ECAT Testing Using A Single Heater (non differential)

[ion]

Here is a simpler method for those wanting to get started in ECAT type testing. A single heater is used, but a curve of input power vs. temperature should first be generated to "characterize" the heater and it's losses to the ambient air with a reference samples. Insulation may be used on the heater for greater efficiency and sensitivity (signal to noise).

Requirements are a Kill-A-Watt meter or equivalent on the input and a temperature meter capable of 1000 C or greater. A Variac would be helpful but an ordinary light dimmer can also control the input heating rate manually over a certain range.

The attachment shows a temperature controller maintaining the target temperature. Very inexpensive temperature controllers including K thermocouple probe and solid state relay can be had for around $20 USD on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-max-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Probe-/321517884746?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4adbf5954a

Ohmite B20 series resistors can be used as a heater if you lack Nichrome and Alumina tubes. I use 50 ohms for 120 volt line, size your resistor ohms according to your line voltage.

A Mastech dual temperature meter with USB data logging feature can also be purchased for $60 USD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Channel-USB-Digital-Thermometer-Thermocouple-K-J-T-E-R-S-N-MASTECH-MS6514-/141496068612?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f1d2aa04

This device comes with two "K" thermocouple probes included.

The whole project can be done for $50 to $100 USD, ($100 including powders)

Attached is a graph of expected temperature vs. power input for a heater in free air (no insulation and only Nickel powder for reference). You should generate your own characterization based on your specific heater. This chart was made in 25 Watt increments.

Why aren't more people doing these experiments?

Cautionary Note:
Here is presented information on a low cost high temperature tube furnace to be used by professionals on a budget that wish to get started in this field.
The methods involve high temperatures and should be used with care and not by persons inexperienced in the use of such devices.

[Grumage]

Dear ION.

I assumed the temperatures were around 1000 Deg C ?  I fail to see how the controller you mentioned would be of any use, rated at 400 Deg C. Or do you have a method of " Jury rigging "  the device.   

Cheers Graham.

[ion]

Dear ION.

I assumed the temperatures were around 1000 Deg C ?  I fail to see how the controller you mentioned would be of any use, rated at 400 Deg C. Or do you have a method of " Jury rigging "  the device.  

Cheers Graham.

I'll have to check, they change models every now and then, the one I bought goes to 1372C.

Ok Checked...The unit is a REX C100 and does indeed go to 1372 C, it has just been programmed to limit at 400 C as seen on the label. This is easily changed in the menu items as this is a universal model. This device handles many thermocouple types and temperature ranges. Here are manuals and video links for the unit they sell:

https://www.mpja.com/download/rex-c100.pdf

www.rkcinst.co.jp/english/pdf_manual/imnzc22e1.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m5rJE0t-uA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8-ERywkY7o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dxucWweZno

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpRbrPdKYPk

Many differing pdf manuals are available for the unit, including some youtube videos for setup.  This is one of many types of similar devices I used to design in my employed days. I might add that devices like this used to sell for several hundred dollars. Now you can get the whole deal with ssr for less than the cost of the probe. A fantastic bargain.

[ion]

Todays test stand lashup consisted of the $18 REX C100 temperature controller driving a 150 Ohm ten watt resistor directly switching mains power to the resistor from the internal mechanical relay.

While the 150 Ohm ten watt resistor was adequate for these tests, in actuality a 20 Watt Ohmite would be used.

The "K" thermocouple was placed into the resistor hole.

Companion to the test is the Intertek power meter registering all necessary power parameters, including elapsed time and elapsed kWHr.

At 120 Volts line, this setup used about 103 Watts, about 1 Watt for the controller.

Nice thing about the Intertek is that it has high resolution of elapsed kWHr (to 1 WHr) as well as better resolution of other parameters over the P3 International Kill-A Watt meter.

With the 150 Ohm resistor, a bit over 900 C is possible, I was able to get to 1000 C. Probably 100 Ohms would be good for well over 1000 C (220 volt users, size the resistor appropriately). With a bit of insulation even better power to temperature ratio can be had. This test as shown was with the resistor uninsulated in free air.

With this small 10 Watt resistor, about one inch of the center portion glows evenly orange, outside and inside, suitable for a small test sample.

So for under $50 here is a test setup that will give reasonably accurate data for LENR ECAT type temperature testing.

With a setup such as this, you will be able to get a good comparison of a sample run against a control run.

I still need to derive the the best PID (proportional, integral, and differential) settings for optimum control with this particular heating rate.

A low cost  $35 Thermocouple to USB converter can be added for computer logging, charting if desired, otherwise a lab book and pencil will suffice. You could also run the thermocouple signal to a paper strip chart recorder if one is available.

I'll leave it to others to search for a suitable low cost particle detection monitor to complete the "poor man's ECAT test"

Note: Real time, quantitative power generated by the active exothermic sample can be derived by noting the cutback wattage value as compared to the reference run wattage vaue for a given target temperature.