A Bubbler is a simple flashback device, used to prevent the burning gas from entering the HHO gas generating chamber and creating an explosion. The device by design can itself explode the quantity of gas in the head space above the water, destroying the bubbler, spreading the diluted catalyst and shrapnel from the container.
For safety, reduce the head space to the bare minimum needed, change the water on some schedule to prevent the catalyst becoming strong enough to create chemical burns.
Use a check valve between the bubbler and generator to prevent unwanted pressure build up in the generator, and a safety against a low level bubbler. Make the bubbler out of material that reduces shrapnel hazards whenever possible. A flashback device, such as used on torches, is recommended. Many homemade ones are being designed for hobbyists to build. Many are available at welding supply houses.
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Filed under: Flashback device | Tagged: bubbler, flash back, flash back device, safety
Dave,
I have come up with a relief/flashback valve assembly that mounts directly to a typical bubbler (2″ pvc) as an additional flashback protection for HHO systems. I have an instruction sheet i created for replication. I have not tested it other than ensuring operation by pressurizing the bubbler with an air hose to make sure it vents pressure, but am installing it in my vehicle and believe the design is sound (it should work). It is very easy to replicate and the only tools required to replicate it are a drill, saw, sander, and wrenches. It costs $12 and can be made from parts found at local stores. A parts list is included.
I would like to get it out there so people know of the need for flashback protection and have another option for dealing with the dangers. Would you post it if I sent it to you? It is inspired by other designs I have seen and similar in function, but different from them in form and application.
If you are interested in posting the info, replicating, testing, or evaluating the valve, please, let me know. thanks.
Wes
one last thing, when i say it costs $12, I mean that the parts required to build it add up to $12. I have no intention of building and marketing the valve for sale. I intend to release the info for all to use.
-Wes
wes77,
I’ll definitely post it, and the readers here will probably look at it as I will, and probably test it too.
Of course you know the simplest way to test it is to start producing and light the gas coming out of the bubbler! if it doesn’t blow the bubbler up, and the relief valve works, it a success. If it does, and you didn’t get hurt, rework the design.
Always take precautions like ducking a covering when you lite a small bomb, I’d hate to see anyone get hurt.
Maybe install a cutout with a plastic sheet window in the bubbler, like a lot of people do, to prevent pvc schrapnel when testing things like this. the final design shouldn’t need the cutout.
On all the bubbler I make out of PVC, the fill cap has a hole cut in the cap as large as practical, and I use plastic from a sandwich bag as both a seal and ‘window’ that can blow out in case of a back flash.
Thanks for the info. I have seen the sandwich bag method and it works very well, but I wanted to make something that would reseal and not be a one time use device so that you wouldn’t need to disassemble and reseal the bubbler every time you get a flashback. I had seen a couple on you-tube being tested, and came up with my own variation.
I would light it, but I’m a bit gunshy about doing that… I also live in town and don’t really have protective equipment or a place I could test this where I could garauntee my own safety and that of others during a test. Sorry guys
I would like to contribute though so that is why I am offering up the info I have gathered so that hopefully others may benefit.
I also came across a possible inline flashback arrestor. It is a pneumatic/hydralic inline filter made by arrow pneumatics (pressure snubber/10 micron) that uses a sintered bronze filter element. It is an off the shelf part with a brass npt housing and and costs about $5. I passed the general info along to a guy on you-tube who has one ordered and plans to test it and post a video shortly. I will keep you posted on that too.
Thanks again
-Wes
the flashback device (by Wes77) has been posted here for download and viewing.