In-situ methane propellant production apparatus and method for application on the surface of mars

Abstract

The application provides a device and a method for in-situ preparation of methane propellant applied to a Mars surface. The device for in-situ preparation of methane propellant comprises a gas distribution system, a reaction gas pretreatment system, a Sabatier reaction system and a product collection system. The gas distribution system is used for conveying carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas prepared on the Mars surface to the reaction gas pretreatment system after pretreatment; the reaction gas pretreatment system is used for mixing and heating the carbon dioxide and the hydrogen gas to form preheated mixed reaction gas and conveying the preheated mixed reaction gas to the Sabatier reaction system; the Sabatier reaction system is used for generating methane and water through a Sabatier reaction of the preheated mixed reaction gas, and the Sabatier reaction system comprises a Sabatier reactor and a circulating air assembly for stabilizing a temperature field in the Sabatier reactor; and the product collection system is used for separating and collecting the methane and the water generated through the Sabatier reaction. The Sabatier reactor is equipped with the circulating air assembly for stabilizing the temperature field in the Sabatier reactor, so that the Sabatier reactor has a stable temperature field and a flow field under different reaction gas flow rates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of Mars exploration technology, specifically, it relates to an in-situ preparation device and method for methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars. Background Technology

[0002] In Mars exploration missions, propellant accounts for the vast majority of the spacecraft's mass. For every additional kilogram of supplies transported to Mars, the spacecraft's mass increases by 226 kilograms upon launch from Earth. Therefore, the development of in-situ propellant preparation technology for Mars missions is particularly urgent to meet the needs of both recoverable and manned Mars exploration missions.

[0003] After years of development, the Sabatier reaction (carbon dioxide hydrogenation methanation) has gradually become the mainstream technology for in-situ propellant production on Mars. According to NASA calculations, manned Mars missions require the production of 7 tons of methane propellant using the Sabatier reaction within 16 months. Considering that the Sabatier reaction is a typical strongly exothermic gas-solid phase catalytic process, the production of tons of methane can easily lead to the disordered release of reaction heat and localized heat accumulation in the catalyst bed, causing bed runaway and reducing carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency. Therefore, Sabatier reactors applied to the Martian surface must not only meet the requirement of adjustable methane production scale for different mission needs but also possess stable temperature and flow fields at different flow rates. Furthermore, the complex environment of the Martian surface places even higher demands on Sabatier reactors.

[0004] Traditional Sabatier reactors use an electric furnace with heating wires to heat a single fixed-bed reaction tube. The varying distances between the catalyst bed and the heating wires within the tube lead to uneven heating, affecting the carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency. Furthermore, traditional Sabatier reactors struggle to adjust the methane production scale by changing the number of reaction tubes. When increasing the methane production scale is required, the only solution is to increase the feed gas flow rate, which often disrupts the flow and temperature fields within the reactor, causing localized heat accumulation and catalyst bed overheating. Even more seriously, traditional Sabatier reactors lack cooling equipment, leaving them without effective countermeasures when the catalyst bed temperature becomes too high and cooling of the reaction tube is necessary.

[0005] It should be understood that this background section is intended to provide some useful context for understanding the art. However, this background section may also include ideas, concepts, or knowledge that were not part of what a person skilled in the art knew or understood prior to the relevant valid application date of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome at least the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an in-situ methane propellant preparation device for use on the surface of Mars. It aims to equip the Sabatier reactor with a circulating air component for stabilizing the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor, so that the Sabatier reactor can have a stable temperature field and flow field under different reaction gas flow rates. This solves the problems of disordered release of reaction heat, disordered temperature field and flow field that reduce carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency in traditional Sabatier devices, especially the lack of effective countermeasures when catalyst bed overheating and reaction tube cooling are required.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] An in-situ methane propellant preparation device for use on the surface of Mars includes a gas distribution system, a reactant gas pretreatment system, a Sabatier reaction system, and a product collection system;

[0010] The gas distribution system is used to transport carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the surface of Mars to the reaction gas pretreatment system after pretreatment.

[0011] The reaction gas pretreatment system is used to mix and heat carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a preheated mixed reaction gas, and then deliver the preheated mixed reaction gas to the Sabatier reaction system.

[0012] The Sabatier reaction system is used to generate methane and water from preheated mixed reaction gas through the Sabatier reaction. The Sabatier reaction system includes a Sabatier reactor and a circulating air assembly for stabilizing the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor.

