wanted.
The middle arm should be fitted with a PVC “one way valve” ,
located near the BOTTOM
before intersecting the UP section.
(This can be eliminated if you are careful,
but WTF: they are cheap..)
The UP arm has a removable threaded end piece
with a 60 PSI poppet valve fitted.
Note that the relief holes on this poppet valve
have been shrouded with a piece of rubber
and hose clamp, sealing them.
The escape area thus is restricted
to the clearance between the poppet stem
and it’s containment hole.
(Otherwise, it lets off too much pressure when it unseats. )
In use, the left UP arm (of the N ) is grasped in a vice
(after wrapping with a towel..),
the reduction liquor and contents
are added to the right hand arm,
wherein they are contained
because of the one way valve referenced 2 paragraphs up..
The base is added to the Al
(or acid, preferentially just because
you are having (one would presume)
an acidic process JUST over to the right,
and who wants a mix if it overflows???)
[truth is, if you leave plenty of headspace
(like 50 %) no problems should be realized
with the base...) <and quick like a bunny
you screw on the end piece,
and wait to see the pressure go up
in the vertical pipe on the right.
OOPS: did I forget to mention a pressure gauge
on the right hand vertical?? Bad me.
First couple of burps
probably is purging atmosphere,
but after that,
put a balloon over the relief valves
so you can have a floater to give the Kiddees...
Vibration:
Obtain a variable speed (via rheostat)
water bed vibrator:
you know: the kind you put a quarter in in cheap motels.. If you do not have cheap motels in your vicinity,
a water bed store should be able to fix you up
for under $50.
Attach it to the right hand vertical
near the bottom with plenty of polyfoam layers
(pipe insulation), and U clips,
and carefully dial in
your preferred vibratory attunement.
Some placement experiments will be needed:
control of the amplitude of the vibrations
may be necessary,
by placement of extension boards
from the workbench.
You can shake the crap out of the tube in this manner..
I’ve never had a problem
with any signs of PVC cracking,
but I’ve been reasonably judicious.
(about 2" to 3" peak to peak...)
dwarfer