by AlaskaStar » Tue Sep 26, 2006 1:36 am
I have found that using a spring loaded check valve, and a ZERO PRESSURE system works fine. the flashback arrestor is from an oxy-acetylene torch, and the valve is spring loaded, so this means that NO PRESSURE=NO FLOW, and BACK-PRESSURE=NO FLOW. I use the engine vacuum to suck the valve open to get the hydrogen fuel. I use two, with a short hose between them that is severely weak. this hose is NOT clamped on. this allows for a "break away device" of sorts to be between the 2 flashback arrestors. the hydrogen gas is NOT under pressure, in fact it is allowed to equalize and expand in an expansion chamber to equal that of atmospheric pressure. this means that even in the even of a flash-back, AND the break-away hose blowing off, that the 2nd check valve is what will now close, and not completely stop the hydrogen gas from exiting, but at least slow it down considerably. I use a ball valve on the hydrogen supply side of the safety valves to regulate flow, and keep the engine throttles CLOSED to keep the vacuum going to allow flow, and by regulating the flow, i can effectively control engine rpm.
this is just my setup, i am not saying that any of your ideas are wrong, but up here, it gets cold, and even the garage is allowed to get down to 20 degree in winter, which is 12 degrees below the freezing mark, and it may be -60 outside, but it's better to be at -20 than -60....point is, a bubbler WILL freeze, and this said, I had to find a mechanical method of doing the same.
I do like the idea of a bubbler, because a liquid will not compress, and acts as a strong wall of movable CONCRETE for the flashback to pound against in the event of a flashback.
This is only my take, and I am glad to see Bob Boyce back up and going again.
Thanks.
AlaskaStar
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