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Ian, While it
is true that chlorine gas will be generated by electrolysis across the
electrodes, this is only a small quantity as compared to when the seawater
mixes directly with the acid inside of the batteries. It is this second
reaction that we are mainly concerned about. There is a very large quantity of
chlorine formed; you would be amazed at the quantity. As an
example, we recently had a weak bleach solution accidently mix with a sulfuric
acid solution that was much weaker than battery acid. There was sufficient chlorine
gas generated to require clearing the building, the smell was still evident 50
feet outside of the building. Respirators were required to rectify the matter
and the chlorine gas reacted with most bare metal surfaces causing
corrosion/tarnishing. No electrodes were present in this configuration. Historical
submarine accidents have had occupants killed by the chlorine gas generated by
flooding, this was a direct acid/seawater interaction. R/Jay -----Original Message----- Hi, the chlorine gas is a product of the electrolysis of sea
water, the battery does not need to be exposed to sea water, only
the electrodes. Running a current between to relatively close electrodes
immersed in sea water will produce hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, chlorine gas
and coustic soda which form as percipitant in the solution. Cheers, Ian. |