Apparatus and method for generating hydrogen and oxygen by electrolytic dissociation of water
US5037518A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/36
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis of water comprising an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode separated by a solid electrolyte, an electrical power supply connected to the cell for applying a voltage across the cathode and anode, a water reservoir connected to the cell for supplying water to the anode side, a hydrogen-water separator connected to the cell for receiving hydrogen and water from the cathode side and separating the hydrogen from the water, and a water return line connecting the hydrogen-water separator to the water reservoir for returning water to the water reservoir whereby the water is recycled to the anode side. A float valve in the upper region of the hydrogen-water separator closes the hydrogen outlet in response to an increase in the water level in the separator to the level of the hydrogen outlet, to prevent water from entering the hydrogen outlet in the event of a malfunction. A pressure relief valve in the hydrogen-water separator discharges hydrogen from the separator to the atmosphere in response to an increase in the gas pressure in the separator beyond a predetermined level. A sensor in the water reservoir producing an electr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.