US20070007126A1

US20070007126A1 - Electrohydrogen generator and molecular separator using moving electrodes and auxiliary electrodes

Info

Publication number: US20070007126A1
Application number: US11/174,516
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas Bell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-06
Filing date: 2005-07-06
Publication date: 2007-01-11

Abstract

A cylinder containing electrolyte is rotated at a very high speed, which facilitates dissociation of the electrolyte, producing oxygen and hydrogen as well as generating an increased potential difference between an insulated, central cathode and grounded, peripheral, multiple, moving anodes. When the anodes are close to the cathode, there is an easier rupture of the hydrated dipoles and separation into the component gases. As a central shell of hydrogen grows bigger around the cathode, the anodes, controlled by an electromagnetic device or mechanical gears move away from the cathode to the periphery of the cylinder, continually providing a short distance of migration of the described ions. As the molecules dissociate, the temperature drops. This collateral energy could also be used, adding to the efficiency of the apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The principle of gravitational electrolysis has been known since at least as early as 1990. A cylinder containing electrolyte is rotated at a very high speed, which facilitates dissociation of the electrolyte, producing oxygen and hydrogen as well as generating an increased potential energy between an insulated, central cathode and a peripheral anode.
An artificial gravity force is thus generated, and consequently hydrated cations and anions that have different masses, separate. The heavier ions will be influenced by the increased gravitational field more then the lighter ions, and in addition will be attracted to the opposite electrode. Thus at completion the hydrogen ions will be central and close to the cathode, the negative ions peripheral. If the value of the potential difference is large enough, the hydrated shells of the light ions will be deformed and will come close enough to the cathode to be discharged. For equilibrium to be maintained, the negatively charged ions will give away their charge to the anode and a potential difference will occur. This electric current is created by the ongoing oxidation-reduction chemical reaction on the electrodes. The electricity generated can be carried to a capacitor.
In prior prototype devices intended to harness gravitational electrolysis, the lengths of the cathode electrodes are different for each cylindrical electrode because of the shape of the central cylinder but the distance between the anode and cathode is fixed. In order for electrolytic generation of hydrogen to be efficient the charges must be very close together. Currently this entails the use of very narrow chambers.
As noted in prior descriptions of this kind of process, the process of water dissociation into hydrogen and oxygen by ionic restoration is accompanied by solution enthalpy. The reaction is endothermic and the heat differential can be utilized to further increase the efficiency of the apparatus. The resulting solution temperature is constantly decreasing and the solution would freeze if this heat loss is not compensated. This cooled fluid can be collected in a closed system such as circular tubing. The device acquires features of a thermo-chemical generator of electric current that works with the by-product of free hydrogen and oxygen. Use of an external heat pump is required if the process carries on long enough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, a centrifuge containing electrolyte is rotated at a very high speed, causing an increased potential energy between an insulated, central cathode, and peripheral, multiple, moving anodes. When the anodes are close to the cathode, there is an easier rupture of the hydrated dipoles and separation into the component gases. As a central shell of hydrogen grows bigger around the cathode, the anodes, controlled by an electromagnetic device or mechanical gears move away from the cathode to the periphery of the cylinder, continually providing a short distance of migration of the described ions.
The moving anode can be calibrated to move in very small increments thus facilitating transfer of ions. This movement continually modifies the distance and balances the on-going production of the hydrogen and oxygen in gaseous form. Continual compensating movements via feedback sensors and optimization loop algorithms can be programmed into the system, taking into account factors such as bubble formation, conductivity, and voltage. Apart from such minor optimizing adjustments during the process, the movement of the anodes is generally away from the cathode as the electrolysis proceeds. Since the central cathode is collecting an increasing column of hydrogen around it the anode must move father away to permit efficient use of the diameter of the vessel and maximum conversion of the remaining electrolyte to the above gases to the fullest capacity possible.
