Building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch

In summary, building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch involves assembling components such as electrodes, a container for the electrolyte solution, and a power source. The process includes selecting suitable materials, typically stainless steel or other conductive metals, and mixing water with an electrolyte like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to enhance conductivity. The electrodes are then installed in the container, connected to the power source, and submerged in the electrolyte solution. When electricity is applied, the cell produces hydrogen and oxygen gases through electrolysis, which can be ignited to create a flame for various applications. Safety precautions are essential due to the flammability of the gases produced.
  • #1
Cavidex
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TL;DR Summary
Help determining amps in an electrolysis cell
I'm a young student and I'm building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch. I want to limit the current used by the cell so that it doesn't break my bridge rectifier by drawing too much current. I want to know how big do my electrodes need to be to draw around 140A. For the anode I'm going to use a plate of 316L steel and the water will contain NaOH.
 
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  • #2
Sure you don't want to buy a commercial unit? They are available starting at couple hundred dollars, current-limiting is built in.
 
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  • #3
Bystander said:
Sure you don't want to buy a commercial unit? They are available starting at couple hundred dollars, current-limiting is built in.
I'm just doing this for fun and I don't have money to use like this
 
  • #4
Forum rules require that "dangerous activities" not be encouraged; you have not been a member long enough that anyone knows whether you know........

Nothing personal.
 
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  • #5
Bystander said:
Forum rules require that "dangerous activities" not be encouraged; you have not been a member long enough that anyone knows whether you know........

Nothing personal.
They need to specify what is considered dangerous tho. Even getting out of the bed is cause you might fall. Plus you wouldn't be encouraging you would just help to make it safer cause I'm still gonna make. Lastly I don't think that building a cell like this is dangerous if you are able to get your hands on everything needed. How am I supposed to ask for help if I don't know anyone with experience?
 
  • #6
Cavidex said:
They need to specify what is considered dangerous tho. Even getting out of the bed is cause you might fall. Plus you wouldn't be encouraging you would just help to make it safer cause I'm still gonna make. Lastly I don't think that building a cell like this is dangerous if you are able to get your hands on everything needed. How am I supposed to ask for help if I don't know anyone with experience?
From: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/
Explicit "how to" discussions of illegal and/or dangerous activities, or posts advocating such activities, are prohibited ...
 
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  • #7
Cavidex said:
TL;DR Summary: Help determining amps in an electrolysis cell

water will contain NaOH.
This/lye/caustic/corrosive equals "dangerous (among other things)."
 
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  • #8
Bystander said:
This/lye/caustic/corrosive equals "dangerous (among other things)."
Then where should I ask my question?(For me lye isn't even too dangerous since I know how to manage it)
 
  • #9
Cavidex said:
For me lye isn't even too dangerous since I know how to manage it
From:https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/env... concentrations,lead to permanent lung damage.
Contact with very high concentrations of sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns to the eyes, skin, digestive system or lungs, resulting in permanent damage or death. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of sodium hydroxide vapor can lead to permanent lung damage.
 
  • #10
Cavidex said:
(For me lye isn't even too dangerous since I know how to manage it)
However, we do NOT know you well enough to share YOUR confidence in yourself; couple months, meaningful posts on other topics, things may change.
 
  • #11
Bystander said:
However, we do NOT know you well enough to share YOUR confidence in yourself; couple months, meaningful posts on other topics, things may change.
Well I'm probably never gonna use this platform again thanks for your time
 
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  • #12
As has been mentioned, we know nothing about you or your level of experience in the many aspects of this project. Also, please keep in mind that even if you are a very experienced person (which I doubt), our advice to you could be read by an inexperienced clueless person in the future and used to hurt themselves trying to duplicate the project.

Cavidex said:
How am I supposed to ask for help if I don't know anyone with experience?
You are not trying hard enough. Almost always the best way to proceed on such a project is to find a local Mentor who can help you in-person and who can understand your level of experience in the various aspects of the project. Please try harder to find that local Mentor, instead of trying to find advice on the Internet (where we can never know your level of experience).

Thread is done.
 
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FAQ: Building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch

What materials do I need to build an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch?

To build an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch, you will need stainless steel plates or tubes, a non-conductive container, distilled water, an electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), electrical connectors, and a power source such as a DC power supply or car battery.

How do I assemble the electrolysis cell?

First, cut the stainless steel plates or tubes to the desired size and arrange them in parallel within the non-conductive container. Ensure that the plates or tubes are not touching each other. Connect the plates to the electrical connectors, with one set connected to the positive terminal and the other set to the negative terminal of your power source. Fill the container with a mixture of distilled water and electrolyte, ensuring that the plates are fully submerged.

What safety precautions should I take when building and operating an electrolysis cell?

Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles when handling electrolytes, as they are caustic. Ensure good ventilation to avoid the buildup of hydrogen and oxygen gases, which are highly flammable. Use a flashback arrestor to prevent flames from traveling back into the cell. Never operate the cell near open flames or sparks.

How do I optimize the efficiency of my electrolysis cell?

To optimize efficiency, use high-quality stainless steel for the electrodes to minimize corrosion. Maintain the correct concentration of electrolyte; too much or too little can reduce efficiency. Ensure good electrical connections and minimize resistance. Also, use a pulse-width modulated (PWM) power supply to control the current and improve gas production efficiency.

How can I test the output of my HHO torch?

To test the output, first ensure all safety measures are in place. Connect the output hose from the electrolysis cell to the HHO torch. Ignite the torch using a spark or flame source, and observe the flame characteristics. A properly functioning HHO torch should produce a stable, clean, and hot flame. Use a flow meter to measure the gas output rate and adjust the electrolyte concentration or power input to achieve the desired performance.

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