- #1
axemaster
- 59
- 7
I don't happen to have any welding equipment available to me, so I have decided to make an oxyhydrogen welding torch. That basically involves splitting water by electrolysis, running it through a tube with a blowback arrestor and burning it on the other end. I have read that the voltage should be 1.5-2 volts, and I expect to be running something like 50-150 amps. I'll be using a variac to control the voltage from the wall, then running it through a step-down transformer and finally through a heavy duty rectifier to make it DC.
The electrolysis cell will use stainless steel electrodes, probably thin sheets of alternating positive and negative voltages. The whole setup will be under low pressure, not more than 2-3 psi at most, and the temperature will be below boiling.
Having done some research, I am aware that I will need to add an electrolyte to the water to make it conductive enough. However, I would like the water to still be "safe", i.e. not dangerous to the human body in case it should spill or something. I know I can't use table salt since it would emit chlorine gas.
Are there any safe electrolytes I can use? If not, then what is the safest relatively speaking?
By the way, if I have overlooked anything else, or if you have any advice, please let me know. I want to do this in a safe way. Thanks!
The electrolysis cell will use stainless steel electrodes, probably thin sheets of alternating positive and negative voltages. The whole setup will be under low pressure, not more than 2-3 psi at most, and the temperature will be below boiling.
Having done some research, I am aware that I will need to add an electrolyte to the water to make it conductive enough. However, I would like the water to still be "safe", i.e. not dangerous to the human body in case it should spill or something. I know I can't use table salt since it would emit chlorine gas.
Are there any safe electrolytes I can use? If not, then what is the safest relatively speaking?
By the way, if I have overlooked anything else, or if you have any advice, please let me know. I want to do this in a safe way. Thanks!