U.S. patent application number 13/038979 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for systems and methods for producing pressurized gases from polar molecular liquids at depth.
Invention is credited to Kenneth W. ANDERSON.
Application Number | 20120222953 13/038979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46752614 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120222953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDERSON; Kenneth W. |
September 6, 2012 |
Systems and Methods for Producing Pressurized Gases from Polar
Molecular Liquids at Depth
Abstract
A system for producing pressurized gas(es) from polar molecular
liquids without the need to compress the gas(es) through outside
mechanical forces or through the use of electrical energy or
otherwise. The system incorporates an electrolysis cell positioned
at depth (greater than 16 feet) within the liquid. The electrolysis
cell includes a bell shaped enclosure defining a gas generating
assembly that is positioned at depth within a fluid such as water.
The gas generating assembly includes first and second electrodes
positioned in spaced relationship and a bell shaped collection
vessel arranged above the electrodes. At least one collection
vessel includes at least one gas port configured to connect to gas
conduits to carry the pressurized gas(es) to the point of use or
storage. At least one electrical conductor extends from a power
source to at least one of two electrodes positioned within the gas
generating assembly. At least one gas collection and storage tank
is preferably positioned at the surface to receive and store the
produced pressurized gas. Positioning the gas generating assembly
at depth immerses the electrodes within the polar molecular fluid,
and operation of the electrical power supply establishes an
electrical potential between the electrodes resulting in an
electrolytic breakdown of the polar molecular fluid into its
constituent components. The gas thus collected at the surface may
be stored or used immediately in a number of different
applications.
Inventors: |
ANDERSON; Kenneth W.;
(Boerne, TX) |
Family ID: |
46752614 |
Appl. No.: |
13/038979 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/229.8 ;
204/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/36 20130101;
C25B 15/02 20130101; C25B 1/12 20130101; Y02E 60/366 20130101; C25B
9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/229.8 ;
204/278 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00; C25B 9/04 20060101 C25B009/04 |
Claims
1. A system for producing pressurized gas from a polar molecular
fluid, the system comprising: (a) a gas generating assembly
positioned at depth within the polar molecular fluid, the gas
generating assembly comprising: (1) a first electrode; (2) a second
electrode positioned in a spaced relationship to the first
electrode; (3) at least one collection vessel positioned above at
least one of the first and second electrodes, the at least one
collection vessel having a generally downward oriented open end and
a generally upward oriented closed end; and (4) at least one port
configured through the generally upward oriented closed end of the
at least one collection vessel; and (b) a gas conduit bundle
assembly connected at a first end thereof to the gas generating
assembly and extending from the gas generating assembly positioned
at depth to a second end thereof at or near a surface level
position, the gas conduit bundle assembly comprising: (1) at least
one gas conduit; and (2) at least one electrical conductor; and (c)
a means for generating an electrical potential between the first
and second electrodes of the gas generating assembly; wherein
positioning the gas generating assembly at depth immerses the first
and second electrodes within the polar molecular fluid at depth,
and wherein an electrical potential generated between the first and
second electrodes results in an electrolytic breakdown of the polar
molecular fluid into its constituent gas components, the gas
components generated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure
dependent upon the depth.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: (d) a gas collection
and storage assembly positioned at the surface level connected to
the second end of the gas conduit bundle assembly, the gas
collection and storage assembly comprising: (1) a support and
deployment assembly for deploying, supporting, and retracting the
gas conduit bundle assembly and the gas generating assembly; and
(2) at least one gas collection and storage tank in gas flow
communication with the at least one gas conduit of the gas conduit
bundle assembly.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: (d) a gas collection
and utilization assembly positioned at the surface level connected
to the second end of the gas conduit bundle assembly, the gas
collection and utilization assembly comprising: (1) a support and
deployment assembly for deploying, supporting, and retracting the
gas conduit bundle assembly and the gas generating assembly; (2) at
least one gas collection tank in gas flow communication with the at
least one gas conduit of the gas conduit bundle assembly; and (3)
at least one means for converting the chemical and/or potential
energy stored within the collected pressurized gas into power.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one collection vessel
of the gas generating assembly comprises first and second
collection vessels, the first collection vessel positioned above
the first electrode and the second collection vessel positioned
above the second electrode, and a gas diversion member positioned
between the electrodes and the collection vessels to direct gas
bubbles generated from the first electrode into the first
collection vessel and gas bubbles generated from the second
electrode into the second collection vessel.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein: the first and second electrodes
each comprise a dome shaped wire mesh, the first electrode
positioned coaxially above the second electrode, the first
electrode defining an axial opening at a peak of the dome shaped
wire mesh; the first and second collection vessels each comprise
coaxially positioned cylindrically walled enclosures, the first
collection vessel coaxially surrounding the second collection
vessel; and the gas diversion member comprises a downwardly
oriented funnel positioned above the axial opening at the peak of
the first electrode; wherein gas bubbles generated from the second
electrode are captured by the gas diversion member and are
conducted into the second collection vessel and gas bubbles
generated from the first electrode are excluded from entering the
second collection vessel.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one gas conduit of
the gas conduit assembly comprises first and second gas
conduits.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one electrical
conductor of the gas conduit bundle assembly comprises first and
second electrical conductors.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the gas conduit bundle assembly
further comprises a structural support cable mechanically coupled
to, and extending between, the gas generating assembly and the
support and deployment assembly of the gas collection and storage
assembly.
9. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one gas collection
and storage tank of the gas collection and storage assembly
comprises first and second gas collection and storage tanks.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the first and second gas
collection and storage tanks may each be closed and disconnected
from the gas collection and storage assembly when full and may be
replaced by empty gas collection and storage tanks.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the means for generating an
electrical potential comprises a DC power supply.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the polar molecular fluid
comprises water and the gas collection and storage assembly
comprises a movable watercraft operable on a surface of the
water.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the polar molecular fluid
comprises water and the gas collection and storage assembly
comprises a tethered or affixed manmade structure on or extending
from a shoreline into a body of water.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the polar molecular fluid
comprises water within a terrestrial well borehole and the gas
collection and storage assembly comprises a fixed platform at
ground level.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the gas generating assembly
further comprises a bell housing connected at an upper end thereof
to the downward oriented open end of the at least one collection
vessel, the bell housing having an open base and serving to
position and partially enclose the first and second electrodes
below the at least one collection vessel.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the bell housing of the gas
generating assembly further comprises a solids filtration screen
extending over the open base of the bell housing.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein the gas collection and storage
assembly further comprises operational status and control
instrumentation, the operational status and control instrumentation
comprising: (a) at least one gas pressure monitoring device; (b) at
least one gas flow control valve; (c) at least one depth
measurement device; (d) at least one electrical current measurement
device; and (e) a means for varying the electrical potential
between the first and second electrodes.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the gas conduit bundle assembly
further comprises at least one electronic signal conductor.
19. The system of claim 1 further comprising a remotely adjustable
electrode separation system wherein the separation distance between
the first and second electrodes may be adjusted.
20. The system of claim 1 wherein: the gas conduit bundle assembly
further comprises a bundled length of flexible hoses and wires; and
the support and deployment assembly of the gas collection and
storage assembly further comprises a rotatable spool connected to
the gas conduit bundle assembly; wherein the rotatable spool holds
a rolled up length of the gas conduit bundle assembly and serves to
deploy the gas conduit bundle assembly by unrolling the same, and
serves to retract the gas conduit bundle assembly by rolling-up the
same.
21. The system of claim 3 wherein the at least one means for
converting the chemical and/or potential energy stored within the
collected pressurized gas into power comprises a combustion chamber
wherein at least a portion of the generated pressurized gas
combusts or facilitates combustion.
22. The system of claim 1 wherein the gas conduit bundle assembly
further comprises at least one intermediate pressurized gas surge
tank, the at least one intermediate pressurized surge tank serving
to inhibit movement of liquid up from the gas generating assembly
positioned at depth.
23. The system of claim 1 further comprising: (d) a gas collection
and utilization assembly positioned at the surface level connected
to the second end of the gas conduit bundle assembly, the gas
collection and utilization assembly comprising: (1) a support and
deployment assembly for deploying, supporting, and retracting the
gas conduit bundle assembly and the gas generating assembly; (2) at
least one gas collection tank in gas flow communication with the at
least one gas conduit of the gas conduit bundle assembly; and (3)
at least one means for converting and concentrating the chemical
and/or potential energy stored within the collected pressurized gas
using decompression to change the state of matter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems for
producing one or more gases from a liquid compound by way of
electrolysis. The present invention relates more specifically to a
system for generating pressurized gases from polar molecular
liquids. The system anticipates its preferred use in conjunction
with liquid water, although other polar molecular liquids may be
used to produce other gases based upon the same principles.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Electrolysis involving water is the decomposition of water (
) into oxygen gas ( ) and hydrogen gas ( ) as the result of the
establishment of an electric potential that results in the flow of
an electric current through the water. The principle behind
electrolysis involves reactions that occur on two electrodes placed
within the water. In the basic arrangement, an electrical power
source is connected to the two electrodes, or two plates (typically
made from some inert metal, such as platinum or stainless steel)
which are placed in the water. Hydrogen gas ( ) bubbles will appear
at the cathode (the negatively charged electrode where electrons
enter the water) and oxygen gas ( ) bubbles will appear at the
anode (the positively charged electrode). The amount of hydrogen
gas generated is typically twice that of the amount of oxygen gas
and both are proportional to the total electrical charge conducted
by the solution.
