SWCG + NO FLOW = KABOOM?!!!

[CRUSH-IT!]

I have seen repeatedly on this site that explosions can rarely occur with an electrolytic cell running without water flowing. Is this purely a bottled up pressure phenomenon or is this combustion? The cell doesn't evolve hydrogen by electrolysis at all does it? I don't think of Chlorine a flammable.

Love to hear your thoughts.

 

[mknauss]

A SWCG creates hydrogen and chlorine gas. The chlorine gas readily goes into the water, the hydrogen gas goes out the return. If water is not running, they both build up. And an explosion can occur.

 

[Jimrahbe]

it,

We have seen several examples of this from threads on this site.

Jim R.

 

[Bperry]

It uses electrolysis to break the salt into chlorine and hydrogen.

 

[ajw22]

The SWG breaks down water H2O the same time it breaks down sodium chloride. The hydrogen in the water is released as gas and that is what is flammable.

Explosion near the SWG

We were watching TV and heard a major explosion after exploring in the backyard I went into my pool equipment should and found about a 16 in PVC pipe shredded 8in on one side 8in on the other side of where my SWG Is located. I have no Idea what to think. It appears the SWG somehow was not...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Mixtures of hydrogen and chlorine gas are MOST DEFINITELY explosive. When there is no flow both gasses are evolved and build up. Hydrogen/Chlorine mixtures have very low detonation thresholds… just about anything can ignite a mixture including UV light. The explosive force is strong enough to shatter any PVC it is housed in.

The only safe way to use an SWG is to ensure that it is powered up only when the pump is running and water is flowing.

 

[CRUSH-IT!]

Thank-you for your insights. I did not realize that electrolysis of water would occur.