Silver Generation with ULVDC
As you may know, I have been working on high-voltage cs generators
using series resistors to stabilize the current:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/add.automation/misc/130vdc.htm
However, all my efforts still result in the colloidal silver turning
gold and plating out on the sides of the glass. Here is a new method
that might be called Ultra Low Voltage DC, or ULVDC.
Two recent posts by "Ole Bob" and Jim inspired me to try a different
approach. They both run at very low current density, and both report
good results:
0.315 mA/sq.in. http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/m58740.html
0.141 mA/sq.in. http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/m58742.html
I normally run at 1.4mA for 1 hr or so. A simple change to the
series resistor value reduced the current to 155uA.
The anode is two 12 ga rods with 3.85" wetted length. The current
density at 155uA is
D = I / A
= 155e-6 / (0.25 * 3.85 * 2)
= 8.0519481E-5
= 80 uA/sq. in.
I then let it run for ten hours, using a 2 1/2 watt thermal stirrer
for the first run.
Theoretically, running ten hours should release the same number of
silver ions as before, but I was amazed at the result.
At the normal 1.4mA level, both rods are coated with a film of black
silver oxide. I try to wipe it off with a tissue, but some always
remains. Without stirring, there is also a black smudge under the
anode rods, and a small amount of black whisker at the ends of the
rods where the cut makes a sharp edge.
However, after running ten hours at low current, I was surprised to
find the anode coated with black material like before, but this was
more like a hard coating instead of a liquid film. It broke off in
chunks. There was no smudge under the rods and no black whiskers.
Even more surprising, the cathode was completely clean.
Not only was there no black film, but the previous coating was
removed down to the bare silver.
As far as I can determine, the current theory suggests there is
little or no action involving silver ions at the cathode, so this
came as a complete surprise.
For the next run, I reversed the anode and cathode and eliminated
the thermal stirring.
Using a Hewlett-Packard 3456A 6 1/2 digit dvm, the initial voltage
across the electrodes measured 2.01V. (This instrument is a
lab-quality reference, so the voltage readings can be trusted.)
The initial resistance is
R = E / I
= 2.01 / 155e-6
= 12967.742 ohms
However, the previous 1.4 mA current had an initial resistance of
23k. This shows the initial resistance is not linear with current,
but this is not too surprising.
Observing the process, after 75 minutes the voltage across the
electrodes is 1.239V. This is a substantial drop and shows silver
ions are entering the solution. The anode is completely clean at
this point.
More surprising, the previous black film on the cathode is
disappearing. The rods are now completely clean from midway down to
the bottom. I will let the run continue, and report the results
tomorrow.
This new process may lead to interesting results. It may not be
necessary to run at high current, with all the problems of
regulators such as 7805, LM117/LM317, LM334, or CLD's. A simple 9v
battery may be all that is needed.
It would take too long to make 5 litre batches, but you could easily
make 8 oz overnight, and it would be ready to drink in the morning.
This would help on long trips where you may not be able to make
large amounts or carry it easily.
If you would like to try this method, here are some suggestions:
1. Calculate the area of your rods. For help, see
http://www3.sympatico.ca/add.automation/misc/130vdc.htm
2. Calculate the current needed for a current density of 100uA. The
following is a calculation for 1.5 sq. in. rods:
D = I / A
I = D * A
= 1e-4 * 1.5
= 1.5e-4 Amp
= 0.15 mA
3. Measure the voltage of your generator. For 3 nines, use 27V.
4. Calculate the series resistor needed, allowing 1V for the voltage
drop across the solution. Here is a calculation for a 9V battery:
R = E / I
= (9 - 1) / 1.5e-4
= 53333.333 ohms
A 51k or 47k resistor would work fine.
Place the resistor in series with one of the rods, fill the glass
with dw, and record the start time. Wait ten or twelve hours, and
test the result.
This method is obviously unsuited for high volume production, but it
may be of interest to those who travel, or who use small amounts of
silver each day. I will test the results using my standard
bioactivity observations, and report the results as they appear.
Best Regards,
Mike Monett
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