The usual, they're cheap. They use the water itself as the heating element, so there is no resistance element to burn out. And, if they run dry, they shut off, because when the water disappears, so does the path for the current. A clever idea, but the early implementations weren't too safe.
What about the byproducts of electrolysis such as hydrogen and oxygen? Could they build up to an explosive level in a confined space? What about the yucky byproducts of the electrodes oxidizing? Do you get to breath that stuff too?
w_tom wrote:
-------- Not quite like the one that I used to have. Mine had a plastic pot and the top provided a directional vent. All exterior parts were plastic. Electrodes were two 1/2 inch wide flat aluminum bars about 3-4 inches long. Overall exterior size about 10 inches diameter and about the same height. Tap water was used. A pinch of salt speeded things up considerably but wasn't needed.
--------- The amount of electrolysis was likely negligable- no explosion hazard. After all the idea was to heat the water, not do electrolysis. Remember the supply was AC and recombination would occur as quickly as any electrolysis. As for oxides- with Aluminum electrodes there would be an oxide coating on the aluminum but not free aluminum oxide in the steam. Not a problem. Efficiency would degrade slightly but mineral deposits on the electrodes would have a greater effect, requiring an occasional vinegar treatment.
There were of course many brands and models; I just chose those 2 because I remembered that brand name. Mine was (actually, still is) the same brand, but larger, it has a green glass bowl about 16 inches in diameter and about
8 inches high. The mechanism was like the ones in the ebay listing; a phenolic cylinder about 8 inches high and 2 inches in diameter concealed the electrodes, but let water flow in through a few small holes in the bottom. Power was connected through an old electric iron style plug that went straight into the top. The only part that really got hot was the exposed part of the phenolic through which the steam escaped. The bulk of the water didn't heat up much at all.Where I grew up, in the wrong end of upstate New York, everybody with little kids had one of these things, as every little kid was sick with flu or such
2-3 times every winter. These were used more as sick room vaporizers than humidifiers, but of course the function is exactly the same. They actually worked very well.Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
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