[0013] The product collection system is used to separate and collect the methane and water produced by the Sabatier reaction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the Sabatier reactor includes an insulated box having a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet in communication with the circulating air assembly;

[0015] The insulated box is equipped with a mixed reaction gas distributor and a product collector.

[0016] One end of the mixed reaction gas distributor is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system via a mixed reaction gas main pipe, and the other end has multiple outlets;

[0017] One end of the product collector is connected to the product collection system via a product main pipe, and the other end has multiple inlets;

[0018] The multiple outlets and multiple inlets are connected one-to-one with multiple Sabatier reaction tubes and blind heads in a preset layout, and each of the Sabatier reaction tubes is provided with a catalyst bed.

[0019] In some embodiments, a circulating air distributor is provided above the mixed reaction gas distributor and / or below the product collector, the circulating air distributor being used to ensure that the circulating air entering the insulated box through the circulating air inlet passes evenly through the gaps between multiple Sabatier reaction tubes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the circulating air assembly includes a circulating air duct, on which a circulating air blower is mounted, and the two ends of the circulating air duct are respectively connected to the circulating air inlet and the circulating air outlet;

[0021] The circulating air duct is also equipped with a circulating air heater and a circulating air cooler for regulating the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the insulation box.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the Sabatier reaction tube ranges from 2 cm to 10 cm, and the length of the Sabatier reaction tube ranges from 20 cm to 100 cm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the gas distribution system includes a carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline, a hydrogen gas distribution pipeline, and a nitrogen gas distribution pipeline;

[0024] The carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline is used to transport carbon dioxide captured on the Martian surface as a reactant gas to the reactant gas pretreatment system.

[0025] The hydrogen distribution pipeline is used to transport hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water on the surface of Mars as a reaction gas to the reaction gas pretreatment system.

[0026] The nitrogen distribution pipeline is used to transport nitrogen captured on the Martian surface as a purge gas to the reaction gas pretreatment system, the Sabatier reaction system, and the product collection system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the reaction gas pretreatment system includes a reaction gas mixer and a mixed reaction gas preheater;

[0028] The reaction gas mixer is used to premix carbon dioxide and hydrogen, so that carbon dioxide and hydrogen form a uniform mixed reaction gas.

[0029] The mixed reaction gas preheater is used to preheat the carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixture to the start-up temperature required by the Sabatier reaction system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the product collection system includes a product main pipe, a product separation component, a methane collector, and a water collector.

[0031] The product pipeline is connected to the Sabatier reactor to receive the generated mixture of methane and water;

[0032] The product separation component is used to condense the gaseous water in the product main pipe into liquid water, while keeping the methane in a gaseous state.

[0033] The water collector is connected to the product separation assembly and receives liquid water;

[0034] The methane collector is connected to the product separation assembly and receives gaseous methane.

[0035] In some embodiments, the product separation assembly includes a product cooler and a product separator;

[0036] The product cooler includes a cold storage box surrounding the main product pipe. The side wall of the cold storage box is a sandwich structure for containing circulating cooling water. The sandwich structure is connected to a circulating cooling water pipe. A circulating water storage tank and a circulating water cooler are installed on the circulating cooling water pipe.

[0037] The product separator is used to receive liquid water and gaseous methane. The bottom of the product separator is connected to the water collector, and the top of the product separator is connected to the methane collector.

[0038] This invention also provides a method for in-situ preparation of methane propellant for use on the surface of Mars, employing the in-situ methane propellant preparation apparatus for use on the surface of Mars as described above, comprising:

[0039] The circulating air assembly maintains the ambient temperature of the Sabatier reactor at the start-up temperature required for the Sabatier reaction.

[0040] The carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the surface of Mars are pretreated and then transported to the reaction gas pretreatment system through the gas distribution system.

[0041] The preheated mixed reaction gas, formed by mixing and heating carbon dioxide and hydrogen through the reaction gas pretreatment system, is then transported to the Sabatier reactor for the Sabatier reaction to produce methane and water. At the same time, the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor is stabilized by the circulating air assembly.

[0042] The methane and water produced by the Sabatier reaction are separated and collected using the product collection system.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0044] 1. The in-situ methane propellant preparation device for the surface of Mars provided by this invention, by equipping the Sabatier reactor with a circulating air component for stabilizing the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor, can ensure that the Sabatier reactor has a stable temperature field and flow field under different reaction gas flow rates. This solves the problems of disordered release of reaction heat, disordered temperature field and flow field reducing carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency in traditional Sabatier devices, especially the lack of effective countermeasures when catalyst bed overheating and reaction tube cooling are required.

