Oxyhydrogen Welders: Educate Me on Single Phase Power

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of oxyhydrogen welders, specifically focusing on the power requirements for running such devices, particularly in relation to single phase power and the process of generating hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. Participants explore the feasibility of using household power for these applications and the implications of different gas generation methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Ike inquires about the amperage required to operate oxyhydrogen welders and whether they can function on single phase power, expressing concern about the power supply needed for electrolysis.
  • One participant notes that oxyhydrogen torches typically use compressed hydrogen and oxygen gases rather than generating them through electrolysis, suggesting that Ike may have misunderstood the product he is considering.
  • Ike seeks clarification on whether the HHO mix is produced via electrolysis, indicating a lack of understanding of the technology involved.
  • Another participant confirms that generating hydrogen and oxygen from water through electrolysis is indeed possible but raises concerns about the claims made in the advertisement for the product Ike is considering, particularly regarding its efficacy and safety.
  • Concerns are raised about the stoichiometric ratio of hydrogen and oxygen in the reaction, emphasizing the importance of having an excess of one gas to ensure complete combustion and prevent dangerous buildup.
  • A suggestion is made to consult a specialized welding forum for more detailed insights on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the method of gas generation for oxyhydrogen welders, with some asserting that electrolysis is not the typical approach, while others acknowledge its feasibility. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific power requirements and safety implications of using such devices.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential issues with the advertisement's claims and the need for a proper understanding of the gas generation process, but do not resolve the technical details or safety concerns associated with using oxyhydrogen welders.

nottoobright
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Hello there,

I have little knowledge in the field of physics and respctfully request the more intelligent user to impart some to me.

Oxyhydrogen welders. What sort of amps are required to run one? Can they be run on single phase power?

Came across one and, probably erroneously, concluded that the required amps must be huge as water is electrolysed, and recombines to form the flame. I realize there are many on the market but they seem to weigh a tonne and require an enormous power supply.

Is there a way of running one of these things on household/ single phase power?

Much obliged,

Ike.
 
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Oxyhydrogen torches generally run on compressed H2 / O2 gas. I hadn't heard of any that generate gas by electrolysis.
Generally you use oxyhydrogen for delicate jewelry type work so you wouldn't need a very large flame or large gas supply.
 
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thanks.

clearly I didn't understand what I am trying to buy -
please look at this link and tell me if the HHO mix is produced from electrolysis? (note it doesn't mention the required amps).

many thanks for your help

Ike.
 
It's perfectly possible to generate H2 / O2 from electrolysis of water - it's just that it's also pretty cheap to buy as a compressed gas.

There are some slightly worrying bits of the ad if you were thinking of parting with money- like where he invented water !
Aquygen™, also known as HHO, is an evolutionary industrial gas invented by our Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Dennis Klein.

It also mentions using them to boost car fuel consumption - this is a common perpetual motion machine scam. Use the car alternator to split water into H2/O2, burn water in engine, generate electricity to split... etc


The only other thing I would be concerned about is that this must generate H2/O2 in a stochiometric ratio (ie exactly the correct amount of hydrogen to burn back into water) generally you want one of the componnets in excess to make sure that all the fuel reacts. I might be a little concerned that you need more oxygen to ensure that all of the H2 burns - otherwise you might have a build up of H2 in air(not good)

You probably want to ask in a specialised welding forum - unless somebody here has more experience.