Re: DIY - CS Generator - build & parts list

RE: do not think that it is possible to work out the quality directly from the voltage/current, only expensive testing could really do that. 
I would agree with this, though it is however possible to identify changes in processing and solution by contrasting running data between instances. - continued in next comment...

RE: ...but whether an electric field could promote agglomeration or other negative effect is a bit of an unknown. It seems more a case of doing everything to promote high quality CS and hoping for the best outcome. Doing things such as stirring but it can never be known for certain how small the particles are or how many have agglomerated. 
While I would admit to the challenge of certainties in science, I'd also add that it is possible however to obtain credibility through research and verification. ie, research could be based on the theoretical limits of the elemental silver molecule for example. Likewise, there are numerous procedures that could be used to challenge and help determine the minimum and maximum values for particulate and so-on and so-forth. 

However, on the matter of laymen procedures I'd say the prognosis is equally good in that there are numerous methods from which to identify changes affecting the quality of inherent Colloidal Silver solutions without the need for expensive lab testing. ie, the admission of repeatability provides the capacity to detect minute changes in processing due to the inherent characteristics of the solution.

Likewise, these characteristics also provide the means from which to identify such things as changes in short and long term stability, changes in particulate size and shape as well as the quality of the colloidal suspension. Which is why I mentioned the use of high concentrate(ppm) Colloidal Silver solutions. 

RE: My reading suggests that Silver is diamagnetic and tends to be repelled by magnetism which should be a helpful property. I did see how Silver can be levitated by magnetism. 
Yes, I have the read the very same things on silver and magnetism. Though interesting enough, I was not able to alter or affect the Colloidal Suspension using magnetism personally. And so my conclusion is that the silver particulate(excluding oxides) are not sufficient in physical size, to return the force required to alter or move them out of suspension. 

RE: I must point out that it was not the magnetism that I was concerned about for the reasons that I stated as the magnestism should be beneficial. It was the electric fields that concerned me from the electronics. 
Yes, and I do apologize for this as I failed to introduce my own tests as examples of the extent of research done toward matters. ie, the extent of my own research is that I tested CS with magnetic fields and the potential for natural gravitational changes(lunar). Though I did not however do any form of testing with electric fields and such. 

RE: I also wondered how well commercial magnetic stirrers were shielded as very effective shielding adds costs. I did look into shielding and it seemed quite a complex situation with so many variables ie different fields, frequencies and different shielding materials. 
I once dismantled a VWR heated magnetic stirrer several years ago following an incident where a reaction vessel shattered during processing and found no form of shielding toward the hot-plate and control surface whatsoever. And so, I'd conclude that the magnetic fields in conventional stirrers are most likely uninhibited. 

Though I'd be curious to subject CS solutions to EMF to see how things go personally. To which I'd add, should be a relatively easy test to perform. 

RE: Interesting, do you use a magnetic stirrer with a heat plate then? 
Yes, I've been making CS under a heat process for a little over three years now. 

RE: I did look at silicon stoppers myself but the price was jaw dropping so I dismissed the idea. I like silicon but not at the price they were charging.
I've had very good success with widgetco over the years for stoppers. Granted, they would be limited to room temp applications, and don't have the properties of the Versilic, though the stoppers they do offer are quite affordable and of good a quality in terms of material purity etc. 

RE: ATM it's the stirrer which is holding it all up. It's not functional until I have a working stirring system. 
While I'll admit that I am a huge fan of DIY projects, I've learned the hard way that a good stirrer(be it mechanical or magnetic) is best purchased from a reputable manufacturer.  And I only say this based on the fact that I have a shelf in a room full of stirrers,that have either broken down, or simply weren't up to the task. To which I'd add, I could have saved myself a small fortune had I of invested in a good unit to begin with. 

Having said all that, it sounds like your having a great time planning and building your current CS generator, and I hope to see your progress and final product as things continue move along. - great sharing!