SepticTankCellDCpower?

Probably. It's going to be really messy though. Out of curiousity, why are you asking this?

(CR4) discussion already in progress at:

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/12689/BigHoleLowTechYardBattery?frmtrk=CR4digest

Direct response to your version of the query: "Depends on a lot!" What-all do you put down your drains, etc.? Ever "sweeten" the kitchen sink w/ baking soda? The electrolytic quality of any number of septic tanks probably varies directly with the number of tanks. And, your selection of anode material versus cathode material will make one heckuva difference!

Credit already previously grabbed for recycling aluminum cans as anodes

I cannot imagine a plumbing inspector, public health department, septic tank service company wanting or allowing anything like this being installed or permitted!

If you were 50 miles out of Nye NV, you might be able to DIY, but no one will want to come out to suck out the solids build up with the chance of a shock, spark, or worse in an environment that may be full of methane.

(?)~ "apologies", but, I believe your 'Reply-To' ... technically-speaking ... ought to have been targeted-to the original post (Transcendian's) or to the other thread whose link was provided ... [not directed to "Post #2", here].

The original post simply asked: "Would the chemicals in a Septic Tank make a large Cell DC producer if spiked with Anode and Cathode?" ... and, my response was very specifically worded so as to address the (ahem) "issue".

Since the original post is asking whether a "battery" (i.e., a corrosion cell) would be produced by the addition of both an Anode and a Cathode to a septic tank, the question being asked here boils-down to:

"Does the contents of a septic tank constitute an electrolyte?"

When you re-read #2, you'll see that post sticking like that ol' proverbial flypaper to the topic of the original post.

[not attempting to negate the validity of your own comments, here, in any way-shape-or-form...]

*~Regards~*

I am a bit of a "troglidyte" on these forums, and am not always careful in how I reply.

I have no disagreement with whether an electric current could be produced. I was pointing out some issues that would indicate why it might not be a great idea to pursue.

Occasionally I do step on toes. I apologize and mean no ill will. Occasionally my toes get stepped on. And hopefully I learn from it, or can laugh at it.

And remember, the internet is like a bathroom wall. Any one can right any thing and can sound like an expert. Take it all with a large grain of salt (Eric Zorn)

As far as I understand the answer to my question here about whether or not a Septic Tank could be turned into a battery as found already around, the answer would be yes, but of not much use.

I'm not good enough chemist to know all the electrolytic properties of water and piss and shit, but suspect that if a septic tank was designed from the get go to be a battery the Big Hole Low Tech Battery project as originally concieved could be achieved.

Now I believe that constructing a practical low tech battery that anyone can make from common materials that will supply 12 or 24 volts to power common compatable home lighting or even computers could be made from glass bottles and a wiring anode cathode harness.

Whether it has to be filled with suphuric acid and lead, or can be done with aluminum or copper or whatever, is not yet determined. Ideally the vessels and wiring harness would have the prospect of being multiplied to achieve the needed standard potential of 12 volts when the electolye was sulfuric acid, or acetic acid or salt water.

(I am remembering here some of my experience with battery belts for an LTM HMI battery powered arc light. The belt had to have an additional cell more than the standard tunsten sungun battery belt to achieve its 45 minute operating parameters.)

At anyrate in updating in this area of the site, this is where I am at as far as this titled discussion.

Why a septic tank? Any conductive liquid can be used as an electrolyte for a battery. The voltage ontained depends upon the electrochemistry i.e. what is happening at each electrode.

Seawater would be a preferable liquid!

Thanks for the seawater recommendation.

Salt water is even more common than vinegar.

Was re-reading and came on it.

My weekend plan is to put aluminum and copper in a bottle and fill it with saltwater, and see what I get.

The start of this was under the title Big Hole Low Tech Battery, and there is now a contest apparently for a cell. So far one has made one that produced a third or half a volt I think.

So far I've judged that as far as the septic tank battery idea it would possibly be of benifit to figure out one from the get go as a design project that would spawn a whole industry of maintaince issues etcetera, but as they are, spiking with eletrodes and cathodes is not practical.