Chemical/Paint Building an electrolysis cell for a HHO torch

AI Thread Summary
A young student is constructing an electrolysis cell for an HHO torch and seeks advice on limiting current to avoid damaging the bridge rectifier while aiming for a draw of around 140A. The anode will be made from 316L steel and the electrolyte will contain NaOH. Concerns are raised about the dangers associated with using caustic substances like sodium hydroxide, which can cause severe injuries. Forum guidelines prohibit discussions on dangerous activities, leading to a debate about the definition of "dangerous" and the student's ability to manage risks. The importance of finding a local mentor for guidance is emphasized, as online advice may not account for the individual's experience level. The student expresses frustration over the inability to seek help due to forum restrictions.
Cavidex
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TL;DR Summary
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.
 
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Sure you don't want to buy a commercial unit? They are available starting at couple hundred dollars, current-limiting is built in.
 
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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.
 
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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 ...
 
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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)."
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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  • #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.
 
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