The moving anodes need to be resistant, for example to 30% sulphuric acid, and thus would require suitable grade stainless steel.
Since these anodes are supported top and bottom by the cylinder and are subject to outward bending in the center by the centrifugal force, they have a truss construction to limit their bending. The electrodes also need to be carefully balanced.
It is also possible to string a loose stainless steel net or mesh between the electrodes to give a greater area of electrical attraction as the electrodes move outwards and farther apart. The mesh then would become tighter as the circumference increased. Since the outer casing of the cylinder is isoelectric with the anode, as the anode approaches the outer wall of the cylinder, the casing and moving anode would act together electrically; thus the movable anode does not have to touch but merely come close to the inside wall of the cylinder for completion of the process.
As the molecules dissociate, the temperature drops. This collateral energy could also be used, adding to the efficiency of the apparatus. The use of an external heat pump may not only be required, but also be useful for collateral purposes.
If a continuous system of hydrogen production is employed the heat pump described above is necessary. However if a row of cylinders is used and after the gaseous production is completed, the first cylinder is slowed, the gases are separated by virtue of their different densities by earth's gravity rather than the rotational gravity. While this is transpiring a gang of successive cylinders are individually rotated by the same gas turbine, for example. In this way the solution enthalpy is dependent in part on the temperature of the added water and the cylinder diameter. Thus water stored on a roof in Southern California would not be as likely to require a heat pump as a plant in the far north, given the same dimension and rotational speed of the invention.
Depending on the diameter of the cylinder, it may be necessary to employ an inner cathode and an outer cathode which is perforated [e.g. 420 in FIG. 4] as there is a corresponding relationship of the diameter of the outer cathode, and the anode. In a larger diameter system it is necessary to electrically isolate the two cathodes if there is electrolyte inside the outer cathode. Here the insulated shaft is the primary cathode and the porous outer cylinder is initially switched to an anode. Once the hydrogen ring reaches the diameter of the second or outer electrode the current is reversed and the second outer cylinder then becomes the cathode. The moving anode now takes over until the entire electrolyte has been converted to hydrogen and oxygen. In a smaller diameter cylinder this switching is not necessary.
Once the reaction is completed, the hydrogen, lightest of the gases produced can be drawn off through a series of perforations in the central cathode, the oxygen to follow. For example, with sulphuric acid as the electrolyte, the sulphur dioxide is left and as a new water spray is introduced, this is converted to sulphurous then sulphuric acid ready for the next rotation. In the testing any given set-up the unit would be stopped and then the hydrogen removed to see if the volume of hydrogen reached the theoretical calculated amount.
Rotating objects are endowed with angular momentum, and the latter is proportional to the rotation rate and the distribution of mass around the axis of rotation. Angular momentum is conserved, (can neither be created or destroyed) and therefore as the gases separate, the heaviest matter remaining, i.e. the electrolyte, is furthest from the axis; the spin rate would be reduced unless compensated by mechanical means. In addition the weight of the moving anodes is slowly moving outward adding to this velocity reduction. This is relevant only if the critical rotation speed is reduced; i.e. there needs to be reserve rotational speed beyond the calculated speed for that particular apparatus. Conversely the nearness of the two electrodes reduces to some extent, the required rotational speed for a given cylinder diameter.
Based on the results of different speeds and distances of electrode travel, an efficient distance for any given implementation can be determined that would enable a continuous formation of hydrogen and oxygen with a corresponding injection of water to balance the above production. The centrifuge would not have to be slowed down. In a similar manner, once an ideal distance is found for each cylinder diameter the electrodes are then positioned in such a way that further movement is not necessary. In a large diameter cylinder, fixed electrode positioning generally would not work from zero rotation unless it was first primed with hydrogen and oxygen. Once primed however, a balanced system should be continuous, as:
H2O< >H2+½ O2 in volume proportion.
