Method and apparatus for controlled production of a gas
An apparatus is provided to generate a gas by mixing chemicals with water. Typically, the production of gas, particularly oxygen, by combining water with powders and other dry chemicals has not been widely employed. There have existed a number of preexisting barriers such as undesirable flow rates and yields. However, by utilizing multiple reaction chambers the flow rates and yields can be more precisely tailored for a variety of situations that may call for particular flow rates and yields. Additionally, the use of the dry chemicals would allow for a long self-life allowing the apparatus to be particularly useful in emergency situations.
1 . A reaction chamber for containing a gas producing reaction from a plurality of initially separated chemicals, comprising:
a first chamber for containing at least one separated chemical of the plurality of separated chemicals and for containing the gas producing reaction when the plurality of separated chemicals are mixed; and
a screen that separates at least one separated chemical from the remaining separated chemicals of the plurality of separated chemicals, wherein the screen is at least configured to provide fluid transmission for the gas that is generated.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a lid having a neck that is connectable to a gas transmission channel for the gas that is generated.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a pressure relief device that will release at least some of the gas that is generated if a pressure within the reaction chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a foam breaker through which at least a portion of gas that is generated passes.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the foam breaker further comprises polytetrafluoroethylene or NYLON.
6 . An apparatus for generating gas from a plurality of initially separated chemicals, comprising:
a plurality of reaction chambers, each further containing a pouch having at least one pressure-frangible seal, such that force applied to the pouch causes the pressure-frangible seal to rupture, thus permitting the plurality of initially separated chemicals to mix.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the force is fluid pressure applied to the inside of the pouch.
8 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the at least one pressure-frangible seal is disposed to evert inside-out to permit mixing of the initially separated chemicals.
9 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the force is applied externally to the pouch, causing the at least one pressure-frangible seal to rupture.
10 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the at least one pressure-seal in each of the pouches is a peel-away type, internal to its pouch.
11 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the pouch includes internal compartments respectively containing initially separated catalyst and oxygen rich powder.
12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the pouch further includes an internal compartment containing water.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a compartment initially containing air.
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a screen and a foam breaker through which generated gas will pass.
15 . An apparatus for generating gas, comprising:
a plurality of initially separated gas generating chemicals;
a reaction chamber containing a set of the plurality of gas generating chemicals; and
a puncturing member, wherein the puncturing member is inserted into the reaction chamber.
16 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the puncturing member has a gas transmission channel for carrying away the gas generated.
17 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a female coupling member coupled to the puncturing member; and
a male coupling member coupled to the reaction chamber, the male coupling member being adapted to sealably receive the female coupling member.
18 . The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the male coupling member further comprises a platinum-cured silicone O-ring to provide a seal.
19 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the reaction chamber is treated with a defoaming agent.
20 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a temperature adjustment device to cool the gas as the gas exits.
21 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the temperature adjustment device further comprises a bubbler wherein the gas that exits is bubbled through a liquid.
22 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the bubbler bubbles the gas through water.
23 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the cooler further comprises a heat exchanger.
24 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of separated chemicals comprise water, an oxygen rich powder, and a catalyst.
25 . The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the gas that is generated is oxygen.