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Experimental Arrangement 



Early experimental work showed that the reaction rate of the dual- 

 plate cell is a function of several interdependent parameters. The most 

 important of these parameters are electrolyte temperature, electrode 

 gap, and electrolyte condition. In an attempt to isolate and understand 

 the effects of these and other parameters, a number of laboratory experi- 

 ments were conducted. 



Three different configurations were utilized in the laboratory 

 experimentation. Quantitative data on reaction parameters were obtained 

 using an insulated Dewar flask (Figure 3) that was accurately calibrated 

 for heat loss. The test cells consisted of thre^ magnesium and four 

 iron plates of up to 72 in. (465 cm^) of anode surface area. A pump 

 was provided to test the effects of electrolyte circulation on cell 

 performance. The temperature rise of the electrolyte was recorded on a 

 multipoint recorder. 



Uninsulated glass beakers were used for tests in which only 

 qualitative results were needed. The results were obtained by visually 

 inspecting the anodes and by monitoring temperature differences between 

 several cells running simultaneously in different beakers. „ 



A third apparatus was used for testing cells of up to 1,000 in. 

 (0.6A5 m^) of anode surface area (Figure 4). The cell and electrolyte 

 were contained in an insulated acrylic case with a removable top. 

 Thermocouples were provided for monitoring the temperature of the 

 circulating electrolyte. A second fluid was circulated through a copper 

 tube heat exchanger immersed in the cell electrolyte and through external 

 cooling coils. In this manner the electrolyte could be maintained at a 

 constant temperature. Temperature change and flow rate of the second 

 fluid were used to determine power output. An additional method was 

 provided for adding controlled amounts of fresh seawater the reaction 

 chamber. 



Dual-Plate Cell 



The dual-plate cell consists of separate anode and cathode plates 

 arranged as shown in Figure 5. Over 70 tests were run in the Dewar to 

 determine the effect of the various parameters on cell performance. The 

 major objectives were to determine the effects of electrode gap and 

 electrolyte temperature on reaction rate and reaction efficiency.* The 

 initial gap, which was set prior to the start of each test, ranged from 

 0.060 (0.15 cm) to 0.200 (0.5 cm) inch. At each spacing the temperature 

 was allowed to rise 60 F (30 C) . Starting temperatures varied from 30 F 

 (-1°C) to 150°F (65°C) in 20°F (11°C) increments. 



Reaction efficiency: ratio of actual energy output 

 to theoretical energy output. 



