Chapter 235 The Fifth Great Invention
When humans enter the industrial age, their demand for energy is increasing.
Coal, oil, and natural gas are all being continuously exploited and used, especially oil, this flowing black fuel, has become a necessity in modern society.
Oil extraction, transportation, and refining all cost money. When oil appears in front of users as industrial products, it is already very expensive. Although gasoline and diesel in this era only cost two or three yuan, in a few years Later, when it became an oil-importing country, oil prices began to rise. However, considering the income level of people in this era, the prices of these oils are still very high.
So, some people began to think of evil ways.
Oil is too expensive. The cheapest liquid that people have access to is water. So, can water be turned into fuel? If it can be done in this way, it means the emergence of a cheap energy source!
Can?
From a composition point of view, water molecules contain hydrogen atoms. As long as the hydrogen-oxygen covalent bond inside the water molecules can be broken, the hydrogen in the water can be released, and the water can be turned into fuel.
However, if you want to break this covalent bond, it means inputting energy, and there will be no perpetual motion machine in the world.
Hydrogen is obtained by electrolyzing water, which requires the provision of electrical energy. The same is true for other methods.
Therefore, when in later generations, some old guy claims to have developed a hydro-hydrogen car, which can turn water into fuel by using a special catalyst, most people will recognize it as a complete fraud. The deception soon revealed its true colors in front of people across the country.
However, in the 1980s and 1990s, there was another scam that shocked the whole country and deceived many people. This was the famous Hongcheng Base Liquid.
In 1954, Wang Hongcheng, the creator of the Hongcheng fluid scam, was born in a working-class family in Harbin. There was no scholar in the last three generations. He only attended primary school intermittently for four years. He is considered one of the intellectuals in his family and has the only junior high school diploma. It was still exchanged for pork.
In that era, satellites were being launched all over the country, and the technology of turning water into oil was being studied in the farms nearby. The saponification technology used at that time was even publicized, but after destroying an engine, it was no longer available. below.
However, Wang Hongcheng kept this kind of thing in his heart.
Later, Wang Hongcheng worked as a carpenter and in the army, and after demobilization, he became a bus driver. After the country opened, people's minds continued to open up, and Wang Hongcheng's uneasy heart gradually became restless.
Wang Hongcheng, who only has a fourth-grade elementary school education, cannot possibly know the origin of oil. He does not know that it is formed from the transformation of prehistoric marine animals and algae corpses in ancient times. In his eyes, these things are just like water, coming from If it is dug out of the ground, then the water will have a chance to turn into oil! (People of that era really believed this. The father of the Hero of East China still had a high school education, and he also believed that oil, like water, was produced underground.)
So Wang Hongcheng started to do it. Perhaps in the past, he had lofty ideals and struggled for life for mankind to obtain a cheap energy source. However, after experiencing countless failures, he began to use tricks. .
It doesn’t matter if you can’t figure it out, as long as others believe it.
So, Wang Hongcheng held some unknown liquid and announced grandly that I invented Hongcheng Base Liquid! This special mother liquor only needs to be mixed with water at a ratio of 1:100,000 to obtain water-based fuel. Not only can this fuel be ignited with just a little bit, but it also produces much higher energy than ordinary gasoline and diesel!
This kind of fuel, which is converted from water into oil, will not cause pollution to the environment after burning, and has considerable environmental value. This is our "China's fifth greatest invention."
Of course, no one believed it at first. Some people started to go to Wang Hongcheng’s home to ask for confirmation. So Wang Hongcheng performed it himself. When people watched the miraculous scene of water turning into oil, they believed it.
Wang Hongcheng is not a scientist, but he is definitely an awesome magician. Playing tricks of substituting things with his wife is called a master! It's much more powerful than the magic pot performed by a certain magician in the Spring Festival Gala.
For example, in front of everyone, he will drop his own Hongcheng liquid into the water, and then he can burn the water.
It may seem fancy, but in fact there are many ways. For example, adding calcium carbide, which is calcium carbide powder, into water. The calcium carbide powder reacts with water to produce and burn acetylene, and acetylene has some flammable properties.
In addition, you can also drop gasoline directly into the water. Since gasoline is less dense than water, it floats on the water and the oil in the upper layer will naturally ignite as long as it encounters an open flame.
Although this kind of experiment will be seen through by professional people, Wang Hongcheng is very smart and invites all non-professional and famous people. After those people saw it, they felt it was very magical and would promote it for him.
