DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

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russssellcrow
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DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by russssellcrow »

DallasMakerSpace is a 501(c)3 cooperative consortium of Artists, Engineers, and Makers from the N Texas area. The Science Committee of dallasmakerspace.org conceived to build and operate a Farnsworth-Hirsch Fusor. We began in earnest last December, and have acquired many of the parts and technology that we think we need.

We document our progress at https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Fusor
Fusion_Reactor_03152020.jpg
To date 07/05/2020 (end of the Covid-19 lockdown) we have achieved reasonable vacuum down to the end of measurement using an Analog meter Pirani gauge, we figure around 5 microns. We were striking pink plasmas when vacuum wasn't so good, now they are white down below 20 microns.

We've constructed a hydrolyzer for Deuterium, tested it with water, and purchased 99% heavy water. We've designed and programmed dataloggers on ESP32 WiFi micro controllers to operate our Mass Flow Controller and balance the Fusor pressure and Deuterium flow into the chamber, as well as gather data from our Current Shunts, Voltage Probes, Geiger Counter, Scintillator, and Spectrophotometer. We are currently at V5 of the Arduino IDE code, with more iterations to follow.
DMS_Mar1520.jpg
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Rich Feldman
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by Rich Feldman »

Sounds very promising; thanks for sharing.
When someone has a moment to spare, look up the difference between electrolysis (of water) and hydrolysis.
All models are wrong; some models are useful. -- George Box
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russssellcrow
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by russssellcrow »

Good catch, Rich!

Yes, the thing we built is an Electrolyzer, as it is mentioned on the https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Fusor (Science Comm. server). In the post I put on fusor.net, it appears as "hydrolyzer"; I have no explanation...

We 3D printed a framework, then used conventional lab glassware, tubing, stoppers, stainless wool, dryer, water, and a pinch of baking soda. Add about 30Vdc from a variable supply, and it bubbles up more gas at atmospheric pressure than we will ever need to fill our chamber at 10-20 microns.

The reasoning for D2O over a D2 Teacher's canister was price/risk. With a corrosion proof regulator and valving, D2 would cost anything over $200 (which is the no vote appropriation limit for anything to our Committee). For about $165, we got 90ml of 99% pure D2O from Sigma Aldrich, a virtual lifetime supply. If we have a vacuum accident with the Electrolyzer, there is a liquid trap. If one of our techs has a valving accident with a Teacher's canister of D2, we could lose all of our supply.
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Dennis P Brown
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by Dennis P Brown »

Since the deuterium gas must be dried, that part of the gas supply should also protect your vacuum system.

From the photo - it looks as if you have a glass cylinder as the walls of your fusor. That isn't safe nor acceptable for a fusor. As Richard has pointed out that type of fusor can implode when a stray electron beam focus' upon the glass (and it will - then it is a question only of time.) All fusors should be steel or aluminum using a thick (or protected) view port. A glass walled fusor creates a massive danger when the current for a fusor is run. Yes, I see it is in a large metal box. If run properly, when it explodes, that might protect you (except for the open side which I assume will not face anyone) but that will likely also damage/ruin equipment.

I'd strongely suggest you replace that glass cylinder and redesign the fusor body. With that (otherwise) good setup it would likely bite you sooner or later so better to deal with it now before someone is hurt and/or expensive equipment damaged.

Speaking of that metal box, be very careful it is properly grounded so if the high voltage ever shorts to it, everyone remains safe. Star ground and grounding in general is of major concern with a real fusor power supply since they are lethal.

Glad your posting and I look forward to your future work.
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Mark Rowley
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by Mark Rowley »

Russell,
Dennis brings up some very good points.

Please review these two important topics:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9223

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=2674

Mark Rowley
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russssellcrow
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by russssellcrow »

Dennis and Mark,

Thanks for your feedback, more information is always better.

Richard Hull's original observation that we are using a filter vessel to carry out initial experiments is inherently perilous, is very true, but only when Star Mode is actualized. Our initial experiments involved lower voltages (both DC and AC), higher pressures, and no real fusionable gasses. We were seeking to understand the behaviours of plasmas under varying conditions and configurations.

Some of this work has yielded expositive visual results, which we must consider going forward. When we approach fusionable event levels, we plan to switch to different apparatii which can sustain experiments, while still providing the safety level which our fellow Makers demand. You wouldn't believe the attention we've garnered from adherents and detractors so far. This is truly "rule by committee".

Nonetheless, we are undaunted. Perhaps we can provide some tiny milestone or grand realization, the future is unwritten.
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Dennis P Brown
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Re: DallasMakerSpace Fusion Project

Post by Dennis P Brown »

Not trying to either discourage you or join the detractors; rather, just want to aid you in order that your group too can succeed like many here have already done. That is the main goal at this forum - to aid those that desire to achieve fusion or build a demo-fusor. Milestones are useful stepping stones so the plasma club is a good first step to achieve.

Safety is critical and essential so we tend to emphasize this item over most other aspects of the process. But getting a system started and under vacuum and then create a plasma using very low current/power supply can certainly be done using a glass cylinder chamber. Just keep it carefully shielded in case the worse should happen.
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