A low temperature flame that melts carbon?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the viability of low-temperature flames that can melt carbon, specifically through a process known as Hydroxy or Brown's Gas, invented by William A. Rhodes. This electrolytic method converts water into a burnable gas, primarily composed of atomic hydrogen and oxygen. Critics highlight the sensationalism surrounding this technology, noting that it requires potassium hydroxide (KOH) to enhance conductivity, which limits its efficiency to approximately 35%. The conversation emphasizes skepticism regarding claims of free energy and the potential hidden costs associated with this technology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolytic processes, specifically water electrolysis
  • Knowledge of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and its role in enhancing conductivity
  • Familiarity with the concept of energy efficiency in chemical reactions
  • Awareness of the historical context of Brown's Gas and its inventors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency of various electrolyzers and their operational parameters
  • Explore the applications and limitations of potassium hydroxide in electrolysis
  • Investigate the claims and scientific basis behind Brown's Gas technology
  • Learn about alternative methods for hydrogen production and their efficiencies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemists, energy researchers, and individuals interested in alternative fuel technologies, particularly those examining the feasibility and efficiency of hydrogen production methods.

edward
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A low temperature flame that melts carbon??

I saw this on television the other day. I have no idea how it works. It sound promising but so have a lot of other things in the past. There is a clickable news video in the link.

Also known as Green Gas, Hydroxy, Di-Hydroxy, Watergas

Electrolytic process converts water into a burnable gas. Atomic hydrogen and oxygen thought to be main cause of unique properties. Invented by William A. Rhodes (living), with additional pioneer work done by Yull Brown (deceased), followed by George Wiseman who's group is one entity presently manufacturing and marketing the technology.
http://freeenergynews.com/Directory/RhodesGas/index.html
 
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Engineering news on Phys.org
I understand this process has been sensationalized. What they don't tell you regards some kind of phosphate caustic that is needed for the reaction according to a chemist I heard discuss this today. He seemed to shrug it off as if it were a no starter technology. I suspect he's correct unfortunately, there's no free lunch, and with all the secretism regarding this I suspect that's what they're hiding.
 
Explosively cracked pottery! (pun intended)

"This machine separates hydrogen and oxygen from water and mixes them back together stoichiometrically in a new way. Water is HOH, Browns Gas is HHO. You can weld with HHO. It is a pure gas (water)."
Properties and Applications
# Neutralizes radioactive waste...
# Gas speeds healing of wounds...
# Helps plants germinate...
# Muscle relaxing (as demonstrated by a Spokane Chiropractor)...

Ha! Another obnoxiously idiotic scam being thrown around the internet by shameless crackpots. Boo! Hiss!
 
Q_Goest said:
I understand this process has been sensationalized. What they don't tell you regards some kind of phosphate caustic that is needed for the reaction according to a chemist I heard discuss this today. He seemed to shrug it off as if it were a no starter technology. I suspect he's correct unfortunately, there's no free lunch, and with all the secretism regarding this I suspect that's what they're hiding.

I think you're thinking about a different psuedoscience, involving getting "free energy" from electrolysis/recombustion of water? This is a different scam here.
 
That car that runs on water is basically running on electricity.

My understand is that it's better because you don't have to replace the expensive battery every so often like in an electric. However I assume there are other expensive maintenance issues and drawbacks to this car that runs on water.
 
dav2008 said:
That car that runs on water...

What?...[/color]
 
It doesn't run on water, it runs on hydrogen. From everything I have seen, this is rewrapped electrolysis. I had not seen anything on the aspect that Q pointed out. In any event, I can not see how the process is very efficient. They have shown this guy's interview on our local news for the past three days.
 
Just did a bit of research on this - just enough to be dangerous. Apparantly they add KOH (postasium hydroxide) to water to increase the conductivity. This is just an electrolysis of water, nothing particularly interesting. It seems to be on the order of 35% efficient in producing hydrogen from water (not very good).

This must be evaluated from known properties of an example that
varies with each electrolyzer which in turn have variables within
themselves. Of course the end result will always be the amount
of energy produced vs heating effect due to electrolysis cell
resistance. Since my original "Water Welder" has an efficiency
in the region of 35% the remainder is 65% heat. While this
suggests additional Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) could be added,
Increasing it beyond its present content, 27% to 29%, the peak of
KOH electrolysis activity, goes over the curve and swiftly turns
downward. (KOH 27% is preferred because it allows water
replacement without going over the curve.)

This means there would not be enough water to support maximum
electrolysis. Gas production and cell temperature would
decrease. If we chose to super-saturate with KOH, eventually, a
point would be reached where not enough water ions are present,
cell current & gas production would be zero and cell temperature
ambient.

So KOH is presently the most efficient of all other chemicals.
Ref: http://www.pureenergysystems.com/academy/papers/Common_Duct_Electrolytic_OxyHydrogen/index.html
 
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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3333992194168790800&q=water+bike

A load of rubbish.
 
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  • #10
Rach3 said:
Explosively cracked pottery! (pun intended)
Yes, this is a pretty weak - pathetic, even - but common hoax.

Sorry, I had a tough week at work and didn't notice this thread before someone reported it...