Archive for the ‘Questions and Answers’ Category

How much gas does the system produce?

170-200 Watts (depending on electrolyte and concentration)  for each litre per minute, Operating range up to 1.5 litres per minute. The Cell is designed to run for long periods of time at 1 litre per minute. Operating the HOH Cell on higher levels for long periods will reduce the operating life of the cell, and increases particle build up within the fluid. 

How many AMPS and Volts does the HOH cell require?

The voltage with most automobiles is 13.8V, therefore the HOH cell has been designed for this voltage.  The HOH cell has a starting current draw of 10 – 12 AMPS and will continue to climb in current draw over time up to 20 AMPS unless limited.

How efficient are the HOH cells?

Depending on how the efficiency is calculated simplified of fully expressed, with simplified being the most common form used through the published information on the internet, the efficiency of our commercial cells are around 80% depending on the concentration of electrolyte used. Industrial grade hydrogen generators struggle to reach 50% efficiency (fully expressed). These outstanding efficiency results are related to our innovative cell design.

How is the cell connected electrically with the vehicle?

The HOH cell is connected to the battery of your vehicle through a relay, this ensures that it only operates when the vehicle is running. It is recommended that the trigger for the relay be the oil pressure switch, which turns the cell on when the engine has had a chance to start. The HOH cell should always be installed inline with a 25AMP fuse or circuit breaker.

What are the dimensions of the unit?

The HOH cell measures 22.5 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm across. The Electrolyte Reservoir typically measures 26 cm tall by 10 cm diameter and can be reduced in height.

What other equipment is required?

An electrolyte reservoir is the only other essential item, this container holds the water and electrolyte and provides a safety barrier to the HOH cell in the unlikely event of backfire or flashback. The larger the electrolyte reservoir the less often you will need to refill with water. The Electrolyte Reservoir has been designed to provide 15 continuous driving hours.

What is Electrolyte and why is it needed?

Electrolytes are either an alkaline or acid which changes the conductivity of the water and makes the electrolysis process more efficient.

What kind of electrolyte should I use?

We recommend and use Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), alternatively Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) can be used. Sodium Hydroxide is slightly less efficient than Potassium Hydroxide though Sodium Hydroxide is not consumed in the electrolysis process and easier to purchase from a local supermarket “Caustic Soda”.

What concentration of Sodium Hydroxide should I use?

Sodium Hydroxide in the most part comes premixed in water in concentrations of around 48.5%, or in crystal form by mixing the solution with 50% water provides an overall concentration of around 25%. Crystal form Caustic Soda is mixed by proportions based on weight. Concentration levels from 5%-25% can be used and should be adjusted to reach to required operating current draw. Varied concentration of the electrolyte with alter the efficiency of the gas production. Using a concentration of around 10% will provide a soft start around 10AMP, which then rises to 15AMP within about 10 minutes and stabilizes around 20AMP.

Can the Sodium Hydroxide harm my engine?

Yes, high levels of concentrated NaOH within the engine will promote rust and damage to alloys. Considerable effort has been put into the design of the Electrolyte Reservoir to reduce these levels to trace amounts, therefore making it safer to use with your engine. It is recommended that an upper valve lubricant product like Flash Lube is used as a precautionary measure.

Where can I get Sodium Hydroxide?

Sodium Hydroxide can be purchased through most chemical supply companies in liquid form, and in crystal form Caustic Soda through the supermarket. Sodium Hydroxide is usually much more easily obtained than Potassium Hydroxide. Be careful to ensure that Caustic purchased from the supermarket does not contain other chemicals or elements.

What type of water should I use in the HOH Cell?

Distilled or Demineralised water is ideal, this is available at most supermarkets. Normal tap water depending on the quality is often suitable for use too.

Can I use the HOH cell on water only?

Yes, by doing this will reduce gas production dramatically, though in certain applications may still provide enough gas to make a measurable difference. We recommend that when you first install your HOH Cell to run it on water only for the first week or so. This will help condition the cell and provide you with the opportunity to ensure your system is water tight before the alkaline is added.

How much water will the HOH cell use?

At 100% volumetric efficiency, 1 litre of water produces 2065 litres of HOH gas. Therefore given a gas production rate of 1 litre per minute the electrolyte reservoir holding two litres, then the cell would operate for 4130 minutes or 68 continuous operating hours. 100% volumetric efficiency is not a practical guide as this does not account for evaporation, condensation or less than 100% volumetric efficiency, therefore we recommend that you check your water level every few days if you are driving long distances daily and once every one or two weeks for casual use. In general, depending on the concentration of electrolyte and the total litres per minute will vary how often the water will need to be refilled. At 1 Litre per minute of gas production, 1 litre of water will last for approximately 15 continuous operating hours.

Can the HOH Cell be operated under vacuum?

Yes the system is designed to work under vacuum, in fact gas production is inversely propitiated to pressure, the more pressure the less the gas. It is not essential that the system operates under vacuum though it does help in a variety of other ways. By drawing air (under vacuum) through the cell helps keep it cool, it helps to remove the gas bubbles from the electrode surface and possibly improving gas quantity and it also helps increase the overall concentration of HOH gas in the system.

Can the gas be stored?

Yes the gas can be stored safety under low pressure, though in the HOH cell this is not required as the HOH gas is made on demand.

What happens if the HOH cell runs out of water?

This is not ideal as it may cause scum build up within the cell itself. In the event of the cell running out of water, they simply stop functioning as the water level reduces so does the conductivity and in turn the electrolysis process.

What fuel systems will the gas work with?

The HOH cell will improve the efficiency of all Hydrocarbons, this includes petrol, LPG and diesel including bio diesel. Higher efficiency gains are achieved with petrol and LPG as diesel is already quite efficient. Using the HOH cell with bio diesel will improve the combustion level of the fuel and help keep the internals of your engine clean.