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  Electrohydrogen generator and molecular separator using moving electrodes and auxiliary electrodesUSPTO Application #: 20070007126Title: Electrohydrogen generator and molecular separator using moving electrodes and auxiliary electrodes 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Paul D. Gornall Barrister & Solicitor - Vancouver, BC, CA Inventor: Douglas N. Bell USPTO Applicaton #: 20070007126 - Class: 204212000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemistry: Electrical And Wave Energy, Apparatus, Electrolytic, Object Protection, Rotary The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070007126. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 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. [0002] 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. [0003] 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. [0004] 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 [0005] 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. [0006] 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. [0007] The moving anodes need to be resistant, for example to 30% sulphuric acid, and thus would require suitable grade stainless steel. [0008] 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. [0009] 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. [0010] 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. [0011] 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. [0012] 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. [0013] 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. [0014] 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. [0015] 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+1/2 O2 in volume proportion. [0016] 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. [0017] 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. [0018] 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. [0019] 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. [0020] 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. [0021] 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. [0022] 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. Continue reading... Full patent description for Electrohydrogen generator and molecular separator using moving electrodes and auxiliary electrodes Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Electrohydrogen generator and molecular separator using moving electrodes and auxiliary electrodes patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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