U.S. patent application number 13/895278 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for modular systems for producing pressurized gases from polar molecular liquids at depth or under pressure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth W. Anderson. Invention is credited to Kenneth W. Anderson.
Application Number | 20130341182 13/895278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49773498 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130341182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Kenneth W. |
December 26, 2013 |
Modular Systems for Producing Pressurized Gases from Polar
Molecular Liquids at Depth or Under Pressure
Abstract
A system for producing pressurized gas(es) from polar molecular
liquids. A first embodiment incorporates an electrolysis cell
positioned at depth within the liquid. The 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. 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. A second embodiment incorporates
an electrolysis cell operable at pressure, as well as an
arrangement of ancillary systems benefitting from the electrolysis
at pressure system. Various mechanisms for gathering and separating
the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated by electrolysis are
described.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Kenneth W.;
(Boerne, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anderson; Kenneth W. |
Boerne |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49773498 |
Appl. No.: |
13/895278 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2012/027590 |
Mar 2, 2012 |
|
|
|
13895278 |
|
|
|
|
61647057 |
May 15, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/278 |
International
Class: |
C25B 9/00 20060101
C25B009/00 |
Claims
1. A system for producing pressurized gas from a polar molecular
fluid, the system comprising: (a) a gas generating assembly
positioned at pressure 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 pressure to a second end thereof at or near atmospheric
pressure, 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 pressure places the
first and second electrodes within the polar molecular fluid at
pressure, 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 pressure of the operation of the system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims the benefit under Title 35 United
States Code .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/647,057, filed May 15, 2012, and the benefit under
Title 35 United States Code .sctn.120, as a Continuation-In-Part of
co-pending PCT Patent Application Ser. No. PCT/US2012/027590, filed
Mar. 2, 2012, designating the United States, which itself further
claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code .sctn.120 of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/038,979, filed Mar. 2, 2011,
the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Electrolysis involving water is the decomposition of water
(H.sub.2O) into oxygen gas (O.sub.2) and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) 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
(H.sub.2) bubbles will appear at the cathode (the negatively
charged electrode where electrons enter the water) and oxygen gas
(O.sub.2) 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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
[2H.sub.2O=2H.sub.2+O.sub.2]. 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.
[0008] 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).
[0009] 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.
[0010] Some efforts have been made to produce usable gases through
electrolysis that involve operation of electrolysis at some depth
in open waters (such as at depth in the ocean). The present
invention is based in part on systems described and defined in
Applicant's prior filed U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/038,979, filed Mar. 2, 2011, entitled Systems and Methods for
Producing Pressurized Gases from Polar Molecular Liquids at Depth.
Additional elements and components within the present invention are
described herein, although operation of the system, and the
physical principles upon which such operation is based, are
similar. The present invention therefore includes effecting
electrolysis at pressure rather than the more specific operation of
electrolysis at depth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 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. A first embodiment of 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.
[0012] The second preferred embodiment of the system of the present
invention incorporates an electrolysis cell operable at pressure,
as well as an arrangement of ancillary systems benefitting from the
electrolysis at pressure system. The system includes components
that provide a liquid source (preferably water) positioned at an
elevated location relative to the electrolysis system components.
Optionally, other methods for compressing the liquid to be utilized
in the electrolysis system are anticipated. These optional systems
may supplement the pressure created by positioning an elevated
water source or may substitute for the elevated water source. Such
auxiliary compression systems may include solar or wind powered
systems. Operation of the system of the present invention includes
receiving water from the elevated source (or other optional system)
through a conduit to an electrolysis chamber provided with the
necessary electrical power required by the electrolysis at
electrodes, in order to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas (in the
preferred embodiment) in an already pressurized state. Various
mechanisms for gathering and separating the hydrogen gas and oxygen
gas generated by electrolysis are anticipated and described.
Included are dividers operable by simple geometric structures
positioned in conjunction with the respective electrodes in the
electrolysis system, as well as a variety of gas filtration bells
that permit the discrimination between hydrogen gas molecules and
oxygen gas molecules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the electrode bell
pressurized gas generator apparatus of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the overall system
for generating pressurized gas of the present invention.
[0015] 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).
