Yorkshire Green Fuels Ltd: Hydrogen Generation by Chemical Method

The hydrogen generator kit from Yorkshire Green Fuels Ltd is a simple and safe way to generate hydrogen for use in your car engine. Its operation using the CHEMICAL METHOD can be summarised as follows: The main part of the kit is a glass chamber containing a solution of SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA) in distilled water. Small, thin pieces of scrap aluminium (foil, cans etc.) are added. A chemical reaction between aluminium and sodium hydroxide produces hydrogen As this is a steady process, hydrogen is released at a constant rate and there will be no sudden pressure build up. The hydrogen passes along the exit hose and through the safety valve. This hose merges with the air intake system for the engine. We recommend that the junction is installed by a competent person (see installation instructions below). In the combustion  cylinders of the engine, hydrogen takes the place of up to 25% of the fuel vapour normally present. Hydrogen is burnt alongside the traditional carbon fuel, but the emission product is pure water in the form of steam. The combustion of hydrogen is environmentally neutral, so the overall effect is to reduce your engine emissions by a proportion up to 25%. The cost of generating the hydrogen is minimal.

Fitting Instructions for Chemical Hydrogen Generation

The kit supplies all the equipment needed to install the generator under the bonnet beside your car engine. It can be set up to produce hydrogen in either of two different ways (click on the links below for more information) BUT NOT BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY:

• USE ONLYSODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA) IN THIS MODE.
• PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS METHOD IS MORE SUITABLE FOR USE WITH STATIONARY ENGINES

n.b. The equipment is fitted in very similar fashion to that for the electrolytic method. You should remove the 10 amp in line fuse from its holder for chemical generation.

1. Take care when using Sodium Hydroxide as it can burn, if you get any on your skin dab it with milk which will neutralize it.
2. Set generator casing securely in engine away from all heat sources.
3. For chemical generation, the unit is NOT connected to the car battery.
4. Attach the hose from the lid of the generator to the engine by drilling a small hole into the air intake system after the air filter and close to the engine but before any turbo charger, feed the hose in and seal with silicone. Form a loop in the hose below the generator cap and the input to the engine, into this loop pour a couple of inches of water to form a water trap in case of a flashback (There is also a check valve included in the kit)
5. Mix the sodium hydroxide solution in a separate container; generally 8.5 tablespoons (225 grams) of sodium hydroxide per litre of distilled water. For longer runs use 75-100 grams per litre of water.
   
   TAKE CARE! Add the sodium hydroxide slowly to the water in small amounts as it gets hot while dissolving.
   PROTECT YOUR EYES AND SKIN - sodium hydroxide is caustic and will burn your skin. You should wear gloves and protective eyewear.
    
6. Remove the generator lid and carefully pour the sodium hydroxide solution into the generator container to about two inches form the top.
7. Shortly before your journey, add small pieces of aluminium foil or can, allowing about 1 gram per minute of journey time. (BE SENSIBLE! Try this out on shorter journeys first. If you add large amounts of aluminium you may cause the solution to bubble up the pipe to the check valve. Work out what is a sensible amount for your car engine.)
8. Replace the generator lid. Hydrogen generation starts -turn on the engine, drive away and save money!
9. At the end of the journey, hydrogen will continue to be generated until all the aluminium is used up, with the gas passing harmlessly into the air intake system. You can remove the surplus aluminium, but it is better not to put in an excessive amount. The amount of hydrogen required is between 0.25 and 0.5 litres per litre of engine per minute, therefore a three litre car would use one litre of hydrogen per minute. This equates to about 1 gram of aluminium per minute.
10. Eventually, the sodium hydroxide solution is used up and needs replacing. At this time, the glass container should be removed from the generator and cleaned out before reuse.
11. WARNING! The electrolyte produced by the Hydrogen Generator contains traces of Chromium 6 and according to Environmental Services the amount produced is so small that it would pose no threat to health or environment, however it would be prudent to dispose of the electrolyte responsibly and avoid contact with skin. For more information on Chromium6 please refer to HSE pamphlet INDG346 C15 11/01

Buy a Hydrogen Generating Kit including UK Mainland delivery @ £140 If you pay using a credit/debit card, be sure to complete your full address for delivery.
Buy a Hydrogen Generating Kit TO COLLECT from our base @ £125

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