How HHO Contributes To Complete Combustion

The significant benefits attributed to Hydrogen Carbon Cleaning are founded in the effectiveness of hydrogen in combustion. Hydrogen, also known as H, H₂, hydroxy gas, HHO, or Brown’s Gas, has highly combustible characteristics that make it extremely effective for internal combustion engines, both gas and diesel. This article seeks to define the two types of combustion, how the addition of HHO contributes to complete combustion, and the results of its addition to engine performance.

What is Complete Combustion?

Combustion is classified as either complete or incomplete. Complete combustion means that the reaction produces a minimal number of products. For the burning of hydrocarbons, complete combustion occurs when there is only carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as a byproduct. Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas that humans exhale and plants breathe. For internal combustion engines, those two emissions are indicators of complete combustion.

What is Incomplete Combustion?

Incomplete combustion is a reaction where there is only partial burning of a fuel. When incomplete combustion occurs with hydrocarbons, the reaction additionally produces carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon (also known as “soot”). Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and carbon builds up as a solid in engines. Both of which are hazardous.

There are several factors that cause incomplete combustion. The main issue behind each of them is the inaccessibility of oxygen to either the hydrogen or the carbon in the fuel (Greiner, 1997):

Insufficient mixing of oxygen and fuel
Insufficient oxygen supply to the flame
Insufficient time to burn
Cooling of the flame temperature before combustion is complete, and
Hydrocarbon complexity and size

The more carbon atoms in the molecule, the less complete the combustion tends to be (Clark, 2003). Aromatic hydrocarbons are significantly more likely to have incomplete combustion. Those make up 20-30% of gasoline and no more than 14% in diesel fuel (EPA, 2004). They have a sooty flame when burnt indicating a large release of carbon (Core Differences, 2022). “Bigger molecules have greater Van der Waals attractions which makes it more difficult for them to break away from their neighbors and turn into a gas” (Clark, 2003). The more complex and larger the hydrocarbon, the more incomplete the combustion.

Incomplete combustion leads to toxic gas emissions, carbon buildup, “loss in power, [and] possible engine damage” (Ophardt, 2003). It is detrimental to engine performance and toxic to the environment.

HHO’s Contribution to Complete Combustion

The addition of Hydroxy gas (HHO) in the combustion equation contributes significantly to complete combustion, increased fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a cleaner engine because of the advantages created by its chemical properties.

HHO’s flame speed probably offers the greatest contribution to complete combustion. It is between 2.65 m/s and 3.25 m/s while gasoline’s is around 0.5 m/s. That is six times faster than that of gasoline. This has a significant impact in cleaning out carbon.

Research suggests that HHO “clashes” with the fuel and they unite (Yilmaz et al., 2010). The unification of the molecules creates a more homogenous fuel. The more homogenous the fuel, the more combustible the mixture (Yilmaz et al., 2010). HHO becomes the core while the hydrocarbons act as a “shell.” The fuel then burns from the inside outward. This exposes the oxygen to more hydrogen and carbon particles increasing combustion characteristics.

HHO’s flame speed also “crushes and fragments the gasoline droplets” from the exterior of the molecule, exposing the interior of the fuel to oxygen and the combustion reaction (Musmar et al., 2011). The HHO flame front “ignites the crushed fragments thereby releasing more of their energy, more quickly” (Musmar et al., 2011). The “clashing” and “crushing” on the interior and exterior of the hydrocarbon provides greater exposure for the oxygen to react, increasing combustion.

Also, the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (IJHE) says, “The results show that the addition of hydroxy can significantly enlarge the flammable region and extend the flammability limit to lower equivalence ratios” (Yilmaz et al., 2010). Because the flame can travel further in a shorter time, it increases the amount of fuel that is exposed to the combustion reaction. The increased flammability region allows for complete combustion before the temperature cools.