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic side plan view of the
surface level components of the pressurized gas generating system
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross sectional view of the gas
collection hose bundle of the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the various
essential and optional components of the system of the present
invention, as well as various ancillary systems that may benefit
from the production of pressurized gases produced by the system and
method of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a
modular device implementing the principles of the system and method
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the device disclosed in FIG.
7A.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of an
alternate embodiment of the implementation of the present invention
showing separation of the produced gases by structural
configuration.
[0022] FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG.
8A.
[0023] FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, in
this case showing the electrical connections and control systems
associated with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an alternate structure
for implementing devices associated with the electrolysis at
pressure, capable of being used in conjunction with systems
previously described as electrolysis at depth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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 H.sub.2 gas tanks 54 and O.sub.2
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.
[0033] 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
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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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 FIG. 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT Summary of Referenced Elements Ref. No. Description FIG.
6 200 Electrolysis at pressure system. 202 Power generation system.
204 Steam reformation hydrogen production system. 206 Carbon
recapture system. 208 LNG to CNG conversion system. 210 Elevated
water source. 212 Supplemental compression system. 214 Auxiliary
compression source. 216 Exhaust heat exchange system. 218 Passive
solar system. 220 Natural gas water pre-heat to electrolyze system.
222 Flow through conduit. 223 Filter/conditioner. 224 Electrolysis
chamber. 226 Hydrogen gas outlet. 228 Electrical conductor. 230
Electrolysis electrodes. 232 Supplemental heat source. 234 CNG
supply. 236 Oxygen gas outlet. 238 Heat source. 240 Open bowl. 241
Water source. 242 Cathode hydrogen (nickel catalyst screen). 244
Electric turbine. 246 Hydrogen gas reservoir. 250 Carbon dioxide
gas reservoir. 252 LNG gas reservoir. 254 Heat source. 256 CNG gas
reservoir. FIGS. 7A & 7B 301 Water supply at higher elevation.
302 Control and instrumentation. 303 Negative DC power. 304
Positive DC power. 305 Blind flange point of pressure vessel
penetrations. 306 Pressure vessel body (90.degree. coupling with a
T coupling shown). 307 Pressure vessel oxygen collection cylinder.
308 Pressure vessel hydrogen collection cylinder. 309 Gases
dispenser tube (protection of distribution lines function). 310
Leak detector (sonic or chemical). 311 Oxygen gas dispenser point
elemental nozzle. 312 Hydrogen gas dispenser point elemental
nozzle. 313 Oxygen gas supply lines. 314 Hydrogen gas supply lines.
315 Oxygen gas purification point (non-penetrate errant hydrogen
detained at this point). Reformed to H.sub.2O (water). 316 Hydrogen
gas purification point. Hydrogen penetrates glass or similar filter
oxygen accumulates to reform to H.sub.2O (water). 317 Physical and
electrical divider of hydrogen and oxygen gasses from electrolysis.
318 Electrodes (anode and cathode). 319 Counterweight equipment
ballast. 320 Containment box with access for protection of system
equipment. 321 Point of system power input. 322 On/Off valve
double. FIGS. 8A-8C 401 2'' .times. 6'' carbon steel pipe schedule
80 drilled with 1/2'' for temperature probe and liquid pressure
gauge. 402 Systems liquids pressure gauge for use with water up to
1500 psi +/- 3%, ASME Grade B accuracy. 403 System liquids
temperature gauge for incoming water. Possible thermal couple with
digital gauges. 404 8'' steel weld sweep 90 schedule 80. 405 8''
.times. 21/2' seamless dom pipe schedule 80. 406 8'' 900-1000 psi
forged socket welding flange and end cap with 1/2'' center
penetration schedule 80. 407 1/2'' .times. 4'' pipe oxygen specific
threads. 408 Oxygen on/off valve. 409 Oxygen gauges. 410 8''
.times. 5' seamless dom pipe schedule 80. 411 8'' 900 psi flange
with end cap with 1/2'' center penetration. 412 1/2'' .times. 4''
pipe hydrogen specific thread. 413 Hydrogen on/off valve. 414
Hydrogen gauges. 415 Gases physical divider. 416 Pipe cradle. 417
Incoming water conduit 1500 psi hydraulic line. 418 Leak sensor
alarm. 419 Operating gauge panel. 420 Power controller. 421
Auxiliary input controller. 422 Incoming power. 431 Electrical and
controller box. 432 Oxygen bar graph display. 433 Oxygen staging
arrows display. 434 Hydrogen staging arrows display. 435 Hydrogen
bar graph display. 436 Oxygen detector. 437 Hydrogen detector. 438
Oxygen out of limits indicator. 439 Out of limits identifier. 440
Hydrogen out of limits indicator. 441 Digital temperature display.
