HYDROCARBON OIL FOUND IN THE INTERIOR OF A COLD-FUSION ELECTROLYSIS CELL AFTER FATAL EXPLOSION

Forensic analyses of debris from the fatal explosion of an electrochem ical ''cold fusion'' cell revealed the presence of unanticipated organ ic residues that could be very important in the future design and perf ormance of these experiments. A hydrocarbon oil, likely a lubricant fr om machining the metal components of the electrolysis cell, was detect ed on the interior cell walls. Reactions of oil with electrolytic oxyg en have the potential for significant energy generation and could have contributed to the initiation and total energy inventory of the subje ct explosion.