Abstract: An electric arc plasma steam generator includes a pair of electrodes for generating the arc plasma, and a housing for enclosing the arc plasma. Jets of water are directed into the arc plasma to convert the water into steam and to ionize the hydrogen and oxygen components of the steam. Arrangements including coils and water jackets are provided for circulating water in proximity to the arc plasma and for super-heating the water contained in the water jacket and/or the coils, which are preferably mounted within the housing. An expansion chamber is connected to receive both the super-heated water, and also the superheated steam from the arc plasma, as the hydrogen and oxygen recombine to form steam once again.

Abstract: A gas separator system for separating gases of substantially different molecular weights, such as oxygen and carbon monoxide, includes a series of concentrically nested coils, with the output of each coil being connected to the input of the next coil. Gas is directed through the coils at high velocity to cause laminar flow in the tubes of the coils, with the heavier gas flowing through the tubing adjacent the outer periphery of each coil of tubing, as a result of centrifugal force, and the lighter gas being forced to flow near the inner surface of the tubing of each coil. Starting one or two turns from the input to each coil, after laminar flow is established, small openings are provided at the outer periphery, or preferably at the inner surfaces of the tubing making up the coils, whereby one of the gases selectively flows out of the coils of tubing into an enclosing housing.

Abstract: Waste heat which would otherwise be lost up a stack or chimney may be employed to generate hydrogen or hydrogen peroxide through the use of special equipment including a heat exchange structure associated with the stack or chimney. Through one heat exchange structure, water is formed into steam. Then, in one or more additional heat exchangers, the steam is converted into hydrogen gas and/or hydrogen peroxide. The active material in the additional heat exchanger arrangements may include both (1) a metal oxide, such as manganese oxide, which successively sequesters oxygen from water vapor, and then as the pressure is reduced in later portion of the cycle, releases the captured oxygen; and may also or alternatively include (2) host and sensitizer material for shifting the output radiation into one of the absorption bands for water vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for accomplishing photochemical reactions includes a series of reaction chambers and a heat exchanger. When the apparatus is employed for the production of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide from water or water vapor, cold water is initially passed through the heat exchanger to cool the output gases; and then the water is further heated and turned to steam, prior to supplying it to the reaction chambers. The elongated photochemical reaction chambers are connected in series, with the water vapor being coupled to pass successively up one elongated reaction chamber, down the next and so forth. Each reaction chamber is provided with a central gas discharge device for producing characteristic output radiation at various lower frequencies.

Abstract: In addition to the apparatus disclosed in the prior patent applications of which this application is a continuation-in-part, a reaction chamber is provided with mercury vapor quartz discharge lamps. In close proximity to the lamps are spheres, or thin continuous wires, or filaments or other physical configurations of laser-type material which produce relatively coherentradiation in a manner similar to lasers. The spheres or filaments include concentric partially reflective surfaces, and include an active material which is pumped by the efficient spectral radiation of the mercury vapor, and radiates at a frequency or frequencies matched to the absorption characteristics of the feedstock being fed through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for exothermically obtaining hydrogen or hydrogen peroxide from water vapor in a reaction chamber. The separation of the hydrogen and oxygen may be accelerated through the use of a combination host and sensitizer material which is present near spaces or voids within the reaction chamber. The water vapor has certain particular absorption bands in its absorption versus frequency characteristic. Each of the sensitizers which are located adjacent the voids in the reactant, in one embodiment forming part of the walls of small cylindrical tubes, has an energy output in the excited state which is precisely in one of the energy absorption bands in the water vapor characteristic. The host material absorbs heat energy and excites the sensitizer material. In addition to the formation of free hydrogen, some hydrogen peroxide is also formed. Other feedstocks may have energy selectively applied to them.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for exothermically obtaining hydrogen or hydrogen peroxide from water vapor. The apparatus includes a mass of reactant which is heated to a high temperature at which it can combine with the oxygen in water vapor exothermically. The separation of the hydrogen and oxygen is accelerated through the use of a combination host and sensitizer material which is present near spaces or voids included in the reactant. The reactant is heated to an elevated temperature such as 1000.degree. K and steam under several atmospheres pressure is applied to the reactant and enters the spaces included in the reactant. The water vapor has certain particular absorption bands in its absorption versus frequency characteristic. Each of the sensitizers which are located adjacent the voids in the reactant, in one embodiment forming part of the walls of small cylindrical tubes, has an energy output in the excited state which is precisely in one of the energy absorption bands in the water vapor characteristic.