HHO refers to the mixture of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O) gases, a byproduct of water (H2O) separation. It’s known by many names, including Brown’s Gas, Oxyhydrogen Gas, and Hydroxy Gas, but can also simply be referred to as hydrogen. This is because in this atomic structure, the atoms of hydrogen and oxygen are not bonded. HHO is colorless, odorless, and lighter than air. Extracting hydrogen from water is seen as a possible long-term, renewable, recyclable, and non-polluting energy source.

Is HHO Safe?

HHO safety is characterized by its low risks of asphyxiation and fire hazards due to its high diffusivity – the rate at which a molecule disperses into the air. HHO quickly bonds with other gases, reducing its reactive state, and making it a non-pollutant.

Even in confined spaces, a small hydrogen leak poses little risk of asphyxiation, and the risk is almost negligible in unconfined spaces. This is significantly safer than gasoline, propane, and diesel leaks which present higher risks due to their toxicity.

Hydrogen’s quick dispersal also minimizes the fire hazard. A slight ambient wind, vehicle motion, or radiator fan can disperse leaked hydrogen rapidly, reducing the associated fire hazard. On the other hand, gasoline fumes spread laterally and diffuse slowly, resulting in a lingering fire hazard or risk of explosion.

HHO’s Properties

HHO possesses a range of properties that make it a favorable alternative over hydrocarbon fuels.

1. Flammability: HHO’s flammability range, between 4% and 75%, is broader than that of gasoline (1.4% and 7.6%) or diesel (0.7% and 5%), implying it can be used at a wide range of fuel-air mixtures.
2. Autoignition Temperature: The temperature at which HHO spontaneously ignites is higher than diesel or unleaded gas, allowing for higher compression ratios in the engine and leading to higher thermal efficiency.
3. Flame Temperature: Despite its high autoignition temperature, hydrogen burns at a lower temperature than hydrocarbons.
4. Flame Speed: Hydrogen’s flame speed is faster than gasoline and Diesel, allowing for additional burn time and contributing to complete combustion in engines.
5. Net Heating Value: When stored as water, HHO has a high energy density, but low volume. This makes it ideal for applications where weight is a concern but volume is not, such as space travel.
6. Air-Fuel Ratio: The ideal air-fuel ratio for complete combustion of hydrogen is higher than that of gasoline or diesel, enhancing engine economics and emissions.

Overall, the Knox systems leverage the unique properties of HHO to offer an energy source with high energy density, broad flammability, safety, molecular form, and environmental friendliness. While HHO may not serve as a sole fuel source for internal combustion engines, it acts as an excellent supplement for petrol and diesel-based engines.