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Chemical Engineering/Questions Answered by Expert Mike Fulcher
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Batteries?? | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to run an RC glow plug off of the smallest battery possible. For more info on RC glow ... A: The issue with heating the wire has everything to do with the rate the battery can discharge and its ... | |
| I need help with deciding my major. | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I need help in deciding my major.. I'm generally interested in nanotechnology and cloning and i want ... A: If your career goal is research, you really should consider an advanced degree in what you'd like to ... | |
| Cooling compound. | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: Hey Mike, I was thinking about the military's MRE's the other day and was wondering a few things. ... A: I have a vague recollection that it is a calcium compound, perhaps calcium oxide. When mixed with ... | |
| Alkaline water spots | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: Sprinkling a lawn with alkaline water forms hard spots on windows that seem to bond to the glass. ... A: I believe that the most common type of water spots are calcium based, in the form of calcium ... | |
| Alkaline water spots | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: Sprinkling a lawn with alkaline water forms hard spots on windows that seem to bond to the glass. ... A: David, I apologize for the late reply. The water spots are the result of the minerals in hard water ... | |
| Zamboni Battery Part 3 | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: Mike, I have succeeded in getting a Zamboni type cell to output 1.5V. Thank you for your previous ... A: Paul Sorry i took so long to get back to you, but work has been pretty overwhelming lately. What ... | |
| Halogen bulb burnout smoke | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: Have an unusual problem. Had a leaking headlight enclosure. Halogen bulb burned out every time ... A: I've seen what you are talking about, but don't know what exactly it is off the top of my head. I ... | |
| Cesium Power | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: Okay I have to give a presentation on the element Cesium and we all know that it explodes in water ... A: To determine the energy generated by this reaction, you need to know the "heat of formation" of the ... | |
| Zamboni Battery Part 2 | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: Mike, You asked : Now for more questions. Which side of the paper do you paint on? My guess would ... A: Well, from what you're telling me it seems as if there may be an current leakage path in the ... | |
| Zamboni Battery | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I am trying to re-create a Zamboni battery. I am using Manganese dioxide and tin (just like ... A: Now for more questions. Which side of the paper do you paint on? My guess would be the paper side, ... | |
| Zamboni Battery | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I am trying to re-create a Zamboni battery. I am using Manganese dioxide and tin (just like ... A: Paul Theoretical voltages are typically higher than actual measured voltages because of ... | |
| Zamboni Battery | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: Mark, I am trying to re-create a Zamboni battery. I am using Manganese dioxide and tin (just like ... A: Paul At first guess I would say that the behavior you're seeing may be related to the type of paper ... | |
| chemical reaction with concrete | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: I have a salt chlorinated swimming pool. Over winter several small white 'holes' (20-30cm diameter, ... A: Sorry to have taken so long with this question. My first thought would be that there isn't any link ... | |
| acid test metals | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: I have an item that I believe might be gold, however it has no distinguishing marks except "acid ... A: The acid test is a means of quickly determining if a sample is pure gold. With more careful ... | |
| Storing a butane lighter indefinitely | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: I have a butane lighter that I'd like to store in my souvenirs box and I'm trying to decide whether ... A: You seem to have thought this through very well. You are correct in assuming the butane will ... | |
| Lead acid batteries | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a new lead acid battery and was given the battery and a container of ... A: I didn't know you could still get lead acid batteries that way. The manufacturers keep the acid and ... | |
| Petrol | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: Will fuel vapor in my petrol tank condense back into liquid fuel? I presume that this may be ... A: While I don't have any exact numbers at my disposal, I can suggest a few things. First, gasoline ... | |
| Petrol | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: Will fuel vapor in my petrol tank condense back into liquid fuel? I presume that this may be ... A: At a fixed temperature in a closed (non-leaking) system, there will always be fuel condensing (with ... | |
| Ions | 4/12/2008 |
| Q: If I ionize the air in an area that I intend to combust will the addition of electrons to the air ... A: Good question. Presumably by adding energy to the system in the form of ionization you would reduce ... | |
| magnets | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: if I place a magnet against a pipe with a liquid flowing through it how will this affect the liquid? ... A: The magnet will have no effect on any liquid passing through the pipe. Even if it was a liquified ... | |
| aluminum boat corrosion | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I have paint bubbling on my aluminum boat. It has been suggested that it is may be caused by stray ... A: Given that the anode for your motor is OK and the pump is a good distance away, I'm guessing that ... | |
| chemical to preserve bridal flowers | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: I need to dehydrate my daughters bridal flowers and then frame them. I know I have seen this done ... A: Not having any craft experience whatsoever makes this a tough question for me to answer. I did find ... | |