In this way, his fame continues to expand. Although many people in the scientific community are questioning it, Wang Hongcheng never responds. He only wants to deceive the people he can deceive.
I just don’t know why this guy came to Huating. Does he think he can deceive people here?
In the 1990s, there were many famous swindlers, such as Qigong masters. However, everyone knew that Qigong masters deceived people. Those people may not know that what they value is not the ability of Qi to cure diseases and transport people, but what they value is The network behind Qigong masters.
What about Hongcheng base fluid? It’s a complete hard-core lie!
Qin Tao was very emotional.
“What is this meeting for?” Since they met, Qin Tao had to ask. After all, it is not easy to deceive the Huating City Government with Hongcheng Base Liquid!
“The city wants to start this project in order to launch new projects and solve energy problems, so it plans to develop expanded fuel. At the same time, the Navy also plans to invest..."
Snapped!
Qin Tao slapped his hand on the table hard. Even if he lied to others, he actually dared to lie to the navy?
The navy is very struggling. The current military expenditure is tight. In addition to paying personnel wages, there are also the construction of several warships, and the funds are gone. Therefore, most of the warships are parked in the port all year round. The navy is also very fond of cheap fuel. Craved.
If this kind of thing is really added, the warship's engine will be scrapped!
“Mr. Qin?” The people around him were startled.
“Can I attend this meeting?” Qin Tao asked.
Mr. Yan shook his head: "When you go there, the meeting will be over. There is no need to go. However, if you want to know the content of the meeting, I can go and inquire."
Qin Tao nodded: "Okay."
It is estimated that no specific agreement will be reached at this meeting, so it is better to wait and see how it gets better.
“Mr. Qin, depending on the time, it’s almost time for lunch. Why don’t we show our respect as landlords?” Mr. Yan asked Qin Tao.
“Well... let’s go to the student cafeteria to eat, and let me experience it too.” Qin Tao said.
Although Qin Tao is also a college student, the Shipbuilding Industry College he went to is simply not comparable to the university in front of him. It is several grades behind.
Since you are here, you might as well have a meal in the cafeteria here to get over the addiction of being a student. Qin Tao hasn't graduated for a few years anyway. If I were to go to graduate school, I would probably still be hanging around in college.
"Since Mr. Qin is interested, let's go to the cafeteria to experience it." Mr. Yan agreed with a smile. Although Qin Tao was already the boss of a group, this gesture made Mr. Yan very satisfied.
A group of people walked to the canteen.
Although it was already time to eat, there were not many people in the cafeteria. It was obvious that many students were still studying and had forgotten the time to eat.
Even people in the canteen are eating and reading at the same time.
The academic atmosphere of this university is so strong.
“Bring me a portion of Kung Pao Chicken, a portion of tomatoes and eggs, and three taels of rice.” Qin Tao pointed and ordered a few that he liked. As for paying the bill, that was not his concern.
Holding a dinner plate, Qin Tao sat in front of a table, and then looked at Mr. Cao opposite.
“Old man, it’s better to be a vegetarian and something lighter. Your braised lion’s head is meat, so it’s not very good. I’ll help you eat it.” After saying that, Qin Tao actually took Mr. Cao’s braised lion’s head over.
Mr. Cao's face was full of smiles: "I have long heard that Mr. Qin has no airs and can make friends with old guys like us. It is true."
They are all technical authorities. They usually treat others respectfully when eating. How have you ever seen Qin Tao like this? He actually picked vegetables from his own plate and ate them. However, this kind of behavior made Mr. Cao even more jealous. Inexplicable intimacy.
Qin Tao smiled and said, "Mr. Cao, it's a great achievement for me to be your friend. I hope we can have a happy cooperation in the future."
At this moment, a student from Yan Lao hurried over: "I heard it, I heard it. In order to prove the performance of Hongcheng base fluid, an on-site demonstration will be held tomorrow at the Xincheng swimming pool. A large The water in the pool is turned into fuel on site.”
A large pool?
This magician is about to start performing again!
"In this case, I must go and join in the fun tomorrow." Qin Tao said, "I want to see with my own eyes what is weird about this."
“I’ll go too!” Mr. Cao said.
“Are you going too?”
“That’s right, we scientists, let’s go and uncover the magic stick with our own hands!”
Although Hongcheng base fluid has been widely publicized in the society, some places have even taken the bait and invested a large amount of money in Wang Hongcheng. There are even vehicles in some places using this expanded fuel. However, in the scientific community, everyone is skeptical about this thing, and it can even be directly determined that this thing is definitely fake.
