Production of hydrogen by radiolysis
AssigneeTexas Gas Transmission Corporation
InventorsHenry J. Gomberg, Robert J. Teitel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Water is decomposed into its components (hydrogen and oxygen) by direct radiation from a nuclear reactor. The addition of soluble boron compounds or boron-containing particles to a mist, vapor, steam or spray of water converts the neutrons derived from nuclear fusion reactions into highly ionizing radiation; thus increasing the effectiveness of decomposition and hydrogen gas yield.
Claims13
A process for producing hydrogen by exposure of a water medium to neutrons which comprises:
- 1. providing a water medium for exposure to neutron radiation,
- 2. incorporating in said water medium an additive having a nuclei which, upon absorption of a neutron, will disintegrate releasing energy,
- 3. exposing said medium and incorporated additive to neutron radiation, and
- 4. separating hydrogen gas from said exposed materials.
A process for producing hydrogen by exposure of a water medium to neutrons which comprises:
- 1. providing a water medium for exposure to neutron radiation, 2. incorporating in said water medium an additive having a nuclei which, upon absorption of a neutron, will disintegrate releasing energy and leaving non-radioactive products,
- 3. exposing said medium and incorporated additive to neutron radiation, and
- 4. separating hydrogen gas from said exposed materials.
A process for producing hydrogen by exposure of a water medium to neutrons which comprises:
- 1. providing a water medium for exposure to neutron radiation,
- 2. incorporating an additive selected from boron, lithium and compounds thereof in said water medium,
- 3. exposing said medium and incorporated additive to neutron radiation, and
- 4. separating hydrogen gas from said exposed materials.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.