[0045] 2. This invention uses modular design for each system of the in-situ methane propellant preparation device, which facilitates the construction and maintenance of the integrated in-situ methane propellant preparation device, integrates equipment with different functional modules, expands the device's functionality, and also facilitates the mass production of the equipment.

[0046] 3. This invention uses a gas distribution system to purify and temperature-regulate carbon dioxide and hydrogen, thereby reducing the impact of impurity gases in the complex Martian environment on the Sabatier reaction and improving the adaptability of the in-situ methane propellant preparation device to the complex Martian environment.

[0047] 4. This invention adds a reactant gas pretreatment system between the gas distribution system and the Sabatier reaction system to mix and heat carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a preheated mixed reactant gas, thereby increasing the degree of mixing of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This is especially beneficial when large-scale preparation of methane propellants requires an increase in reactant gas flow rate, thus reducing the impact of the degree of reactant gas mixing on the carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency.

[0048] 5. This invention utilizes the strong permeability of circulating air gas to maintain a high level of heat exchange efficiency between circulating air gas and Sabatier reactor tubes at different methane production scales. This reduces the impact of methane production scale on the temperature field of the Sabatier reactor and catalyst bed, effectively solving the problem of lack of effective measures when traditional Sabatier reactor tubes need cooling. At the same time, the tube-like arrangement of Sabatier reactor tubes effectively suppresses catalyst bed temperature runaway.

[0049] 6. The present invention, through the setting of the mixed reaction gas distributor and the product collector, evenly disperses the reaction gas in the mixed reaction gas main pipe to each Sabatier reaction tube, effectively dispersing the Sabatier reaction amount and the heat generated by the reaction; especially when the scale of methane preparation is expanded by increasing the number of Sabatier reaction tubes, the setting of the mixed reaction gas distributor ensures that the reaction scale of each Sabatier reaction tube remains basically unchanged.

[0050] 7. This invention determines the layout of the number and size of Sabatier reactor tubes by using Sabatier reaction heat calculation results and process simulation results, providing a scientific basis for stabilizing the temperature and flow fields of Sabatier reactor tubes and catalyst beds, as well as for the optimized design of the integrated Sabatier reactor device.

[0051] 8. This invention uses a tubular arrangement of Sabatier reactor tubes to evenly distribute the mixed reaction gas and reaction heat, avoiding the accumulation of reaction heat in a single large reaction tube. Combined with temperature-adjustable circulating air, the strong penetration and heat exchange capacity of the circulating air are used to promptly provide or remove heat from the Sabatier reactor tubes and catalyst bed, stabilizing the temperature field of the Sabatier reactor tubes and catalyst bed, and keeping the overall temperature of the Sabatier reactor stable at a low temperature.

[0052] 9. By adjusting the relative number of blind heads and Sabatier reaction tubes, this invention can conveniently increase or decrease the number of Sabatier reaction tubes, facilitating the adjustment of the Sabatier reaction scale and methane production capacity. Combined with the modular design of the in-situ methane propellant preparation device, it theoretically breaks through the limitations of traditional Sabatier reaction tubes on reaction scale.

[0053] 10. This invention utilizes the difference in liquefaction temperatures of methane and water to separate methane and water in the product, thereby increasing the separation efficiency of methane and water and effectively improving the purity and yield of methane.

[0054] 11. This invention effectively removes residual gas in the preparation device by purging with inert gas, reducing the influence of impurity gas on the Sabatier reaction. After the reaction is completed and the device is cooled down, purging with inert gas can effectively reduce the cooling time of the device.

[0055] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The accompanying drawings, as a system of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an in-situ methane propellant preparation device for use on the surface of Mars, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas distribution system provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reaction gas pretreatment system provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the Sabatier reaction system provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a product collection system provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an in-situ preparation method of methane propellant for use on the surface of Mars, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] In the diagram: 100, in-situ preparation device for methane propellant;

[0064] 10. Gas distribution system; 11. Carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline; 111. Carbon dioxide temperature sensor; 112. Carbon dioxide valve; 113. Carbon dioxide purifier; 114. Carbon dioxide mass flow meter; 115. Carbon dioxide check valve; 116. Carbon dioxide supply system; 12. Hydrogen gas distribution pipeline; 121. Hydrogen temperature sensor; 122. Hydrogen valve; 123. Hydrogen purifier; 124. Hydrogen mass flow meter; 125. Hydrogen check valve; 126. Hydrogen supply system; 13. Nitrogen gas distribution pipeline; 131. Nitrogen temperature sensor; 132. Nitrogen valve; 133. Nitrogen purifier; 134. Nitrogen mass flow meter; 135. Nitrogen check valve; 136. Nitrogen supply system;