The electrodes should be manufactured in such a fashion to permit constant travel of the hydrogen and oxygen. This is accomplished by using electrodes made in a mesh or sieve form, using metal, graphite or carbon materials for example. This type of electrode also furthers increased mobility of the ions by virtue of increasing viscous shear in the system. As the system gains acceleration, material in the innermost region loses more gravitational support and the hydrogen falls inward. The heavier ions fall outwardly, and as they spiral out, the angular momentum vector force is shifted to the periphery. This ionic slipping adds to the shear, and viscous shear occurs to some extent whenever there is relative motion in a fluid. Laminar flow occurs at low Reynolds numbers, where viscous forces are dominant, and is characterized by smooth, constant fluid motion, while turbulent flow, on the other hand, occurs at high Reynolds numbers and is dominated by inertial forces, producing random eddies, vortices and other flow fluctuations. This transition between laminar and turbulent flow is indicated by a critical Reynolds number and is of some importance here as the introduction of a moving anode invites a certain amount of turbulence at the tip of the anode. As disruption continues at the boundary layer of the anode there is a slight decrease in viscosity and this resulting turbulence further aids the migration of the positive and negative ions in their travel to the opposite electrodes respectively.
Other electrolytic solutions can be utilized, such as ethyl alcohol, and various substances used for the electrodes, such as graphite. These variations are not critical to the main purpose of the invention.
There are various ways to keep the moving anode in close approximation to the central shell of hydrogen, besides using a stainless steel mesh. One could have the vertical anode rod constructed in a series of plates instead of a continuous plate, and have the plates from the next quadrant anode, quadrant “A” meshing through the spaces between quadrant “B.” In this way the anode is kept in juxtaposition to the ever-expanding hydrogen ring. Hydrogen would be formed at the closest point of the anode and increasing the contacting area of the anode would only be necessary if the speed of completion became a factor, and this is unimportant in the prototype.
It is also possible to have an expanding cathode electrode move peripherally in a manner that the two electrodes would then be in juxtaposition throughout their travel. In this way the most efficient distance between electrodes for gravitational electrolysis to occur is determined and that distance carried out throughout the excursion of the two electrodes in concert. One can readily see that in this situation the diameter of the cylinder does not come into play as much other than the height and weight of the apparatus relative to the rotational speeds that are necessary to create the required gravitational field. Expansion of the cathode is also easily performed by such methods as overlying perforated plates or grilles sliding circumferentially or spiraling over and around (unwinding) the initial plates of the cathode. The theoretical travel of the cathode would be stopped just before the maximum ring of hydrogen production and in this way the ring of oxygen (opposite electrical charge) would not be compromised electrically. This distance is relative to the diameter of the said cylinder, and thus the theoretical gaseous production for that particular system.
In utilizing this expanding cathode, the central portion of the cylinder consists of a supporting solid stainless steel shaft to rotate the apparatus. A second expanding cathode is outside the central shaft. This second shaft is electrically insulated and this hollow shaft (the second or expanding cathode) has perforations in the upper portion to conduct the produced gases out of the electrolyte and eventually the cylinder, and to allow introduction fresh water and/or electrolyte. The cylinder is equipped with inlet and outlet ports to allow for delivery and extraction of hydrogen immediately and oxygen eventually.
Another method of enabling the cathode to be closer to the anode is to construct the central cathode in such a way that the first disc is closest to the anode and each successive disc is progressively further away from the anode, but again not close enough to impinge on the expanding ring of oxygen. (actually hydrogen ring plus oxygen ring). Stationary or expanding discs of different sizes to facilitate the migration and separation of the gases can accomplish this. Mirroring this, and simpler, is having the anode move toward the central cathode discs as described earlier.
Calculating the expected diameter of the hydrogen ring from the dimensions of the cylinder enables a determination of the distance for the position of the anode to be effective in producing hydrogen. Multiple anodes can then be fixed in a position just distal to the outer completion boundary of the hydrogen gas. As discussed above the electrode needs to be manufactured using a porous material to facilitate the free migration of the ions in question, or with rods constructed in juxtaposition or at least close enough to allow this transfer to proceed. Use of a mesh or grid of suitable material would facilitate this. Fixation of the rods to the casing electrically grounds the system appropriately. Similarly the cathode could be enlarged using a mesh but the prior method is much easier to manufacture, and in addition an auxiliary cathode would have to be switched from positive back to negative as the hydrogen ring expanded.