| career planning | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: I am from London but am coming towards the end of a BSci Chemistry degree, which does not include ... A: Unfortunately, there is a significant difference between a chemistry and a chemical engineering ... | |
| Electrochemical cell/Al electrodes | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: Mike, I recently read a U.S. "Science Fair" report on using two Al electrodes (in 10% NaCl ... A: I have never heard of this, and it doesn't make much sense. Now, if you applied a voltage across ... | |
| Sodium beta-alumina solid electrolyte | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: I'm going to try my hand at building my own Sodium/Nickel Thermal Battery pack. I've done my ... A: Steve I wish I could help here but unfortunately I don't have any experience with thermal ... | |
| calculating ppm | 7/22/2007 |
| Q: what is the calculation which will tell me how many grams of salt to put in a 1000 mililitres of ... A: Since you're doing this by weight, you would take the weight of the water (1000 g), then divide by ... | |
| heat transfer | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: Can I know why is there a need to remove minerals from water? I know that ion exchange is a method ... A: Using your subject line as a guide, one of the big reasons minerals need to be removed in heat ... | |
| Formation of carbon soots while burning Furnace oil | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: how is the fuel density affects the formation of carbon soots while burning Furnace oil? I am ... A: I'm not sure that the density will affect the formation of soot, but one things to try to reduce ... | |
| L A | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: HOW TO EGG DROP WITHOUT BREAKAGE A: Even though this looks like a school project, I'll try to give you some hints. The best way to keep ... | |
| salicylic acid | 4/23/2007 |
| Q: a few years, i found a topical product i really liked. I believe it's out of production now and ... A: The liquid form would probably provide the most rapid effect, however it's impossible for me to say ... | |
| Ferric Chloride and inconel | 2/16/2007 |
| Q: I've done some more experimentation and it does look like only acids aggressive towards nickel are ... A: We used to use nitric acid for removal of chromium oxides from stainless steel, so this should also ... | |
| Ferric Chloride and inconel | 2/14/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to solder to an inconel shim pad and I've noticed that the solder strength is ... A: That is an awesome question. My first response would be that you are removing the oxide layer on ... | |
| Aerosol Cans | 2/1/2007 |
| Q: How can I release the pressure from the can? By using up the sprays from the can doesnt mean that I ... A: If the cans have a push down button (like a spray paint can), then you can just hold it down until ... | |
| Aerosol Cans | 1/31/2007 |
| Q: I searched online but I couldnt find any information. I thought the can would explode if I try to ... A: You need to be sure and release any pressure from inside the can prior to opening it. Otherwise the ... | |
| Hydrogen Fuel Cell | 1/30/2007 |
| Q: Does the battery voltage used in a hydrogen fuel cell affect the output of energy produced by the ... A: I'm not an expert in fuel cells, but I think I know just enough to give you an explanation. The ... | |
| Materials Science | 1/30/2007 |
| Q: Is there a material that is normally rigid but, when an electrical current is applied, becomes ... A: Not that I'm aware of. Work involving the mechanical/electrical interaction in materials is covered ... | |
| reasons for cost of creating large n type semiconductor crystals | 1/19/2007 |
| Q: I have read that the most efficient type of solar cell is expensive to manufacture because it is ... A: The ability to produce large crystals of any material is strongly impacted by the cleanliness of the ... | |
| question about vicosity | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: My need is for an inexpensive liquid that shares the same viscosity and weight of corn syrup that ... A: It appears as if my first answer got lost in the system, and now I don't recall what I originally ... | |
| plastic | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: i'm just wondering if there's a way to pulverized a plastic? its process. A: That depends on what you mean by pulverize. For recycling purposes, plastics are ground up into ... | |
| electrolytic gel/electrolysis/chloride removal | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: Fulcher, I'm an antique dealer who works with archaic bronzes and other metals frequently. Lately, ... A: Nathan Thanks for the question. Oddly enough, I have some related past experience, where I was ... | |
| Gasoline | 12/7/2006 |
| Q: What is the chemical equation for the combustion of gasoline? A: Matthew Unfortunately, gasoline is a mixture of several hydrocarbon materials, instead of just one. ... | |
| test method | 12/3/2006 |
| Q: What is the quickest way to repeatably dry and weigh a hydrophilic material, wood fiber, without ... A: Based on my experience, the based way to do this repeatably would be to use a freeze dryer. ... | |
| Chemical Eng vs Material Eng | 12/3/2006 |
| Q: Fulcher: I am about to attend college and choose a major, and I would like to know the differences ... A: In a nutshell, chemical engineering is a much broader educational experience than any other field. ... | |
| Oder | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: I have a lasting chemical smell in my Miami, FL apartment. The oder remains on your clothing after ... A: I would think an air quality analyst might be able to help you out. I would think they would need ... | |
| Chemical Coolant | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: I am a Computer Engineer and never paid much attention to chemistry. I'm wondering if you know of ... A: I believe what you're looking for are called thermoelectric materials. In their simplest form, you ... | |
| Looking for chemicals | 11/20/2006 |
| Q: I'm hoping you might be able to help me and my daughter. We have been working on her science ... A: That sounds like fun. The chemicals you are looking for to my knowledge aren't available in any ... | |
| tetraoxygen | 11/8/2006 |
