Method for producing energy using an alkali metal

• US 8,460,412 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2011
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bruce Mcgill
• Original Assignee: Bruce Mcgill
• Inventors: McGill, Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): MERKLING, MATTHEW J
• Application Number:
  US13/159,319
• Publication Number:
  US 20110241357A1
• Time in Patent Office: 729 Days
• Field of Search: 48 61-214 A, 423644-658, 429/416, 429/421
• US Class Current: 48/197.R
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00103 in a heat exchanger separate from the reactor
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 4/001 Feed or outlet devices as such, e.g. feeding tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 4/004 Sparger-type elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 7/02 by wet methods
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/066 with fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/08 with metals
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/10 by reaction of water vapour with metals
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0606 with means for production of gaseous reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/065 by dissolution of metals or alloys; by dehydriding metallic substances
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/36 Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells

Abstract

A method is disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.

Claims

1. A method of producing energy, the method comprising:

retaining water in a reaction chamber at a level sufficient to react an alkali metal with water;

heating the alkali metal to a temperature above a melting point of the alkali metal, wherein the alkali metal is converted to a liquid form;

separating the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets separated at a distance selected to avoid re-association of the alkali metal droplets;

controlling the size of the alkali metal droplets such that the alkali metal droplets completely react with the water before the alkali metal droplets reach a surface of the water; and

conveying the alkali metal to the reaction chamber at a rate selected to control the reaction of the alkali metal with the water.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising reacting the alkali metal with the water to produce an alkali metal hydroxide, hydrogen gas and heat.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising utilizing the produced hydrogen gas in a fuel cell.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising combusting the produced hydrogen gas.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising turning a generator with the produced heat, the generator producing an electrical current.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising recycling the alkali metal from the alkaline hydroxide by electrolysis to produce an alkali metal and water.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid alkali metal is separated by forcing the liquid alkali metal through a filter.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid alkali metal is separated by forcing the liquid alkali metal through a capillary tube.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising recycling the alkali metal from the alkaline hydroxide by electrolysis to produce an alkali metal and water.