[0005] Electrolysis of pure water requires excess energy to
overcome various activation barriers. Without the excess energy,
the electrolysis of pure water occurs very slowly or not at all.
This is in part due to the limited self-ionization of water. Pure
water has an electrical conductivity of about one millionth of that
of sea water. Many electrolytic cells may also lack the requisite
electrocatalyst. The efficiency of electrolysis is increased
through the natural presence or the addition of an electrolyte
(such as salt, an acid, or a base) and the use of an
electrocatalyst. The present invention takes advantage of the
greater concentration of naturally occurring electrolytes in deeper
water.
[0006] In water, at the negatively charged cathode, a reduction
reaction takes place with electrons from the cathode being given to
hydrogen cations to form hydrogen gas. At the positively charged
anode, an oxidation reaction occurs generating oxygen gas and
giving electrons to the anode to complete the circuit. The overall
reaction involves the decomposition of water into oxygen and
hydrogen according to the following equation [=+]. The number of
hydrogen molecules produced is therefore (on average) twice the
number of oxygen molecules. Assuming equal temperature and pressure
for both gases, the produced hydrogen gas therefore has twice the
volume of the produced oxygen gas. The number of electrons pushed
through the water is twice the number of generated hydrogen
molecules and four times the number of generated oxygen
molecules.
[0007] It would be desirable to utilize the above described
principle of electrolysis to generate one or more gases from a
liquid and to do so in a manner that produces the gases at an
elevated pressure. It would be desirable if the ability to produce
gases at an elevated pressure did not require the addition of
significant amounts of energy to compress the gases once they have
been produced. It would be useful to have a system that generated
pressurized gas or gases in a manner that allowed for the storage
of the gas or gases, or the immediate use of the gas or gases to
release energy associated with either the pressure (through
mechanical means) or with the chemical compounds (through chemical
reaction means).
[0008] Efforts to produce usable gases through electrolysis,
especially at elevated pressures, have generally met with little
success. Most such systems require the use of complex and expensive
equipment to pressurize the gas once it is produced. This process
of compressing the gas once produced is energy intensive and
generally makes the production of gases from the electrolysis of a
liquid highly impractical. It would be desirable to have a system
that made the production of pressurized gases from electrolysis a
practical alternative to other known means for producing such
gases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention therefore provides systems for
generating and producing pressurized gases from polar molecular
liquids without the need to compress the gases through the addition
of outside mechanical force driven through the use of electrical
energy or otherwise. The system of the present invention
incorporates an electrolysis cell positioned at depth (16 feet or
greater). The electrolysis cell includes a bell shaped enclosure
defining a gas generating assembly that is positioned at depth
within the polar molecular fluid, such as water. The gas generating
assembly includes first and second electrodes positioned in spaced
relationship and the bell shaped collection vessel arranged above
the electrodes. The collection vessel or vessels include at least
one gas port configured on an upward oriented closed end of the
vessel from which may extend one or more gas conduits to carry the
generated pressurized gas to the surface. At least one electrical
conductor extends from a power source (a voltage potential source)
at the surface down to the electrodes positioned within the gas
generating assembly. Positioned at the surface are the necessary
structural assemblies for deploying, supporting, and retracting a
gas conduit bundle assembly and the attached gas generating
assembly. In the preferred embodiment, at least one gas collection
and storage tank is positioned at the surface to receive and store
the produced pressurized gas. Positioning the gas generating
assembly at depth immerses the electrodes within the polar
molecular fluid, and operation of the electrical power supply
effects an electrical potential between the electrodes resulting in
an electrolytic breakdown of the polar molecular fluid into its
constituent components. The gas components generated at a pressure
above atmospheric pressure (dependent upon the depth) are then
conducted up toward the surface and used below the water surface
(bubbler, water pump) or brought to the surface and collected in
one or more gas collection and storage tanks. The pressurized gas
thus collected at the surface may be stored and used in a number of
different applications at a later date or may be immediately
used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the electrode bell
pressurized gas generator apparatus of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the overall system
for generating pressurized gas of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic elevational view of a first
implementation (first preferred embodiment) of the overall system
of the pressurized gas generating system of the present invention
(open water).
