Abstract
This public disclosure discloses a novel reactor design specifically engineered for the controlled chemical reaction between aluminum and water in the presence of gallium, resulting in the generation of hydrogen gas and aluminum oxide. A central feature of this reactor design is a mechanical stirrer strategically positioned at the core, effectively pushing the gallium towards the reactor's perimeter through centrifugal forces. This motion ensures the continuous and uniform mixing of aluminum, water, and gallium, facilitating the desired chemical reaction. Additionally, a specialized mechanism, represented as a shaftless spiral conveyor (ribbon conveyor), is integrated into the reactor's central region, efficiently extracting the produced aluminum oxide from the reaction mixture using a lifting screw motion, and placing it into a separate container for aluminum oxide. Aluminum and water outlets are positioned to deposit aluminum and water to the periphery of the reactor chamber, where the gallium is located. A gallium outlet allows for the replenishment of the gallium inside of the reactor. The Hydrogen produced from the reaction is directed towards a hydrogen fuel cell where it combines with outside air to produce water and electricity. The water is then redirected back into the reactor chamber. A heater element ensures optimal temperature for the reaction to take place, making sure the solution remains above 33 degrees celsius, thus ensuring the gallium is in a liquid state (melting point of Gallium is 29.76 degrees Celsius). A controller unit adjusts the different inputs into the reaction, including the amount of aluminum, water, and gallium introduced into the reactor chamber, the speed of the stirrer and shaftless spiral conveyor, as well as the temperature of the heater element, ensuring optimal reaction conditions. The optimal ratio of Gallium to Aluminum inside the reactor is 3:1 which the controller unit tries to maintain. The reactor design presented herein offers an efficient and controllable system for the production of hydrogen gas and aluminum oxide for use in energy systems.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
kauppila, timo, "Aluminum Gallium Water Reactor V3", Technical Disclosure Commons, (January 22, 2024)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/6624