Building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on building an electrolysis cell for a Hydrogen-Hydroxide (HHO) torch, specifically focusing on limiting current to prevent damage to the bridge rectifier. The user plans to use 316L steel for the anode and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the water. Concerns about safety and the potential dangers of handling NaOH were raised, emphasizing the need for experience and caution. The forum members suggested finding a local mentor for guidance rather than seeking advice online.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolysis principles
  • Knowledge of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) handling and safety
  • Familiarity with electrical components, specifically bridge rectifiers
  • Basic skills in metalworking and electrode design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research safe handling procedures for sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
  • Learn about current-limiting techniques in electrolysis systems
  • Investigate the properties and applications of 316L stainless steel in electrolysis
  • Find local maker spaces or workshops for hands-on mentorship
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, students, and DIY enthusiasts interested in electrolysis, as well as individuals seeking to understand the safety and technical aspects of building an HHO torch.

Cavidex
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sure you don't want to buy a commercial unit? They are available starting at couple hundred dollars, current-limiting is built in.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50
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
 
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DaveE, Vanadium 50 and berkeman
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?
 
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 ...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Bystander
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)."
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dlgoff
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)
 
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
 
  • Sad
Likes   Reactions: dlgoff
  • #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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dlgoff, Rive, Bystander and 2 others

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
9K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K