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic side plan view of the
surface level components of the pressurized gas generating system
of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross sectional view of the gas
collection hose bundle of the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a detailed description
of a partially schematic cross-sectional diagram of the basic
apparatus of the present invention. The diagram shown in FIG. 1 is
intended to describe the functionality of the system as well as its
basic geometry and structure. Deep water electrolysis system 10
comprises a long outer tube 12 concentrically surrounding a long
inner tube 14. At the upper end of the electrolysis system 10,
outer tube 12 and inner tube 14 are terminated and partially closed
by way of cap 16. At the opposite end of outer tube 12 and inner
tube 14 is positioned collection bell 18. In a preferred
embodiment, each of these components might be constructed of
stainless steel pipe, PVC pipe, aluminum pipe, or the like.
[0016] Positioned within collection bell 18 are two dome-shaped
wire mesh electrodes 20 and 22. Electrode 20 comprises a
dome-shaped screen having a central aperture 24 positioned at the
peak of the dome. Electrode 22 comprises a dome-shaped screen
smaller in diameter than electrode 20 and forming a complete dome
or pyramid-shaped shell. Each of electrodes 20 and 22 includes a
conductive ring 26 and 28 respectively, to which are electrically
attached conductive wires 30 and 32. These conductive wires 30 and
32 extend to the surface to a DC power source (not shown) oriented
in the manner indicated in the figure. This configuration
preferably establishes electrode 20 as the cathode (negatively
charged electrode) on which are formed hydrogen molecules.
Electrode 22 is thereby established as the anode (positive
electrode) on which are formed the oxygen molecules.
[0017] As oxygen molecules are formed on the anode (electrode 22)
the bubbles of oxygen gas collect below the screen (as far from the
opposing electrode as possible) and migrate to the dome of the
screen electrode where they pass through the screen, through
central aperture 24 of electrode 20, and are collected at the
opening of inner tube 14. Oxygen gas bubbles 36 then pass up
through inner tube 14 to a point where the gas collects inside
inner tube 14 at volume 40. Oxygen gases may then be controllably
conducted through valve 44 to the surface where the oxygen gas may
be stored.
[0018] In a similar manner, hydrogen gas is generated on the
cathode (negative electrode 20) where the bubbles pass over the
screen of the electrode and are collected on the inside surface of
bell 18 where they pass up into the circumferential structure of
outer tube 12. Hydrogen gas 38 then bubbles up through outer tube
12 into the enclosed volume 42. Hydrogen gases then may be drawn
out of the system through valve 46 as shown.
[0019] Because the electrolysis in the present system occurs at
great depths in salt water (in the example shown), the efficiency
of the reaction is higher than that as might occur at the surface.
The gases thus generated also maintain the higher pressure
established at depth in the salt water and will therefore arrive at
the surface in either a greater volume or under higher
pressure.
[0020] Reference is next made to FIG. 2 which is a schematic block
diagram of the overall system of the present invention designed to
generate pressurized gas for storage and use. The diagram in FIG. 2
is intended to represent the functional connections between the
various components in the system and not the specific geometry or
even arrangement of these components.
[0021] The entire system is preferably operated and controlled by
data acquisition and control systems 50 which include various
microprocessors, displays, and other analog and digital controllers
that operate the electrical and gas flow components of the system.
Data acquisition and control systems 50 are connected to the
various other components within the system through electrical
conductors and gas flow conduits. The vertically oriented
components of the system are generally supported and maintained in
position by support structure 52. Below, or in conjunction with
support structure 52, are the necessary lifting and lowering
mechanisms 58. These various support structures are generally
positioned at or near the surface of the water, or at a position of
approximately one atmospheric pressure.
[0022] Also included at or near the surface are gas conditioning
systems 62 described in more detail below, as well as the gas
storage tanks, here indicated as gas tanks 54 and gas tanks 56.
Finally at the surface, power supply 60 is preferably positioned to
direct the necessary voltage potential down to the electrolysis
cell. It is possible, however, that the power supply necessary to
generate the electrical potential across the electrodes in the
electrolytical cell could also be positioned at depth. In general,
however, it is more efficient and easier to simply direct
electrical conductors down with the gas conduits to provide the
necessary voltage potential across the electrodes.