442 Digital pressure display. 443 Power supply. 444 Power supply
voltage control. 445 Power supply current control. 446 Optional
heat input controller. 447 Optional compression input controller.
448 Cathode negative hydrogen. 449 Anode positive oxygen. 450
Electrolyzer power cord with penetration into system, urethane 8'
long, 12 gauge water and pressure resistant. 451 Oxygen production
status cord 13' long duplex exterior elements. 452 Hydrogen
production status cord 17' long duplex exterior elements. 453
Oxygen detector/out of limits cord 7' long 16 gauge duplex exterior
elements. 454 Hydrogen detector/out of limits cord 4' long 16 gauge
duplex exterior elements. 455 Temperature cord for digital readout
14' long temperature exterior elements. 456 System pressure for
digital readout 14' long, may be hydraulic hose or electrical
signal conductor.
[0046] Reference is next made to FIG. 6 which discloses a system
and method for electrolysis at pressure as well as the possible
arrangement of ancillary systems benefiting from the electrolysis
at pressure system. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the
various essential and optional components of the system of the
present invention, as well as various ancillary systems that may
benefit from the production of pressurized gases produced by the
system and method of the present invention.
[0047] Electrolysis at pressure system 200 is shown to include
elevated water source 210 and the optional supplemental compression
system 212 (operational at the top elevation or the base). An
auxiliary compression source 214 may also include a solar or wind
source. Such additional compression sources may include exhaust
heat exchange 216, passive solar 218, and NG water preheat to
electrolyze option 220. Water from elevated source 210 flows
through conduit 222, having filter/conditioner 223 (shown here and
in other locations within the various systems), preferably through
a drop of 715-800 feet (to yield 500-600 psi). Electrolysis occurs
within the chamber 224 and may be further supplemented by heat
source 232 fed by CNG supply 234. The electrical power required by
the electrolysis is provided at electrodes 230 to produce hydrogen
gas in outlet 226 and oxygen gas in outlet 236. Electrical power is
provided to electrodes 230 by conductor 228.
[0048] Optionally positioned ancillary to electrolysis at pressure
system 200 are power generation system 202, steam reformation
hydrogen production system 204, carbon recapture system 206, and
LNG to CNG conversion system 208. Power generation system 202
includes an electric turbine generator 244 powered by CNG from CNG
reservoir 234. Generated power is used to drive electrodes 230 by
way of conductor 228.
[0049] The steam reformation hydrogen production system 204
includes hydrogen container 246, water source 241, open bowl 240,
and heat source 238 (which may preferably be fed by oxygen from
outlet 236 and CNG from CNG reservoir 234. The system may also
include cathode hydrogen (nickel catalyst screen) 242 which may
active or passive. Carbon recapture system 206 simply provides an
optional collection containment 250 for carbon dioxide produced by
the various reactions in the overall system. Finally, ancillary LNG
to CNG conversion system 208 may be linked to the overall system
utilizing the hydrogen generated and received from outlet 226. This
process may use the hydrogen to convert LNG 252 to CNG 256 in the
presence of heat 254.
[0050] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a
modular device capable of implementing the principles of the system
and method of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a top plan view of
the device disclosed in FIG. 7A. Reference is made to the
description of the components in the table above.
[0051] FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of an
alternate embodiment of the implementation of the present invention
showing separation of the produced gases by structural
configuration. FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the device shown in
FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, in
this case showing the electrical connections and control systems
associated with the present invention. Reference is made to the
description of the components in the table above.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an alternate structure
for implementing devices associated with the electrolysis at
pressure, capable of being used in conjunction with systems
previously described as electrolysis at depth.
[0053] 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.
* * * * *