Utilization of Aluminum Alloy Anodes for an Electrochemical Heater.
Abstract
A magnesium/manganese dioxide cell has been developed for direct heating of field rations under short-circuit conditions. Although fast and convenient, the cell has the disadvantage of producing considerable hydrogen gas during its operation, thereby presenting a potential explosion hazard. This report deals with an electrochemical analysis of the hydrogen evolution problem in the magnesium/manganese dioxide heater cell and with the exploration of aluminum alloys as low-gassing substitutes for magnesium in such a cell. The results reveal that, in the early period of discharge of a magnesium cell, most of the hydrogen is produced at the anode. Gas production becomes more significant at the cathode during the latter period of cell discharge. The use of an aluminum alloy anode of a particular composition greatly reduces the problem of gassing at the anode and completely eliminated gassing at the cathode. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046116
Entities
People
- P. Bramhall
- S. Gilman
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command