[0023] The balance of the system shown in FIG. 2 is supported below
the surface of the liquid (water) in a vertical column generally as
indicated in an environment in excess of one atmosphere. The
lifting/lowering mechanism 58 supports one or more gas conduits 66
as well as additional intermediate components that facilitate the
transport of the pressurized gas to the surface. These intermediate
components are generally identified as pressurized gas surge tank
64, whose function is described in more detail below, as well as
further gas conditioning systems 65.
[0024] The gas conduits 66 extend to the surface from a pressurized
gas column 68 which is positioned above, and in association with,
the electrode bell enclosure 70. Electrode bell enclosure 70
incorporates the two electrodes necessary to carry out the
electrolytic reaction of the liquid compound. Power supply 60 is
therefore electrically connected to electrode bell enclosure 70 as
shown. A further optional component, inlet filtration system 72 may
be positioned below electrode bell enclosure 70 so as to mediate
the intrusion of debris and other material that might jeopardize
the efficiency of the operation of the electrolytic cell.
[0025] Reference is next made to FIG. 3 for a broader view of a
first implementation of the system of the present invention as
might be made in conjunction with operation of the system in open
water (an ocean, for example) at some significant depth. FIG. 3 is
a partially schematic elevational view of a first implementation
(first preferred embodiment) of the overall system of the
pressurized gas generating components of the present invention. In
this view, watercraft 80 is shown positioned at the surface of the
water wherein the support collection and storage components of the
system would be retained. Also positioned on watercraft 80 is
deployment/take-up reel 82. Extending from deployment/take-up reel
82 is one or more variations on a combination gas tube, wireline
bundle, and support cable 84. Positioned at an intermediate spot
along combination gas tube and wireline bundle 84 is pressurized
gas surge tank 86. The function of this surge tank is also
described in more detail below. The electrolysis gas generator 90
is positioned at the terminal of combination gas tube and wireline
bundle 84 and may be held in place by one or more deployment
anchors/weights 92.
[0026] Those skilled in the art will recognize that operation of
the system of the present invention involves the balancing of
pressures between the gas generating assembly at depth and the
surface level assemblies. To achieve the transport of a quantity of
pressurized gas(es) to the surface there must be a flow of the
gas(es), at least initially from a volume at higher pressure (at
depth) to a volume at lower pressure (at the surface). In the
initial phases of the process it may be necessary to establish a
buffer or surge tank (such as surge tanks 86 in FIGS. 3 and 64 in
FIG. 2) to help prevent the movement of liquid with the flow of gas
up the gas conduits. Other methods for regulating the rate at which
the gases are generated could also contribute to the mitigation of
entrained fluids within the gas flows, especially on startup when
the pressure differentials between the gas generating assembly at
depth and the surface are greatest.
[0027] FIG. 3 is not intended to be drawn to scale, and the actual
depth at which the electrolysis gas generator 90 would be
positioned would more typically be on the order of 160' to 320' to
over 5,000'. Operation of the system at such depths achieves the
desired gas pressurization and yet does not incur material costs
that exceed the benefits associated with collecting and storing the
pressurized gases. It is preferable that electrolysis gas generator
90 not be positioned in close proximity to the ocean or lake bottom
so as to avoid the induction of silt and debris into the system.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the "depth" referred
to in the present invention is primarily a pressure differential
established by a quantity of atmosphere and a quantity of water
positioned above the gas generator assembly. This differential
"depth" is determined by the distance between the gas generator
assembly and the point of use and/or storage.
[0028] Reference is next made to FIG. 4 which is a partially
schematic side plan view of the surface level components of the gas
generating system of the present invention. In this view, various
components are shown schematically placed and positioned around the
movable gas collection hose bundle 128 that extends up from the gas
generating cell described and shown above. The surface components
are shown to include an array of surface level control and
collection assemblies 100. Centrally located among these components
is control and data display instrumentation 102 which is connected
to various other components within the system through control and
data signal wires 136. Also positioned at the surface is electric
power supply 104 which, in the preferred embodiment, may simply be
a rechargeable DC battery. Various alternate arrangements of the
power supply system may include the use of an electrical ground
located at depth.