"For so many years, Hongcheng Base Liquid has been promoted everywhere and attracted investment. However, we have never seen this kind of thing put into mass production and use. We brag about the fifth great invention every day, so let's go and reveal its true face!" Mr. Yan also said Then he said.
“It’s strange, this is obviously a liar, why do so many people still believe it?” Wang Hua asked, sitting at the table next door.
So many people believe it? Qin Tao had a sarcastic smile on his face: "Have you read The Emperor's New Clothes?"
This is a famous fairy tale. Two liars went to deceive the emperor. They obviously had nothing, but they said that they were weaving the most beautiful cloth. Only smart people can see it. So, no one exposed the liar's lies for fear of He was considered a fool.
Even the emperor was deceived and paraded naked through the streets. Finally, a child revealed the truth.
Some people may have been deceived, and some may have realized that it is a scam. However, if the lie is revealed, then they have been negligent. They may just continue to help promote it and let more people believe it.
This is how this nationwide scam started.
At the end of 1991, a new swimming pool was built in Huating City.
This swimming pool has a long history. It existed in 1938. It was called the Mainland Swimming Pool at that time. After the liberation of the country, it was taken over by the police. Ten years later, it was handed over to the Huating Municipal Education Commission and turned into the Xincheng Swimming Pool.
Many competitions have been held here, and Olympic athletes have been selected. However, as time goes by, it has gradually become outdated. Now, this swimming pool is in a semi-abandoned state, and together with the nearby land, We plan to auction them off together.
So, it is just used for this test.
The water in the swimming pool has long been filthy. There are still a lot of rotten leaves floating on the water, and it smells strange. There is a banner hanging on the rostrum in front of the swimming pool.
Pangu opened the sky and set fire to the world—Wanghongcheng, China.
Looking at this domineering title, Qin Tao was extremely emotional. A liar who has gotten to this point must be quite arrogant!
"Mr. Qin, what brought you here?" Just as Qin Tao walked over slowly, a naval officer came up to him. It was Luo Wenzhong, an old acquaintance of the headquarters, who was transferred When I arrived at Huating, I felt the spring breeze.
“Our navy also wants to get involved in this project? Whose idea is it?” Qin Tao asked Luo Wenzhong.
Qin Tao came here because the navy was also involved. He couldn't watch the navy be cheated. The navy's precious funds couldn't be wasted like this.
"I don't know the specific meaning of the superiors." Luo Wenzhong said: "However, the superiors also know that this project has many theoretical problems, so I plan to come here to experiment. If it can really succeed, the Navy will Put money in.”
Qin Tao nodded: "So that's it. I understand. I'll go find a place below to sit and watch the fun."
"Mr. Qin, since you are here, how can you sit down? Please take a seat!"
At this moment, someone came over to say hello. It was the president of Huating University. Next to the president, Mr. Yan was also following him.
“You are all big leaders, how can I sit with you?”
"Mr. Qin, what you say is not interesting enough. What kind of big leaders are we? You are the boss of Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group. You are the boss of the shipbuilding industry, but you are much stronger than us. Come, come quickly, otherwise, I can It’s a shame.”
Qin Tao had no choice but to step onto the podium in front of the swimming pool.
A middle-aged man in a suit and tie was talking nonstop to the leaders present.
He is of medium height, thin body, wears glasses, and looks as elegant as a scholar.
"Whether it is clean water or dirty water, the Hongcheng base fluid I invented can turn this water into burnable expanded fuel." Wang Hongcheng looked confident: "But we can't ignite the entire pool. After the expanded fuel is made, a bottle can be taken from it for testing. If it is all ignited, it may cause a disaster."
The leader nodded: "Yes, we only need to capture part of it for experiments. As long as this experiment can be successful, our city will regard Hongcheng base fluid and expanded fuel as a key project! The city plans to invest Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on this industry.”
“Yes, leaders, please rest assured that there will be no problem. By the way, are the reporters from the TV station here?”
After saying that, Wang Hongcheng looked around and saw Qin Tao and others walking over.
"Who is this?"
“I am Qin Tao. I have long admired the name of Hongcheng Base Liquid. Today I came here specifically to join in the fun.” Qin Tao said and stretched out his hand.
Qin Tao? Where did it come from?
Wang Hongcheng didn't know Qin Tao, but he had long been accustomed to officialdom. He immediately stretched out his hand with a smile and shook Qin Tao's hand: "Hello, hello."
