New cell completed

[ROADKING]

Now that I have my cells working somewhat, I am having another problem.  I am using 1/2" lexan polycarbonate and it is shattering a part can anyone explain this problem I am going thru.  I have now had two of then to break.

[Cowboy]

I don't have a great answer for you, but in the research I just did I learned that polycarbonate starts to soften around 150* F.  I don't know if the same applies to lexon or not, but it is likely.  If your cell reaches temperatures close to that, impurities could be embedding themselves later causing your cracks. 

-Cowboy

[ROADKING]

I have not noticed any impurities in the cell, but will look closer and see if I see any.  The cracks appear to start at the fittings or else end at the hole where the fittings go in.  I am using nylon fittings and I thought the lexon was stronger than the nylon fittings.  I have not found where anyone else is having this problem, I may just have them too tight of a squeeze.  I see everyone else uses lexon I thought, I tried Plexiglas and it will not hold up.  So I will see what else I can find out.

[Manta]

ROADKING,

It may be due to your electrolyte. I have some polycarbonate tube that started life as part of fleurescent light fittings.  For a (short) time I used  lenghts of this tube as measuring cylinders for weak NaOH solutions.  After a few days I found the whole of the tubes were crazed with thin cracks.  If you are using NaOH or KOH solutions then this may be the problem.

Manta

[ROADKING]

I am using koh.  thanks

[b1jetmech]

Well after a series of tests I conclude that these mini's are no good for auto application. The problems I have is they produce steam and heat the water too hot too fast.

I was told by an experience H2 generator builder that the mini's will overheat because the current threshold is too great for the smaller plates. If 5 amps is put to it then then it does good but only for a lawnmower LOL!

So I'm off to the next project of a 6'x6" or an 8"x8" drycell. For now, I think I will install one of these mini's on my 14 horse  IH Cub Cadet tractor.

[Bob]

You just need to cool the puppies down is all....
Yes they will generate allot of heat but with a good recurculation system for the electrolyte you can still do the Mini's
....
Bob.....