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The Reduction of Lunar Regolith by Carbothermal Processing Using MethaneThe processing of lunar regolith for the production of oxygen is a key component of the In-Situ Resource Utilization plans Currently being developed by NASA. In the carbothermal process, a portion of the surface of the regolith in a container is heated by exposure to a heat source so that a small zone of molten regolith is established. A continuous flow of methane is maintained over the molten regolith zone. In this paper, we discuss the development of a chemical conversion model of the carbothermal process to predict the rate of production of carbon monoxide. Our model is based on a mechanism where methane pyrolyzes when it comes in contact with the surface of the hot molten regolith to form solid carbon and hydrogen gas. Carbon is deposited on the surface of the melt, and hydrogen is released into the gas stream above the melt surface. We assume that the deposited carbon mixes in the molten regolith and reacts with metal oxides in a reduction reaction by which gaseous carbon monoxide is liberated. Carbon monoxide bubbles through the melt and is released into the gas stream. It is further processed downstream to ultimately produce oxygen.
Document ID
20110002889
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Balasubramaniam, R.
(National Center for Space Exploration Research on Fluids and Combustion Cleveland, OH, United States)
Hegde, U.
(National Center for Space Exploration Research on Fluids and Combustion Cleveland, OH, United States)
Gokoglu, S.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
September 15, 2010
Publication Information
Publication: International Journal of Mineral Processing
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0301-7516
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
E17503-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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