A moving anode in electrohydrogen generation has advantages to the fixed anode and cathode of prior electrohydrogen generator devices. These advantages apply even for very small ultracentrifuge implementations, and would increase for larger systems. Having the multiple anodes very close to the central cathode involves less travel for the migration and separation of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The very high centrifugal speed and the electrolytic solution produces its own electrical charge.
The moving anode brings the electric charges closer between the cathode and anode. This automatically and continually allows a shorter distance for the migration of the described ions. In this way the diameter of the apparatus may not be limited as severely as would otherwise be the case.
A preferred embodiment of such a device for facilitating an electrolytic process would comprise:
a) a rotary-driven vessel such as a high-speed cylindrical centrifuge, capable of holding an electrolytic solution;
b) electrodes, that is, an cathode and an anode, at least one of which electrodes is movable with respect to the other during an electrolytic process performed by the device;
c) control means for positioning the moveable electrode at various positions during the electrolytic process, where moving the moveable electrode would increase the rate of electrolysis;
d) the device has an inlet for supplying the electrolytic solution to the vessel and an outlet for discharging products of electrolysis;
e) the device is an electrohydrogen generator;
f) the device is equipped with a heat exchanger to keep the device with an optimal operating temperature range;
g) a multiplicity of anodes are positioned adjacent to a cathode during an initial stage of electrolysis and the anodes are moveable gradually away from the cathode as an area of concentration of unseparated electrolytic solution moves farther away from the cathode during rotation of the vessel;
h) the rotary-driven vessel facilitates dissociation of the electrolytic solution, producing oxygen and hydrogen while simultaneously generating a potential difference between the electrodes;
i) the distance between the cathode and anode is variable such that electrostatic forces resulting from production of hydrogen are counterbalanced by the positioning of the electrodes relative to each other to produce a continued efficient dissociation of the ions as the electrolytic process continues;
j) an expansion of a central shell of hydrogen around the cathode is coordinated with a controlled gradual movement of the anode toward the periphery of the vessel;
k) a porous material of a central cathode facilitates free migration of hydrogen and oxygen ions.
The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof will be more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing the position of moving anodes at the beginning of rotation;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing partial excursion of the anode;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing almost full excursion of the anodes;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing both electrodes moving;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing fixed auxiliary electrodes isoelectric with the cylinder wall;
FIG. 6 a is a cross sectional view of the electrohydrogen generator showing detail of the central cathode;
FIG. 6 b is a cross sectional view of the electrohydrogen generator showing another method of moving the anode;
FIG. 7 is a top down external view of an electrohydrogen generator showing an outer gear driving four inner electrodes with an excursion of about 50 degrees.
FIG. 8 is a lateral partially transparent view of an electrohydrogen generator with anodes in almost full excursion, showing external mechanical features of the invention.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as a moving anode electrode, includes a central shaft [100] surrounded by an electrolyte solution [105] composed of 30% sulphuric acid, within a positively charged outer casing [110]. There are four movable anodes [120-123] which are composed of a metal that is resistant to the 30% sulfuric acid solution, for example, very high grade stainless steel. At this stage the anodes are in their initial position, prior to rotation. The anodes are controlled by a gear [710] shown in FIG. 7, connected to the central shaft outside of the electrolytic solution. The four (or more) peripheral anodes [120-123] are fixed on their own shafts and will undergo an excursion of 53 degrees or so, outwards and then back to their original position ready for the next cycle of electrolyte.
The following diagrams, which are not to scale, show the moving electrodes controlled by a gear connected to the central shaft outside of the solution-containing electrolyte. This outer gear is under time control by the operator. There are various ways of moving the anode such as by springs, electromagnetic and motor-belt or gear driven functions, and controlled centrifugal force expanders.