HHO’s flame speed ultimately decreases the ignition delay. The IJHE article amplifies on the additional benefits of HHO’s flame speed by saying, “High laminar flame velocity of hydroxy yields decreased ignition delay and shorter combustion period that provides lower heat losses, much closer to ideal constant-volume combustion which results in increased compression ratio and thermal efficiency.” Hydroxy requires low ignition energy, it is easily ignited and spreads very quickly compared to pure diesel fuel. This creates a stable and lean burn.

Just as the flame speed contributes to complete combustion, so does adding additional hydrogen. Adding HHO increases the Hydrogen to Carbon (H/C) ratio. Increasing the presence of hydrogen lowers the oxidation state of the carbons in the hydrocarbons. That means less activation energy is required to combust and when the reaction occurs, more energy is released. “Thus, the greater the H/C ratio, the more energy released on combustion” (Western Oregon University, n.d.).

An illustration from football can be used to help understand the above points. Imagine that the offensive line is your fuel– hydrocarbons. The defensive line are oxygen molecules that collide with it to make combustion. Now, when you add HHO, you are adding additional defensive players (Hydrogens and Oxygens) on the field and giving them a running start when the ball is snapped. They run faster and there are more of them to break up the offensive line. It is the ultimate blitz. That is the idea of adding HHO to the combustion reaction. It is adding more players and giving them a running start totally annihilating the competition.

Another property of HHO that benefits complete combustion is that it is introduced in a monoatomic state (consisting of one atom). HHO is a hydrogen (H), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atom. It is a water molecule (H₂O) that is broken into single elements. This increases the energy released because no bonds need to be broken (Yilmaz et al., 2010). HHO has three times the energy level (119.93 MJ/kg) of gasoline (43.9 MJ/kg) or diesel fuels (42.5 MJ/kg). “The key difference of HHO gas is the fact that some of the hydrogen and oxygen never go into a diatomic state” (Yilmaz et al., 2010). Therefore, very little energy needs to be applied when introduced into the combustion equation. It is almost exclusively an exothermic reaction. Hence, there is more energy added to the combustion equation assisting in accomplishing complete combustion.

Also, HHO increases the octane rating of lower grade fuels. HHO’s octane rating is over 130. Gasoline’s rating is between 87-93 and diesel fuel is closer to 30. Higher octane means stronger horsepower and increased combustion efficiency (Musmar et al., 2011). Lower octane levels are less efficient because the explosion of gas fumes ignite before top-dead-center (TDC) causing pistons to become out of sequence which causes the “knocking” sound. The addition of HHO to gas or diesel engines causes the combustion to occur much closer to TDC converting more power to the piston without knocking. And because of the additional energy released, the engine becomes more efficient (Musmar et al., 2011).

Hydrogen has several characteristics that make it beneficial as an additive to internal combustion engines that operate on gas and diesel fuels. HHO’s flame speed, increased H/C ratio, introduction in a monoatomic state, and higher-octane rating improves combustibility. That can drive many positive results for consumers and business owners of fleets.

What are the Results from Adding HHO?

Multiple universities around the world have studied the effects of HHO as an additive to gasoline and diesel engines. Each study has been conducted differently in an effort to test various hypotheses. The HHO generators, engine types, and fuel types have been different. The research suggests similar trends with positive results.

One study measured the effects of HHO gas on combustion emissions on a single cylinder, air cooled, Honda G 200 engine (Musmar et al., 2011). It concluded the following:

“Using a blend of HHO gas reduces significantly the presence of carbon monoxide in the exhaust.”
“Adding HHO to gasoline increases the octane rating.”
“HHO cells may be integrated easily with existing engine systems.”
“The combustion efficiency has been enhanced when HHO gas has been introduced to the air/fuel mixture, consequently reducing fuel consumption.” Below is a figure from their research showing the effect of the gas on break efficiency and fuel consumption over engine speed.

The concentration of nitrogen oxide has been reduced to almost 50% on average when HHO is introduced to the system.”
“When HHO is introduced to the system, the average concentration of carbon monoxide has been reduced to almost 20% of the case where air/fuel mixture was used (no HHO).”
“The NOX average concentration has been reduced to about 54% of the case where HHO was not introduced.”