[0065] 20. Reactant gas pretreatment system; 21. Reactant gas mixer; 211. Pressure gauge for reactant gas mixer; 22. Mixed reactant gas preheater; 23. Temperature monitoring and control system; 24. Mixed gas pipeline; 241. Outlet pressure gauge;

[0066] 30. Sabatier reaction system; 31. Sabatier reactor; 311. Insulation box; 312. Mixed reaction gas main pipe; 3121. Reactor pressure gauge; 313. Mixed reaction gas distributor; 314. Mixed reaction gas single pipe; 3141. Interface; 315. Sabatier reaction single pipe; 3151. Catalyst bed; 3152. Temperature acquisition device; 316. Blind end; 317. Product collector; 318. Sabatier reactor upper integrated cover; 319. Sabatier reactor lower integrated cover; 320. Circulating air distributor; 32. Circulating air assembly; 321. Circulating air duct; 3211. Circulating air pressure gauge; 322. Circulating air blower; 323. Circulating air heater; 324. Circulating air cooler; 325. Circulating air flow meter; 327. Circulating air temperature monitor; 328. Temperature display instrument; 329. Transformer;

[0067] 40. Product collection system; 41. Product main pipe; 411. Product pressure gauge; 42. Product separation component; 421. Product cooler; 4211. Cold storage box; 4212. Circulating cooling water pipe; 4213. Circulating water storage tank; 4214. Circulating water cooler; 4215. Circulating water supply device; 4216. Circulating water flow meter; 4217. Circulating water valve; 4218. Inlet pipe; 4219. Outlet pipe; 422. Product separator; 4221. First methane valve; 4222. Gas pressure gauge; 4223. Water valve; 43. Methane collector; 431. Methane pressure gauge; 432. Second methane valve.

[0068] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0070] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0071] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] Figure 1 The structure of an in-situ methane propellant preparation apparatus 100 for use on the surface of Mars, provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the in-situ methane propellant preparation device 100 includes a gas distribution system 10, a reactant gas pretreatment system 20, a Sabatier reaction system 30, and a product collection system 40. The gas distribution system 10 is used to pretreat carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the Martian surface and then transport them to the reactant gas pretreatment system 20. The reactant gas pretreatment system 20 is used to mix and heat carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a preheated mixed reactant gas, and then transport the preheated mixed reactant gas to the Sabatier reaction system 30. The Sabatier reaction system 30 is used to generate methane and water from the preheated mixed reactant gas through a Sabatier reaction. The Sabatier reaction system 30 includes a Sabatier reactor 31 and a circulating air assembly 32 for stabilizing the temperature field within the Sabatier reactor 31. The product collection system 40 is used to separate and collect the methane and water generated by the Sabatier reaction.

[0074] All of the above systems adopt a modular design. See below for reference. Figures 2 to 5 The functions and coordination of the four systems—gas distribution system 10, reaction gas pretreatment system 20, Sabatier reaction system 30, and product collection system 40—are described respectively.

[0075] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a gas distribution system 10 provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] like Figure 2As shown, the gas distribution system 10 includes a carbon dioxide distribution pipeline 11, a hydrogen distribution pipeline 12, and a nitrogen distribution pipeline 13. The carbon dioxide distribution pipeline 11 is used to transport carbon dioxide captured from the Martian surface as a reactant gas to the reactant gas pretreatment system 20. The hydrogen distribution pipeline 12 is used to transport hydrogen produced from the Martian surface through water electrolysis as a reactant gas to the reactant gas pretreatment system 20. The nitrogen distribution pipeline 13 is used to transport nitrogen captured from the Martian surface as a purge gas to the reactant gas pretreatment system 20, the Sabatier reaction system 30, and the product collection system 40.

