A hydrogen water torch is actually a sophisticated version of a blow torch

For example, refractory metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum and rhenium can be welded, where a normal acetylene torch is ineffective. Along with special metals, small items like jewelry, medical and dental tools and hobby items can be worked. Now consider this, a good commercial system starts at around $1,000.

For instance, a water torch can be incorporated in an arc-atom welding system, where the average flame temperature climbs far beyond that of a normal arc welder.

The Atomic Process
The atomic welding process amplifies the white heat generated when a stream of hydrogen gas is passed through an electric arc, usually produced by tungsten electrodes. The extreme calefaction of the arc splits the hydrogen molecules apart raising their temperatures, being super heated to 4,000°C. The atomic particles are thus directed to the material in the weld zone. Now that’s hot!

As the hydrogen molecules leave the influence of the arc and begin striking the cooler surface; they recombine to hydrogen, liberating the heat previously absorbed, thus fusing the materials together. The recombined gas burns as usual. This ultra high temperature gaseous environment is especially well suited for welding refractory metals such as tungsten, like I said – hot.

However, you may not be into atomic gas welding, but you can make a simple water torch, I’ll explain. After all, you can use an extremely handy little torch – can’t you?

So why call it a Water Torch?
Wellll, if ordinary tap water – yap, that’s right, tap water, was your fuel source, wouldn’t you call it – well you know. And by the way, you can make hydrogen gas very easily; all you’ll ever need. For example Here’s a DIY’er that said he had a Martha Stewart moment. Take a look at what he came up with.

Interested, okay, here’s three ways you can go. If you have an old 6 volt lantern battery lying around, one that’s on its last legs, tear the thing apart and remove the carbon rods in the cells. Be sure to thoroughly clean them with sandpaper before you use them.

Another way is to make two small metal strips (aluminum foil will do). Fold the foil over, kinda like origami with the bare wires inside the folds. Secure with a paper clip. If you’re using the carbon rods simply wrap the bare wires around the rods, twisting the ends to secure. The third way is to use ordinary pencil lead (carbon). Open two number 2B pencils and remove the leads.

In either case, scrounge up a two-wire snap on nine-volt battery connector. You can probable find one on an old toy. Be sure to strip the insulation off to bare enough wire. Now place about two cups of water with a teaspoon of salt in a container. Place the carbon rods, foil or pencil lead in the water, as close to each other as possible with touching. Now snap the connector on the battery and watch for the tiny bubbles to begin to appear.

Hydrogen bubbles will always be on negative side, and Oxygen bubbles on the positive side. There you have it, a miniature hydrogen generator. However, you must capture the gases before you can use them.

After you’ve bubble tested your generator in the container; position a length of clear neoprene tubing (the kind hospitals use for iv’s) just inside the container but not in the water, then seal the opening with something like clear plastic wrap. Now when you hook up the battery, a highly flammable gas will begin flowing through the tubing. Okay, now it's time to build the actual torch.

A Miniature Water Torch
If you have one, a basket ball filler needle will do nicely. Oh yes, cut off the tip. Or, about two inches of small diameter brass tubing from a ball point pen will also work. This will be the torch tip.

IMPORTANT, stuff a wad of steel wool into the end of the neoprene tubing as tightly as you can. Then stuff your torch tip in behind it. The filler needle will be a tight fit, but you may have to seal the brass tubing with something like bathtub calk.

The uninformed fear hydrogen/oxygen gas, believing it to be unstable and dangerous; this is simply not true. Water torch gas is generated and maintained at low pressures and delivered on demand the same way. It goes without saying, normal precautionary steps must be observed when using any kind of gas welding. All in all, hydrogen welding is a safe desirable and economical to use.

In fact; as a fuel, hydrogen is considered safe for such uses because of its very nature. It has a built in safety feature; that of being the lightest element. Being so, it immediately rises and is thus quickly dispersed in the surrounding air.

Okay, now you have a water torch, go weld something and remember, be safe.

HHO is getting a lot of attention as an alternative fuel. So what else can it do?

BBQ with hydrogen - they say its the Cadillac of barbecues

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