Does anyone use a Rectifier as power source for Electrolysis?

[Tina Marie Rudolics]

Just curious if anyone uses a Rectifier vs 12v batter charger.  I don't have any other info (my electrical knowledge in general is extremely - minimal at best!) but this is what Will (my other half) is looking into using, since he has one.  He is doing some reading up on it since he hasn't used it in a while (used to do some plating).....but said he thinks he might be able to better monitor voltage and fine tune/adjust if needed.   

Thoughts?  Experience? 
Thanks!!
Tina

[Jim Fuchs]

 That's a good question Tina. All battery chargers use a rectifier. It converts AC (alternating current that reverses direction) to DC (direct current that only flows in one direction). They usually use a capacitor to smooth out the current. Our concern in cleaning is the Amp draw (how much "work" it's doing), so we don't monitor "voltage", but rather the amps.) Just thinking out loud here...could have/build a rectifier (ie: center tap transformer, throw in some diodes, capacitor to regulate current, etc.)...or...get a manual battery charger ...with an amp gauge, to monitor the "work" it's doing. Although there are several ways to accomplish this, IMO, the best way is to get a manual battery charger & be done with it. :)  FWIW  I use a Schumacher 225 amp manual charger, and run it at 20 amps usually.

[Tina Marie Rudolics]

Thanks for your input Jim.  Truly appreciated!  I will follow up with this when I have more info.   I would like to "be done with it" too, but Mr. Science project wants to experiment, lol......

[Robert Hynes]

Rectifiers are not a power source, it's a means to convert AC into DC. Car alternators are a great example of it's use.

Any 12 V source capable of relatively high amperage will suffice for electrolysis.

[Tina Marie Rudolics]

Hmm , well clearly this proves my - minimal knowledge. I will ask him again what is is attempting to do and get clear explanation!  Thanks for putting up with these questions, especially when they don't make a lot of sense  :o

[Jeff Friend]

I think nearly everyone uses a battery charger.  You need a big transformer, big diodes (rectifier), and probably a heat sink with a fan.  Keep in mind you may be pushing 50 amps.  Or more.  That is a lot of coulombs per second!  I don't think the center-tapped transformer power supplies used in a lot of automotive battery chargers use a capacitor.  The intended use is for charging batteries and I suppose batteries don't care that the voltage waveform is not smoothed out.  In fact, the voltage goes from 0 to 12+ volts two times per cycle. 

Lots of info on the web on this subject.

Good luck.

[Tina Marie Rudolics]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input.   Did you know you cannot purchase manual battery chargers in California?  California Energy Commission amended its Appliance Efficiency Regulations to include efficiency standards, certification and marking requirements for large and small battery charger systems. The standards affect products manufactured on or after February 1, 2013.    Will (the other half) owns a hardware store and can't order them due to this restriction.   I guess I'll have to pick up a new one once our poops out next time I go out of state :)  lol....

This is a link to the rectifier he has.  http://dalmarplating.com/platingmachines.htm   It's the 50 amp unit.   I'm not necessarily going to use this, but the hubby is playing with reverse polarity at the shop,  he has a fine tuner and has been able to go as low as 1 amp.  This stuff just confuses me.  He and his brother can mess with his science project all day at work if he wants.   I just want nice clean CI.   I am not trying to sound stupid, but really my brain is too tired to even want to comprehend this stuff after working 10 hours a day, with engineers no less, who are constantly talking technical..........electrical, microwave and mechanical, lol,........Plus, our old battery charger is doing the trick for me right now  ::)     Thanks again!
Tina

[Cheryl Watson]

Yeah.. Schumacher makes different models for California...

but HEY, you got friends now in other states... LOL

My daughter is down in Carlsbad, so I order it, and ship it there!  LOL

[Valerie Johnson]

A battery charger is just a transformer that usually steps voltage down usually from 120 voltsAC down to 12-15 then converts alternating current to direct current, If you can build one that's great but if you have to go out and buy the parts to build it as opposed to just buying a battery charger then it is probably easier,less costly and more dependable than something that you can put together to just buy a battery charger, I see them all the time at flea markets and yard sales and even if you have to go out and buy a new one they are not too expensive and they are always good for charging batteries :D

[Jeff Friend]

I'm not necessarily going to use this, but the hubby is playing with reverse polarity at the shop

If by reverse polarity, you mean that the piece you will be cleaning will be the anode (connected to the + lead), you will be making a mistake.  Oxidation occurs at the anode and is what happens when electrons are removed from the iron.  Reversing the polarity will ruin a piece very quickly.