multicell design

[Waynetn]

This past week has revealed some issues that I felt the need to
address.

1) Sealing- the jars don't seal well.

2) Heat- Doesn't take long at even 15 amps for the top to get soft,
etc...

3) Production- Given the three main variables of plate area,
separation, and catalyst- and that the catalyst is the part we use to
"tune" a cell...

4) Siphoning back into cells from bubbler after cooldown.

I worked with plate area- as near as I can tell, two plates works as
well as five, if they are in close proximity- and separation. 1/16'
spacing works real good.

To this end I built 4, 2-plate cells in 3 sch 40 PVC housings, to be
run in series (that's all I have room for right now).

I addressed sealing by drilling a 7/64 hole for each lug, using the
free screws that come with the plates for lugs, and coating them
before installation with PVC cement. They are SCREWED into the PVC
cap. This seals them real well and cuts cost. Also, NO MESS, and
immediately ready to handle and use.

The plates are also assembled with the free screws.... and this design
only requires that you drill one hole in each plate, through the
existing hole- but all the way to 1/2", in steps. I bolt them through
the other hole, and drill them 5-10 at a time, suing a drill press and
a welding clamp.

USE CUTTING FLUID! After you're finished deburring, wash in hot soapy
water, Saves expensive drill bits.

I now use clear primer and cement, much prettier.

I have a 1/4" NPT tap in a reversible drill- makes tapping the top
hole FAST. The fitting in the top is a fill port as well as an
outflow.... the fitting is teflon taped and screws out.

If I FILL the cells, run it a while with catalyst barely showing in
the bubbler sight glass, the cells will push out the catalyst they
don't need to make head space. When the cell cools, it will refill,
much like the sealed cooling system in your car. Keeping the bubbler
at the proper level cold should keep cells full all the time. Thus we
turn a concern into an advantage.

When I find sch 20 PVC caps in 3", the cost will drop some more, as
long as there is still enough plastic for a good seal at the lugs. If
not, they can go through the side of the cap AND the pipe...

I got pics....can I post them here?

Wayne

[Envious]

We will definitely agree with you on the jars not sealing well. You
could try hosting your pics through photobucket.

[Waynetn]

Thanks,

I uploaded them into the "files" folder.

Wayne

[Waynetn]

The four cells in series required a very hot catalyst to get 15 amps-
in series parallel, it was more reasonable- 24ml to 650 ml- do the
math yerself, I'm tired.

Hot idle up to 900 from 650, much better low end torque, 55 mph with
the merest touch on the throttle.

Six will work better. Soon.

BTW, the sealing is perfect.

Wayne