khlor
Hazard to Self
Posts: 95
Registered: 4-1-2014
Location: Who knows, really...
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
|
Anode Wires Oxidation/Corrosion
Hello,
I took a quick look here and couldn't find anything on the subject, at east nothing directly on it, so... I am hoping that someone with exerience or
with an explanation could clarify the situation and give some helpful tips, alright, here it goes.
I've done plenty of electrolysis experiments at this point, like many here, however, I encountered some issues with the anode. It is a well known fact
that anodes are oxidized and often corrode, but what about the wires, I mean, the anode wires connected to the anode? is it normal that the wires used
on anodes oxidize and get all crumbly? I mean, I use multi core plastic insulated copper wire and solid graphite rod anodes, the cell is a closed
system and the graphite anodes stick out of the cell(the conection between the wire and anodes is outside of the anodic chamber), but the anode wires
still get oxidized and corroded overtime, to the point that in a few weeks they get all crumbly and the copper get all dark, sometimes black, like it
rotted away.
so here is my questions.
1 - What might be causing it?
2 - Is it normal and/or sould I have expect it?
3 - Is there something I can do to stop/prevent it?
Any input on the matter will be greatly appreciated!
thanks in advance and happy holidays!
"NOOOOOO!!! The mixture is all WROOOOOOONG!"
|
|
|
mysteriusbhoice
Hazard to Others
Posts: 477
Registered: 27-1-2016
Member Is Offline
Mood: Became chemistry catboy Vtuber Nyaa
|
|
graphite is porous there is your answer!!.
if its not the graphite then its salt creep and that can be fixed if you run a venturi line to suck in all those misty gases along with air from
outside.
salt creep is normal with most electrolysis even without using graphite and yea prevention is hook outlet to venturi pump to produce reduced pressure
but make sure to have a hole otherwise your cell will be running at a vacuum and you dont want that but instead air from outside replaces cell gases
and mist.
|
|
|
wg48temp9
National Hazard
Posts: 783
Registered: 30-12-2018
Location: not so United Kingdom
Member Is Offline
|
|
Multi strand copper wire is very susceptible to corrosion due to its large surface area particularly so when exposed to the mist of the electrolyte
and capillary creep of the electrolyte. The multi strand wire will wick up the electrolyte several inches under the insulation. The multi strand wire
will wick up the electrolyte several inches along and under the insulation.
Its preferable to use thick single strand wire and cover any exposed area with hot glue or something to protect it. You should also check the wire is
not copper clad aluminum that is even more susceptible to corrosion.
I am wg48 but not on my usual pc hence the temp handle.
Thank goodness for Fleming and the fungi.
Old codger' lives matters, wear a mask and help save them.
Be aware of demagoguery, keep your frontal lobes fully engaged.
I don't know who invented mRNA vaccines but they should get a fancy medal and I hope they made a shed load of money from it.
|
|
|
khlor
Hazard to Self
Posts: 95
Registered: 4-1-2014
Location: Who knows, really...
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
|
Quote: Originally posted by mysteriusbhoice  | graphite is porous there is your answer!!.
if its not the graphite then its salt creep and that can be fixed if you run a venturi line to suck in all those misty gases along with air from
outside.
salt creep is normal with most electrolysis even without using graphite and yea prevention is hook outlet to venturi pump to produce reduced pressure
but make sure to have a hole otherwise your cell will be running at a vacuum and you dont want that but instead air from outside replaces cell gases
and mist. |
I have a hard time, unless all graphite is porous like that... I done some searching before I got into this and decided to use copperclad welding
rods(copper was stripped beforehand, I heard something about oil treatment, but most of my reading suggested it would not be necessary for my source
of graphite), though I will not be quick to dismiss this, I don't think it could be it, the anodes used to be in a vertical position inside a sealed
anode chamber with a gas outlet, and the copper connections were eaten away like they were made out of iron whool, as for salt creep... never gave it
a thought since I never saw salt growths on top of the anode connections, though... the copper always turned green sometime before vanishing,
something I might have to check with close attention on the next runs, very interesting take.
| Quote: Originally posted by wg48temp9 | | Multi strand copper wire is very susceptible to corrosion due to its large surface area particularly so when exposed to the mist of the electrolyte
and capillary creep of the electrolyte. The multi strand wire will wick up the electrolyte several inches under the insulation. The multi strand wire
will wick up the electrolyte several inches along and under the insulation. |
From my setup specs it seems not possible for this to be happening, though your description kinda made it easier to imagine - an eye openner - is this
known to happen even on air? I mean, is it possible to the electrolyte to creep up from the graphite rod into the between of the copper strands?
| Quote: Originally posted by wg48temp9 | | Its preferable to use thick single strand wire and cover any exposed area with hot glue or something to protect it. You should also check the wire is
not copper clad aluminum that is even more susceptible to corrosion. |
Yes, I'll considere favoring single strand copper wire for my next endeavors. and yes, I made sure all wires I used up to this point were all copper
made.
Gentlemen, thanks for your helpful insights, advice and attention on this matter. I shall take it into consideration for my next runs as soon as I
manage to source the supplies for the modifications.
"NOOOOOO!!! The mixture is all WROOOOOOONG!"
|
|
|
|
![[*]](images/xpblue/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