[0029] Also included at the surface level are active first gas
collection tank 106 and active second gas collection tank 108. In
addition to these active gas collection tanks, there are preferably
reserve first gas storage tank(s) 110 and reserve second gas
storage tank(s) 112. Various tank valve and pressure gauge
assemblies 114 are positioned on each of these tanks. In addition,
a first gas flow dryer (entrained fluid removal) device 116 is
associated with active first gas collection tank 106 and a second
gas flow dryer (entrained fluid removal) 120 is associated with
active second gas collection tank 108. There is also a gas venting
valve 118 associated with each side of the gas collection and
storage system shown.
[0030] Extending from a collection manifold centrally positioned
within the assembly of components at the surface is fixed gas
collection hose bundle 122. This length of multi conduit hose
extends from the central manifold to a non-rotating axial position
on hose bundle reel support and drive 126. The reel support and
drive 126 holds gas collection hose bundle 124 which is used to
deploy and alternately to retract moveable gas collection hose
bundle 128.
[0031] Also positioned and utilized at the surface are grounded
support platforms 130 and 132. As indicated, the necessary control
and data signal wires 136 extend from control and data display
instrumentation 102 down into movable gas collection hose bundle
128 in a manner described in more detail below. Also incorporated
into hose bundle 128 are electrical power supply wires 134 (shown
as 30 and 32 in FIG. 1). Variations on the actual structure of the
hose bundle are anticipated.
[0032] Additional and optional components represented by 138 and
140, may be positioned at or near the water surface and may include
bubble distribution systems, a combustion chamber with ancillary
fuel supply, rapid compression or decompression chambers, or the
like. These components may be connected through conduits 137 and
139 to active first gas collection tank 106 and active second gas
collection tank 108 in a manner that allows for the immediate use
of each or both the collected gases for purposes such as generating
energy from combustion or otherwise operating systems that benefit
from the pressurized condition of the gases, such as therapeutic
uses of oxygen gases in pressure chambers or bubbling waters. Rapid
decompression of the pressurized gases may be used in thermal
exchange systems as well.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the gas
collection hose bundle of the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention shown generally as 128 in FIG. 4 and as 84 in
FIG. 3. A wide variety of different configurations for this hose
bundle are anticipated and the components shown in FIG. 5 are
intended to be inclusive of such components even though a more
practical implementation may omit one or more of the components
shown. Gas collection hose bundle 128 primarily incorporates first
gas conduit lumen 150 and second gas conduit lumen 152. In some
applications of the present system, it may only be necessary to
utilize a single gas conduit lumen collecting only one gas, and
venting the other, or collecting both gases for immediate use when
there is no concern for reverse electrolysis occurring. In the
preferred embodiment, however, one where two gases are being
generated and utilized separately at the surface, gas collection
hose bundle 128 should incorporate at least two gas conduit
lumens.
[0034] Also incorporated into hose bundle 128 is integrated support
cable 154 which, in the preferred embodiment, may simply be a
bundled wire cable that extends the length of hose bundle 128 and
is utilized to relieve any weight forces on the gas conduit lumens.
Further included in hose bundle 128 are electrical power supply
wires 134a and 134b. In the preferred embodiment, these represent
the DC positive and negative conductors that establish the
electrical potential between the two electrodes associated with the
electrolysis cell positioned at depth. Once again, however, an
alternate embodiment wherein the ground electrical potential may be
established at depth, a single conductor may provide the necessary
positive potential (with respect to a negative ground) to one of
the two electrodes while the remaining electrode is connected to
ground.
[0035] Finally contained within the preferred embodiment of gas
collection hose bundle 128 are control and data signal wire bundle
136. In the preferred embodiment, this would be a coaxial signal
cable that would allow for the multiplexing of data and/or the
transmission of signal control data from the surface to the gas
generating cell located at depth. Various mechanisms that might be
incorporated into the electrolysis cell collection enclosure may be
directed and controlled by way of this signal cable. In a like
manner, various sensors that might be positioned at depth may
direct signal data up to the surface for use in the control and
data display instrumentation described above.
[0036] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been
provided by way of explanation only, and is not intended to be
construed as a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the
art will recognize modifications in the present invention that
might accommodate specific "liquid at depth" environments. Such
modifications as to structure, method, and even the specific
arrangement of components, where such modifications are
coincidental to the environment or the specific type of liquid
compound being utilized, do not necessarily depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Although the invention has been
described in conjunction with what is essentially an "open water"
environment, the principles involved may be just as easily applied
to a "confined well" environment, where the depth is achieved by
lowing the gas generating assembly to depth within a drilled well
or the like. The same surface structural components may be utilized
and the same basic "downhole" components would be utilized. In a
like manner, the same hose bundle structures and geometries may be
used.
* * * * *