"Leaders, there is something wrong with your arrangement today." Qin Tao said to the leaders present: "Your security work is not in place. I suggest that you ask the Marine Corps to come over and help maintain order in case anyone listens. They say there is an experiment here, but what if they want to steal the precious Hongcheng base fluid?"
Invite the Marine Corps to dispatch?
Wang Hongcheng's face looked a little ugly, but Luo Wenzhong suddenly realized: "Yes, that's it. I will call immediately and ask the troops to send out force for protection!"
“Just use my phone.” Qin Tao took out his mobile phone and handed it to Luo Wenzhong.
“No, there’s no need to bother dispatching the army.”
“That’s not okay, it’s necessary.”
The navy also has a base in Huating. After receiving the news, military vehicles drove over quickly, and a soldier with guns and ammunition set up a cordon around the entire swimming pool.
“Why don’t you start yet? What are you waiting for?” Qin Tao was a little bored.
“Still waiting for the big leader.”
"The big boss is coming?" Qin Tao said: "If the water in this pool turns into fuel, it will be very dangerous. Now, we need to search around the entire swimming pool to ensure safety. I am also free It’s okay, let’s search with the soldiers.”
Qin Tao said and stood up.
Lao Yan and Lao Cao also stood up.
Sweat dripped down Wang Hongcheng's forehead. He wiped the sweat and watched the navy soldiers searching everywhere, fearing that something unexpected would happen next moment. Fortunately, those people just glanced outside a certain key place and did not take action after seeing the door lock.
The big leader finally arrived. Wang Hongcheng greeted him, nodding and bowing: "Here you are, leader. Leaders, can we start our experiment?"
The big leader also took time out of his busy schedule to come and take a look. Now that everything is ready, of course we have to start immediately.
Qin Tao has also come back from a circle with empty hands and nothing unexpected.
"let's start!"
“Leaders, a bucket of my Hongcheng base liquid is enough for such a pool of water.” Wang Hongcheng picked up a bucket of liquid that had been prepared long ago, with great interest.
The milky white bucket was just like the fake wine bucket. Wang Hongcheng carried it to the edge of the pool, and then poured the liquid inside.
"Dear leaders." Wang Hongcheng continued: "If you wait for the chemical reaction of the fuel itself, it will take a long time. Now, in order to speed up the reaction, we will install four submersible pumps inside to allow the liquid inside to flow. At the same time, , we also need to add a cover on top of it to seal it.”
After saying that, Wang Hongcheng got busy again. Four submersible pumps were installed at the four corners of the swimming pool. Then, bamboo poles were placed on the top of the swimming pool and plastic films were placed on top.
It is estimated that this is the first time since the swimming pool was created that it has a cover on the top, which looks a bit funny.
The roar of the submersible pump sounded, and Wang Hongcheng, who was covered in sweat, ran back to the podium: "leaders, please be patient. In about half an hour, expanded fuel will be produced."
“Scientist Wang, what scientific principle are you talking about? Can you introduce it to us?” Qin Tao said, “For example, write down the chemical equation of Hongcheng base liquid for us?”
Wang Hongcheng had a smile on his face: "I'm sorry, this is a business secret. I invented it after researching it more than 10,000 times. Before we signed the cooperation agreement, these were all secrets."
“Oh, it’s a trade secret, sorry.”
Wang Hongcheng looked confident: "You're welcome."
“Can the entire pool water be turned into expanded fuel? Will it be affected by other factors?”
“Of course! This experiment will definitely not fail.”
“Then we’ll wait for a miracle to happen.”
Time passed slowly. Wang Hongcheng turned off the power to the water pump, waited for a while, and then said: "Everyone, the time to witness the miracle is coming. I will go now..."
“Scientist Wang, can I go get it?”
“No, it’s too dangerous. What if you fall?”
"I'm not afraid."
“That’s not possible, let me do this kind of thing!”
“Okay, can you use this cup of mine?” Qin Tao said, drinking the water in the teacup serving the people in front of him, and then raising the teacup.
"Can."
Wang Hongcheng took Qin Tao's tea cup and walked to the side of the swimming pool, then bent down and scooped up a cup from the gap in the opened plastic film.
“Leaders, this is the expanded fuel I invented. It has changed from water to high-quality fuel. Now, let me ignite it.”
The water cup was placed in front of the rostrum, with several fire extinguishers prepared next to it just in case. Wang Hongcheng held a lighter and confidently approached the mouth of the cup.
While everyone was watching, the flame of the lighter came close to the fuel, and then, the flame went out!
Wang Hongcheng's complexion changed.
(End of this chapter)