Author: Pamella Neely
While many may think of savings when they think of hydrogen in a car, experienced firefighters may have the thought “kaboom” cross their mind. After all, hydrogen gas is highly combustible, and in a hydrogen gas saver it is produced right alongside oxygen, its partner in combustion. However, there are certain safety guidelines that can minimize the risks associated with a hydrogen gas saver.
Flashback Arrestors
When you create HHO gas by electrolysis in your hydrogen gas saver, you will want to make sure the gas is constantly movng from the electrolysis tank into the engine and cannot flow back. The reason for this is that the open electricity needed to split the water in the first place creates a potential ignition source if the HHO gas is concentrated in the electrolysis tank. A flashback arrestor can be used to prevent this from happening; this device is essentially a one-way valve that ensures the flow of HHO is only from the generator to the engine.
Tank Construction
While glass hydrogen gas saver tanks are available and relatively cheap, it is highly inadvisable to use one. The reason should be clear to anyone who has ever witnessed a glass breaking on the floor (in other words, anyone): glass is fragile. The expense of a sturdy tank that is not at risk of exploding in a rain of sharp shrapnel at the next bump in the road is well worth it; it is simply common sense.
Blowback Valve Anywhere gas is created or heated, there exists the possibility of a buildup of pressure which could eventually lead to catastrophic failure. Hence, for the same reason that all hot water boilers are required to carry a blowback pressure valve, it is wise to include a similar pressure relief mechanism on your hydrogen gas saver.
Additionally, your HHO generator should have tubing large enough to accommodate the gas produced and forestall the buildup of pressure due to a restricted flow of gas.
Electrical Safety
The same safety guidelines should be followed in the electrical wiring of a hydrogen gas generator as in any other application of electricity. These include: use a gage of wire thick enough to safely carry the current which will be passed through them, and always include a fuse. Additional precautions can be taken, including the use of an on/off switch, and the use of a pulse wave modulator (PWM), a device which can control the current applied to the hydrogen generator to minimize the heat generated by the electric currents.
Additional Considerations
The hydrogen gas generator should be placed in the engine compartment such that it is well ventilated. Placing the hydrogen generator where it has access to a cooling air stream will prevent the boiling of water in the tank, preventing unwanted water from entering the engine and also prevent a buildup of pressure which can lead to an explosion.
Conclusions
While hydrogen gas savers can improve your gas mileage and reduce harmful emissions from your engine, they also have the potential to cause a great deal of damage if not constructed safely. Any application of concentrated hydrogen gas must be treated with the appropriate respect; it is wise to treat the HHO generator with the same respect as a loaded gun.
About the author: Pamella Neely writes about wood stoves for sale, wood cook stoves for sale. You can read about what features to get in a wood stove and how to qualify for up to a $1500 tax credit on your new wood stove at her site.