A second study, this one conducted by Madyira and Harding, published in the South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, measured the results of an HHO generator attached to a 1989 Ford Laser (Madyira and Harding, 2014). It reported these conclusions:

“Introduction of HHO led to increased power and torque.”
“There was a significant reduction of unburned hydrocarbons as a result of the increase in HHO inclusion.”
“Introduction of HHO led to improved combustion particularly at low loads.”

Another study measured the utilization of HHO gas with diesel fuel in a stationary engine (Dhariwal et al., 2018). This experiment utilized a 90 L/hr constant flow rate on a water-cooled, four-stroke, 553cc, compression ignition engine. The results from their research revealed the following:

“Results show 9% drop in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC).”
“7% increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE).”
“The emissions of CO, HC, and smoke have been reduced by 56%, 16% and 5% respectively for Hydroxy-diesel mixture as compared to diesel alone.”
“Hydrogen fuel produces low flame temperatures which reduces heat transfer to the walls, improves efficiency, and ?NO_x”

They also recorded the observations of 15 similar studies. Several of them did not apply because of variable mixtures, use of vegetable oils, or hydrogen jet engines. Below are the remaining observations:

“Usage of hydrogen in dual fuel mode with EGR technique results in reduced smoke level, particulate and NOx emissions.”
“20% increase in BTE and 13% increase in NOx compared to diesel, whereas Hydrogen-DEE operation resulted in a higher brake thermal efficiency of 30%, with a significant reduction in NOx compared to diesel.”
“HHO addition to engine results in increased engine torque and decreased CO, HC and SFC at high speeds.”
“50% reduction is noticed in NOx, reduction in CO and fuel consumption was observed by 20% and between 20% and 30% respectively.”
“With increased hydrogen addition thermal efficiency increased and NOx emission remains unchanged.”
“A small amount of hydrogen when added to a diesel engine shortens the diesel ignition lag, decrease the rate of pressure rise and provide a better condition for the soft run of the engine and can increase engine durability.”
“10% increment in thermal efficiency, 34% reduction in fuel consumption, 14% reduction in HC, 18% reduction in CO, and 15% reduction in NOx.”
“Results with better energetic and performance of duel fueled (hydrogen-diesel) engine were found due to improvement of combustion process and reduction of carbon content.”
“Increase in BTE 13.28% and the brake specific fuel consumption reduces by 8.7% at full load condition…”
“Thermal efficiency increased by 9.25% whereas specific fuel consumption, CO and HC reduced by 15%, 33% and 23% respectively.”

Research has shown around the globe that the addition of HHO to internal combustion engines provide consistent results on both diesel engines and gas engines:

Improved Efficiency
More Complete Combustion
Improved Fuel Economy
Lowered Emissions
Increased Power

Customer Reviews of HHO Carbon Clean Systems

Customer reviews from HHO Carbon Clean Systems reflect similar results as the research trends:

Greg Williams, A&W Express

“9% Fuel Economy gains may not seem like much to some people, but for me that adds up to $57,000 in savings per year…”

Daniel Wolfe, Kotter Ready Mix

“Our service department likes not having as many chronic carbon issues with DPFs and Turbochargers, and the operators appreciate their pieces of equipment running smoother with better power and throttle response.”

