H2 Reactor (auto-production of H2, a powerful fuel)

[RJB INDUSTRIES]

This is a H2 Reactor prototype by RJB
It produces H2 gas, it is clean in a WS (Water Scrubber), there is an Overflow chamber to avoid the water from scrubber inside the main reactor.
There are safety valves and uni-directional valves.
At moment I have done a small experiment to have more experience before begin all the project.
The chemical is, in this case, HCL, the reactor has already the Al.

RJB INDUSTRIES

[RJB INDUSTRIES]

The secure chamber, that is what is between the reactor and Water Scrubber, contains an electrical sensor to detect water on...

[inonickname]

I'm sure you've considered this, but some gaseous HCl will probably be evolved. This will be removed by the water scrubber but be careful having any exposed metal before the water scrubber.

Pure copper is fine for the connections/chamber etc. as HCl will not react with it. Brass is ok, while the zinc near the surface will react, this will halt after only copper is left at the surface exposed to the HCl (won't take long).

I'd reduce the volume of air above the water scrubber. While the risk of ignition is low, it's still a factor worth considering. It will also result in less air being pumped into the chamber. On the same subject, while a small risk, I don't consider a non return valve to be effective at stopping a flashback, and a flame arrester will work better. However if the volume above the scrubber is reduced then flashback isn't a problem and the non return valve will be fine.

Finally, be cautious if you use a plastic container, as the reaction can evolve a fair bit of heat.

Good luck! Good work it seems so far though

[RJB INDUSTRIES]

Thanks Major, I am using PVC to conections and glass to the reactor. The scrubber is smaller than in the project, but tell me more details if you remember...

RJB INDUSTRIES

[RJB INDUSTRIES]

Now the final project, HCL doesn´t react with plastic, Nylon.

[RJB INDUSTRIES]

I have done it already..... it reaches 4Bar

[inonickname]

Any build pictures? Still using Al/HCl for H2 production?

[wyz2285]

Yes he still uses AL/HCL I think, at least the last time I saw...
He have gone quite far, now I think he is looking for something to store H2 safely

[Alster370]

Couldn't magnesium be used instead of Aluminium? Or is the reaction too exothermic?

I had planned on building something similar, but it would be less complex, just a stainless fire extinguisher with a modified valve, where you would add precise amounts of HCI and AL then submerge in an ice bath until the reaction is complete. Then you end up with a pressurised hydrogen bottle, I would make sure however that the valve was screwed back on once all the air had been displaced by the hydrogen, to minimise accidents. Do you have any thoughts on this method?

Thanks

[Zeus]

Magnesium would be fun, and should work, until you attract attention by buying magnesium. Then you get to be bum buddies with Tyrone for 5 years for "suspected acquirement of potentially terroristic materials".

You really don't need precision with adding chemicals for such reactions, it's quite simple. Add an excess of aluminium, then feed in HCl as you need it.

[inonickname]

Couldn't magnesium be used instead of Aluminium? Or is the reaction too exothermic?

I had planned on building something similar, but it would be less complex, just a stainless fire extinguisher with a modified valve, where you would add precise amounts of HCI and AL then submerge in an ice bath until the reaction is complete. Then you end up with a pressurised hydrogen bottle, I would make sure however that the valve was screwed back on once all the air had been displaced by the hydrogen, to minimise accidents. Do you have any thoughts on this method?

Thanks

Why cool it? The cylinder is easily up to it. It'll just drive the reaction a bit quicker at the minor cost of a small equilibrium shift (which is basically negligible as the products involve gasses and will go to completion provided that the gasses are removed). It's worth noting that HCl will still etch stainless; glass or polymers are a better choice.

I'd also suggest going from HCl to NaOH, usually cheaper and readily available. Not to mention that it's friendly with steel/stainless/brass/plastic/glass (at lower temperatures). More freedom in vessel selection and less fumes to deal with

Why use magnesium? Aluminium is cheaper and requires far less stringent handling and storage processes.

[Alster370]

Why use magnesium?

Its nice and reactive, you could even use white vinegar instead of HCI or NaOH and get a good result. White vinegar is cheaper too.

[inonickname]

Why use magnesium?

Its nice and reactive, you could even use white vinegar instead of HCI or NaOH and get a good result. White vinegar is cheaper too.

But like I said, magnesium is substantially more expensive and more difficult to find, and requires more specialized storing.

Also, what makes you think you could use NaOH with Mg to produce hydrogen?

[Goats spudz]

Why use magnesium?

Its nice and reactive, you could even use white vinegar instead of HCI or NaOH and get a good result. White vinegar is cheaper too.

But like I said, magnesium is substantially more expensive and more difficult to find, and requires more specialized storing.

Also, what makes you think you could use NaOH with Mg to produce hydrogen?

Pencil sharpeners and Firestarters are made from Mg, with the Pencil sharpeners drop it in vinegar and you should see a lot of bubbles, if you don't then you have an aluminium one, or just try lighting powder filed from one

[Alster370]

I was just suggesting it as a short term alternative, not as a competing replacement for Al & HCI. I agree that aluminium is far cheaper than magnesium, but the price for HCI is ridiculous, plus the postage for hazardous chemicals like that increases it further.