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Thread: stop freezing...help?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
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    derry
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    24

    stop freezing...help?

    hey all..having problems with mr frost. my cell has plates seperated with neoproplene(no spell check please) compressed between 2 plastic plates by bolting all together. with a very cold spell here in sunny ireland my water is freezing and swelling pushing out my spacers until i get a leak. now i've heard ethanol is a good anti-freeze but its very expensive here,£52 for a small bottle, anyone got any bright ideas as its not getting any warmer?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Stanfordville, NY
    Posts
    799
    You need to run a higher percentage electrolyte.
    Most of us use a 28% KOH solution and a CCPWM to control the amp. draw.
    28% (3lbs. of 92% pure KOH flakes per gallon of distilled water) will never freeze or even get slushy.
    1998 Explorer 4x4, 4.0
    14 cell / 2 stack 6x9" drycell reactor 28%KOH dual EFIE, MAF enhancer, IAT & ECT controllers, 2.4 LPM @ 30 amps. 6.35 MMW http://reduceyourfuelbill.com.au/forum/index.php

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    derry
    Posts
    24

    big ty

    thanks for that. i'm presently waiting on a pmw from china..guys round here screw up their faces "whats a pulse width modulator?" so to china on eb@y it was. mine has no fan- the 1 i have coming- should i need one or will stratigic placing be ok ?
    thanks again...now wait on courier.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    333
    While you are waiting try to mix your solution with 25% alcohol. I don't like to have a strong mix, so during the winter months I flush the system and start with winter mixture with alcohol. You need to add some to your bubbler anyway, because that's the only way you can keep it from freezing. Just my 2 cents.

    Besides I thought I try to rattle Lee's cages (having a beer).

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Stanfordville, NY
    Posts
    799
    Ben,
    I don't know what you're referring to as far as 'rattling my cage', as everyone knows I'm the most easy going, laid back person in here.
    Actually, I've never used alcohol in my reservoir. Does it actually work?
    1998 Explorer 4x4, 4.0
    14 cell / 2 stack 6x9" drycell reactor 28%KOH dual EFIE, MAF enhancer, IAT & ECT controllers, 2.4 LPM @ 30 amps. 6.35 MMW http://reduceyourfuelbill.com.au/forum/index.php

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    1,418
    When it is at or below below -10º F and if you have your reactor mounted in front of the radiator and no radiator cover, you will need all the heat you can make in the reactor and I see no need for a pwm especially on short runs, so you can run high concentrations of electrolyte. You just need to take care of the bubbler. Now if your reactor is in closer to the exhaust manifold and it is -10ºF just watch your amp meter and when it starts drawing more than normal (if it does) shut it off for a little. It cools down real fast in cold weather. In most cases in my experience in very cold weather you can use a 28% mix of KOH or 20% mix of NaOH and not use a PWM with the reactor mounted in the incoming airstream. Now in warmer weather I can see the need for a PWM if your are running full strength electrolyte.
    "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb."

    ONE Liter per minute per 10 amps which just isn't possible Ha Ha .

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    333
    Quote Originally Posted by lhazleton View Post
    Ben,
    I don't know what you're referring to as far as 'rattling my cage', as everyone knows I'm the most easy going, laid back person in here.
    Actually, I've never used alcohol in my reservoir. Does it actually work?

    Lee,

    The alcohol work well in both the reservior and the bubbler. Having said that, my new cell requires a higher mixture (3.5lb per gl. of water), which is about the 28% in order to see good production and still not need a PWM

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    28
    Just curious but what about adding a liitle antifreeze to the soulution?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Mississauga, ON, Canada
    Posts
    7
    I previously posted the freezing point data here:

    http://www.hhoforums.com/showthread.php?t=1598&page=3

    This was found from a few "internet sources" and put into one graph

    As lhazleton says: add more KOH or NaOH

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