| Q: I've heard that O4 as a solid or liquid is red. So I was just wondering if you could show me a ... A: Well, I've learned something new today. My current job doesn't give me much exposure to anything ... | |
| vegetable based cooking oil weight | 11/4/2006 |
| Q: What is the approximate weight or weight range of cooking oil per gallon. If it makes any ... A: Sorry for the delay, but I have found a link that should have most if not all of what you need. Off ... | |
| pH metry | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: 1. Why to opt for pH metric titrations rather than classical based titrations ? 2. Since pH meter is ... A: 1. Faster. No margin for interpretive human based error. 2. I think the part that requires the ... | |
| food spoilage | 10/13/2006 |
| Q: I will refocuss on the insulation/thermal attributes of the container. But I was wondering; if I was ... A: John I think you might be onto something, and I'll try to explain why, but first I'll try to clear ... | |
| food spoilage | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: I wish to know what reasonably available compound I can use to keep food chilled when away from ... A: John I'm not sure that there is anything out there that will perform better for you than ice or ... | |
| defoamer | 10/5/2006 |
| Q: I am in the commercial cleaning business, carpets,janitorial etc. One problem in our industry is ... A: Richard The only thing I can think of at Wal-Mart that could be used as a defoamer would be cooking ... | |
| CHRMOIUM AMOUNT CALCULATION | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: Hey, Everyone in the chemistry area was maxed out and I thought that you might be able to help me ... A: This sound pretty straightforward. First you need to know the molecular (or formula) weight of the ... | |
| Tunnuls in the future | 9/29/2006 |
| Q: (This is an interview, not a homework questoin) How do you think tunnels will change in the future? A: I'm not sure you'll see much in the way of technological advancement with respect to tunnels, ... | |
| VBA Excel cell value copy | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: I desire to copy cell value (range A1 to N63) of a worksheet "Details" (some cells with external ... A: Yes, it should be possible. What you first need to do is copy (Ctrl-C) the desired cells. Then go ... | |
| polymer science | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: Iam doing my graduation in biotechnology and I frequently use ultraviolet rays (UV-C) as a ... A: I think your best bet would be to consult the cabinet manufacturer to determine if the acrylic ... | |
| Steam | 8/19/2006 |
| Q: mike fulcher, my name is frank and my girlfriend and I have been taking a lot of photos and both of ... A: Ouch. I think to achieve your desired effect you'll need to reverse the steps. What you'll want is ... | |
| air-condition | 8/9/2006 |
| Q: what happens if i mix freon R-12(cfc) and R-134 in a circuit of an air-condition. A: Bad things. If you're planning to add R134A, you should first have the R12 removed and the system ... | |
| Getting carbon into iron | 8/8/2006 |
| Q: I just read that in the early Iron Age the way steel was made was to put the iron into a container ... A: Not having been around then I can only speculate on what might have been used. The most common item ... | |
| Corrosion of steel front entrance doors. | 8/3/2006 |
| Q: Is there any coating that you know of that would prevent the salt moisture from penetrating the ... A: Ken I'm not certain that the zinc on the galvanized steel and the pretreatment solution for powder ... | |
| Corrosion of steel front entrance doors. | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: Our company manufacturers and sells mild steel steel front entrance doors from galavaised steel with ... A: Ken Having lived in FL for a number of years I am all too familiar with what happens to mild steel ... | |
| Brine expansion? | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: We have a site with a 10000 gal diesel tank. When diesel is added on a hot day, the high level ... A: After going back through some old handbooks, it looks like the explanation you've been given is ... | |
| thermite | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: You may not be able to answer this but... Do you know of a way to bond thermite into a paste ... A: Interestingly enough, I have some experience from a past life with respect to forming and shaping ... | |
| Acids | 7/1/2006 |
| Q: Is there an acid or substance that will desovle shells i.e. mussels, winkles etc and not affect any ... A: Tom Shells are typically composed of calcium carbonate, which is the same material that forms hard ... | |
| Polymerization kinetics | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: I need to obtain a curve of % of conversion vs. time for a given polymerization reaction but I just ... A: Well, it's been a while since I've used this, but the classical rate experession for homogenous ... | |
| reading comprehension | 6/23/2006 |
| Q: I like to have some reading comprehension or text about Chemical Engineering. kind regards A: If you're looking for general information regarding the field of chemical engineering, www.aiche.com ... | |
| essay | 6/23/2006 |
| Q: I would like to visit some new esay or articles related to chemical engineering. regards A: If you're looking for general information regarding the field of chemical engineering, www.aiche.com ... | |
| Copper Tubing | 6/21/2006 |
| Q: Why are copper cathodes produced at the mine sites and shipped round the world, while copper tubing ... A: CY This is a bit outside my specific expertise, but I'll give you my thoughts and let you decide ... | |
Mike Fulcher
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer general questions related to all aspects of chemical engineering and material science, and specific questions related to electrochemistry, batteries, and ceramic materials.
Experience
I have over eight years experience in the battery industry, covering Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Li-ion polymer and Li primary chemistries. I have over four years experience in the field of ceramics processing.
Education/Credentials
BSChE, University of Florida
MSChE, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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