FIG. 2 shows the anodes in partial excursion. A chemical reaction begins which converts the electrolytic solution into hydrogen & oxygen gas. A ring of hydrogen gas [200] begins to form around the central shaft [100] and the heavier oxygen gas [210] separates from the hydrogen gas into the intermediate cylinder [220]. The separation reaction is endothermic and the heat differential can be utilized to increase the efficiency of the apparatus.
FIG. 3 shows the anodes [120], [121], [122], [123] in almost full excursion. At full excursion the anodes describe an arc [300] of approximately 53 degrees from their starting point. The electrodes need to be carefully balanced.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing both electrodes moving; the cathode [100] expands (here in nearly full expansion) to maintain the minimum distance from the moving anodes. The resultant increased potential difference causes the ions to dissociate faster. Perforations on the wall [420] of the central cathode [100] allow the hydrogen gas [430] to diffuse through it, but not the oxygen gas [440], which remains in the larger ring [450]. Initially the hydrogen and next the oxygen would be removed. In a continuous system, the oxygen would be vented independently.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an electrohydrogen generator showing eighteen fixed auxiliary electrodes (anodes), e.g. [500], isoelectric with the cylinder wall. In one potential embodiment these electrodes can be connected together with a mesh to increase the effective surface area. These electrodes serve to bring the both the positive and the negative charges closer to their respective electrodes [100].
FIG. 6 a is a cross sectional view of the electrohydrogen generator showing detail of the central cathode. This includes tubes to conduct water/electrolyte inflow [610] and outflow [615], heat pump in [620], heat pump out [625], perforated outer cathode [640], and up and down shaft [650] over the perforated central cathode. When the up and down shaft [650] is raised a transfer of gas outward or flow of water inward to the interior cathode chamber is facilitated. FIG. 6 b is a cross sectional view of the electrohydrogen generator showing another method of moving the anode. In this method the anodes [670], [671], [672], and [673], move towards the outer edge of the cylinder in slots or channels [660], [661], [662], and [663] respectively. In this method the number of anodes can be at least doubled, and the surface area can be increased with a mesh, and/or with interlocking plates (see text). Control is via hydraulic piston, etc.
FIG. 7 is a top down external view of an electrohydrogen generator showing an outer gear [720] driving four inner electrodes within channels [730], [731], [732], and [733] with an excursion of about 53 degrees.
FIG. 8 is a lateral partially transparent view of an electrohydrogen generator with anodes in almost full excursion, showing external mechanical features of the invention. The retractable outer cylinder [800] allows passage of fluids and gases in and out. The rotating shaft [810] of the anode has a truss construction so that the anodes are subject to longitudinal stress only. [815] is the leading edge of the anode. [820] illustrates the mesh construction of the anodes. [420] is the perforated wall of the outer cathode, shown in FIG. 4. [100] is the central shaft, shown from the side. [835] is the turbine which supplies the rotary mechanical power for the generator. [840] is a bearing which supports the cylinder.
A removable envelope over the end of the anode electrode would facilitate cleaning, gathering of wanted or unwanted materials.
The apparatus could also be used for separation of immiscible substances that are difficult to separate by centrifugal force alone. For instance, in the oil industry, sometimes titanium will be naturally mixed with crude oil, and using a moving anode in addition to centrifugal separation would provide an efficient electrolytic separating force to boost the process. In motor usage, using the same process after a fuel filter could assist in removing microscopic particles of iron and steel oil before re-introduction to an engine, making the oil cleaner and extending lubricating oil life. This would be especially useful in remote motor locations or situations where expensive motors and downtime is important, such as navel vessels. In the mining industry, more precise separation of metals such as silver could be extracted and collected at the negative pole. In the chemical and pharmaceutical industry a greater purification of drugs, proteins, would be feasible. For instance, proteins can be separated by electrophoresis. Using the system of the present invention, proteins not only be separated by ultracentrifuge (which by itself is not new) but a particular target protein could be removed by precise placement of the electrodes and then turning on an appropriate current to extract only that particular protein.
The within-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms and with additional options and accessories without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A device for facilitating an electrolytic process comprising:

a) a rotary-driven vessel capable of holding an electrolytic solution;

b) electrodes, that is, an cathode and an anode, at least one of which electrodes is movable with respect to the other during an electrolytic process performed by the device;

c) control means for positioning the moveable electrode at various positions during the electrolytic process, where moving the moveable electrode would increase the rate of electrolysis.

2. The device of claim 1, in which the rotary-driven vessel is a high-speed cylindrical centrifuge.

3. The device of claim 1, in which the device has an inlet for supplying the electrolytic solution to the vessel and an outlet for discharging products of electrolysis.

4. The device of claim 1, in which the device is an electrohydrogen generator.

5. The device of claim 1, in which the device is equipped with a heat exchanger to keep the device with an optimal operating temperature range.

6. The device of claim 1, in which an anode is positioned adjacent to a cathode during an initial stage of electrolysis and one of the electrodes is moveable gradually away from the other as an area of concentration of unseparated electrolytic solution moves farther away from the other electrode during rotation of the vessel.

7. The device of claim 1, in which a multiplicity of anodes are positioned adjacent to a cathode during an initial stage of electrolysis and the anodes are moveable gradually away from the cathode as an area of concentration of unseparated electrolytic solution moves farther away from the cathode during rotation of the vessel.

8. The device of claim 4, in which the rotary-driven vessel facilitates dissociation of the electrolytic solution, producing oxygen and hydrogen while simultaneously generating a potential difference between the electrodes.

9. The device of claim 4, in which the distance between the cathode and anode is variable such that electrostatic forces resulting from production of hydrogen are counterbalanced by the positioning of the electrodes relative to each other to produce a continued efficient dissociation of the ions as the electrolytic process continues.

10. The device of claim 4, in which an expansion of a central shell of hydrogen around the cathode is coordinated with a controlled gradual movement of the anode toward the periphery of the vessel.

11. The device of claim 4, in which an expanding central cathode moves peripherally such that the outer anodes are in juxtaposition with the central cathode throughout their travel and the distance between the electrodes is continuously minimized.

12. The device of claim 1, in which multiple anodes rotate upon shafts in response to expansion of a central concentration of hydrogen, such that a distance between the anodes and a central cathode is reduced.

13. The device of claim 1, in which a porous material of a central cathode facilitates free migration of hydrogen and oxygen ions.

14. The device of claim 1, in which multiple anodes comprise a mesh to further facilitate a migration of hydrogen ions.

15. The device of claim 1, in which the cylinder is equipped with inlet and outlet ports to allow delivery and extraction of hydrogen immediately and oxygen eventually.

16. The device of claim 2, in which:

a) the device has an inlet for supplying the electrolytic solution to the vessel and an outlet for discharging products of electrolysis;

b) the device is an electrohydrogen generator;

c) the device is equipped with a heat exchanger to keep the device with an optimal operating temperature range;

d) a multiplicity of anodes are positioned adjacent to a cathode during an initial stage of electrolysis and the anodes are moveable gradually away from the cathode as an area of concentration of unseparated electrolytic solution moves farther away from the cathode during rotation of the vessel;

e) the rotary-driven vessel facilitates dissociation of the electrolytic solution, producing oxygen and hydrogen while simultaneously generating a potential difference between the electrodes;

f) the distance between the cathode and anode is variable such that electrostatic forces resulting from production of hydrogen are counterbalanced by the positioning of the electrodes relative to each other to produce a continued efficient dissociation of the ions as the electrolytic process continues;

g) an expansion of a central shell of hydrogen around the cathode is coordinated with a controlled gradual movement of the anode toward the periphery of the vessel;

h) a porous material of a central cathode facilitates free migration of hydrogen and oxygen ions.