by SeaMonkey » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:26 pm
High Hopes,
The "sludge" in the bottom of the cell may be residue from the water, the baking soda, the excessive heat, or all of those.
That the plates are still in good condition is very good.
The slight discoloration may not be serious contamination; but then again, it might be. One would have to perform some tests to be sure.
In order to clean electrolyzer plates, that are fabricated for the low voltage electrolyzer cell, electrochemically this is what may be done:
1. Obtain a suitable non-metallic container large enough to immerse your plate array fully. Fill the container with sufficient water to cover your plates and add Table Salt at the rate of 2 Heaping Tablespoons per Quart of Water. Stir well.
2. Immerse your plates in the salt water solution and apply power from an automotive battery for Ten Seconds.
3. Reverse the polarity of the connections to your plates and apply power once again for Ten Seconds.
4. Remove the plates from the solution and inspect. If the plates are not satisfactorily cleansed, repeat the steps 2 and 3 above.
If sufficiently cleansed rinse thoroughly in clean water to remove all traces of the salt and whatever chlorine may be clinging to them. Safely dispose of the salt water solution.
5. Mix a fresh dilute solution of Potassium or Sodium Hydroxide and distilled water to re-condition the plates for several hours with 12 Volts at 5 to 10 Amperes if possible. Be sure to reverse polarity and condition again so that both sets of plates see conditioning as anodes.
If the conditioning process proceeds at a higher rate than 5 to 10 Amperes, simply reduce the conditioning time if desired.
While conditioning the electrolyte solution may become quite hot and that is in fact helpful.
Be sure to place a cover over the containers during cleaning and conditioning, such as a dampened bath towel, to avoid or minimize electrolyte spray getting into the air and creating a local hazard to breathing. The spray will not harm the towel.
Wear a face mask consisting of a moistened handkerchief or towel covering the nose and mouth. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
When cleaning and conditioning plates it is always best to do those processes out of doors or in a well ventilated workshop structure. Never inside a house or closed structure.
In case of accidental skin contact with Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide flakes or solution, wash immediately with copius amounts of cold water. After the soapy, slippery feeling has been washed away apply a dab of vinegar or lemon juice to the skin area affected.
Always wear eye protection to absolutely avoid getting any of the Hydroxide solution into your eyes. Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides are very damaging to eye tissue, even in dilute solution, and are capable of causing permanent eye damage.
Please do not become another statistic!