Josh Hudspith:

“I bought a Jeep with 200k miles a couple weeks ago. It was getting hot, couldn’t hold 70mph in overdrive, and was getting 12.5 mph…My Jeep is running cooler, has a little more response, holds a lower RMP at 55, holds 70mph without dropping a gear and (I’m not kidding), my Jeep is now getting 16 mpg…”

Tim Mitchell:

“Carbon cleaning preformed on my 1998 D5M Cat dozer and 2005 312CL Cat excavator. Immediately noticed minimal emissions, so I feel that the fuel is being burnt more efficiently. More power with less fuel! Also, after 100 hrs of service, I changed oil. Normally the oil color ranged from dark brown to almost black. Now the oil is a lot cleaner than before…”

Thomas Davis:

“My vehicle is a highly modified 1995 4WD GMC Suburban… What a difference! After all the carbon was blown out of the engine and exhaust system the headers had that old familiar rumble to them and my throttle response was where it used to be… ***UPDATE May 29th, 2022*** I did my first fill up on my truck since having the HHO Carbon Clean done and when I figured my mileage it had gone UP 33.33% from 9 mpg to 12 mpg!”

Customer reviews have been collected from multiple HHO Carbon Clean System Franchise reviews published on Google (HHO Google Reviews). As HHO Carbon Clean Systems expand, customer reviews continue to validate the research and benefits of HHO Carbon Cleaning service.

Conclusion

Engines wear down over time as a result of incomplete combustion which causes carbon buildup. That buildup lowers engine performance and fuel economy, and worsens emissions. The main cause of incomplete combustion is the inaccessibility of oxygen. Adding HHO creates a faster, more complete burn. It is effective on gasoline and diesel engines. As a result, engine performance and fuel economy increase while emissions decrease. Published research and customer testimonials report similar results. Simply put, “Clean Engines, Run Better.”

References

10 Biggest Difference between Aromatic and Aliphatic Compounds with Table [Web log post]. (2022). Retrieved from https://coredifferences.com/difference-between-aromatic-and-aliphatic-compounds/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Approved Air Quality Implementation Plans in Region 9 (2004, August), Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content of Diesel Fuel. Retrieved from https://www3.epa.gov/region9/CA-Air-SIP/California%20Code%20of%20Regulations/Title%2013,%20Division%203,%20Chapter%205,%20Article%202,%20Section%202282.pdf
Beauregard, G. P. (March 31, 2011). Findings of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Durability. Retrieved from Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation.
Clark, J. (2003). “The Combustion of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes.” Chemguide. Sept 26, 2022. https://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alkanes/oxygen.html#:~:text=However%2C%20combustion%20tends%20to%20be,get%20a%20yellow%2C%20smoky%20flame.&text=Incomplete%20combustion%20(where%20there%20isn,of%20carbon%20or%20carbon%20monoxide.
Dhariwal, A. K., Nayyar, A., Sharma, D.K. (2018). Utilization of HHO gas with Diesel fuel in stationary compression Ignition Engine. Skit Research Journal, 8(1), 52-59. https://submissions.ijskit.org/index.php/ijskit/article/download/88/75/
Greiner, T. H. (1997, Sept). “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Checking for Complete Combustion (AEN-175)” Dept of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University. https://www.abe.iastate.edu/extension-and-outreach/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-checking-for-complete-combustion-aen-175/
Ma, F., Wang, Y. (2008). Study on the extension of lean operation limit through hydrogen enrichment in a natural gas spark-ignition engine. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 33(4), 1416-1424. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319907007665
Madyira, D. M., Harding, W. G. (14-16 January, 2014). Effect of HHO on Four Stroke Petrol Engine Performance. 9th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics Somerset West. Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/54204275.pdf
Musmar, Sa’ed & A.A, Al-Rousan. (2011). Effect of HHO gas on combustion emissions in gasoline engines. Fuel. 90. 3066-3070. 10.1016/j.fuel.2011.05.013.
Ophardt, Charles E. (2003). “What is Gasoline” Virtual Chembook. Elmhurst College. http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/514gasoline.html
Western Oregon University. (n.d). Energy from Fossil Fuels. https://people.wou.edu/~courtna/GS361/Energy_From_Fossil_Fuels.htm
Yilmaz, Ali & Uludamar, Erinç & Aydin, Kadir. (2010). Effect of hydroxy (HHO) gas addition on performance and exhaust emissions in compression ignition engines. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 35. 11366-11372. 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.07.040.