[0077] In some embodiments, one end of the carbon dioxide distribution pipeline 11 is connected to the carbon dioxide supply system 116, and the other end is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system 20. A carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111, a carbon dioxide valve 112, a carbon dioxide purifier 113, a carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114, and a carbon dioxide one-way valve 115 are sequentially installed on the carbon dioxide distribution pipeline 11. One end of the hydrogen distribution pipeline 12 is connected to the hydrogen supply system 126, and the other end is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system 20. A hydrogen temperature sensor 121, a hydrogen valve 122, a hydrogen purifier 123, a hydrogen mass flow meter 124, and a hydrogen one-way valve 125 are sequentially installed on the hydrogen distribution pipeline 12. One end of the nitrogen distribution pipeline 13 is connected to the nitrogen supply system 136, and the other end is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system 20. The nitrogen gas distribution pipeline 13 is equipped with a nitrogen temperature sensor 131, a nitrogen valve 132, a nitrogen purifier 133, a nitrogen mass flow meter 134, and a nitrogen one-way valve 135 in sequence.

[0078] Among them, carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111, hydrogen temperature sensor 121, and nitrogen temperature sensor 131 are used to monitor the temperature of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen in the gas distribution system 10 in real time, so as to avoid the impact of the low temperature environment on the Martian surface on the Sabatier reactor, especially the catalyst bed 3151 and the performance of the catalyst, and improve the adaptability of the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100 to the low temperature environment on the Martian surface. The measuring range of carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111, hydrogen temperature sensor 121, and nitrogen temperature sensor 131 can be selected from 0°C to 100°C.

[0079] Carbon dioxide valve 112 is used to control the opening and closing of carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline 11, hydrogen valve 122 is used to control the opening and closing of hydrogen gas distribution pipeline 12, and nitrogen valve 132 is used to control the opening and closing of nitrogen gas distribution pipeline 13. This can increase the controllability of the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100.

[0080] Carbon dioxide purifier 113 is used to purify carbon dioxide in carbon dioxide distribution line 11, hydrogen purifier 123 is used to purify hydrogen in hydrogen distribution line 12, and nitrogen purifier 133 is used to purify nitrogen in nitrogen distribution line 13. This configuration reduces the impact of impurity gases on the Sabatier reaction efficiency and enhances the adaptability of the in-situ methane propellant preparation device 100 to the actual Martian surface environment.

[0081] Carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114 and hydrogen mass flow meter 124 are used to detect the flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, respectively. This allows the methane propellant in-situ preparation unit 100 to adjust the relative ratio of carbon dioxide and hydrogen according to the flow rate, thereby improving the reaction efficiency of the Sabatier reaction. Nitrogen mass flow meter 134 is used to detect the flow rate of nitrogen. This allows the methane propellant in-situ preparation unit 100 to adjust the nitrogen flow rate according to the flow rate, improving the equipment purging effect and reducing the equipment cooling time after the reaction. The flow rates of carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114, hydrogen mass flow meter 124, and nitrogen mass flow meter 134 can be selected from 0 L / h to 1000 L / h.

[0082] The carbon dioxide check valve 115, hydrogen check valve 125, and nitrogen check valve 135 are used to prevent the backflow of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen, thereby improving the safety of the in-situ methane propellant preparation device 100.

[0083] It should be noted that the carbon dioxide supply system 116 can be a capture system for directly capturing carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere. The hydrogen supply system 126 can be a water electrolysis system, which uses water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The nitrogen supply system 136 can also be a capture system for directly capturing nitrogen from the Martian atmosphere.

[0084] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a reaction gas pretreatment system 20 provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the reaction gas pretreatment system 20 includes a reaction gas mixer 21 and a mixed reaction gas preheater 22. The reaction gas mixer 21 is used to premix carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a homogeneous mixed reaction gas. The mixed reaction gas preheater 22 is used to preheat the carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixture to the required start-up temperature of the Sabatier reaction system 30.

[0086] As an example, the reaction gas mixer 21 has three gas inlets and one gas outlet. The three gas inlets are respectively connected to a carbon dioxide distribution line 11, a hydrogen distribution line 12, and a nitrogen distribution line 13. The gas outlet is connected to a mixed gas line 24.

[0087] The mixed reaction gas preheater 22 can heat the mixed gas pipeline 24 to preheat the carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixture, maintaining it at the start-up temperature required for the Sabatier reaction. This increases the kinetic energy of the carbon dioxide and hydrogen molecules, enhances the mixing degree of the mixed reaction gas, and reduces the impact of the low temperature of the reaction gas on the temperature field of the Sabatier reactor 31.

[0088] The power range of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 can be selected from 2 kW to 10 kW. The mixed reaction gas preheater 22 is connected to a temperature monitoring and control system 23, which can adjust the power of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 so that the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 has a heating temperature range of approximately 30°C to 300°C.

[0089] The processing capacity of the reaction gas mixer 21 can be selected from 0 L / h to 2000 L / h. A pressure gauge 211 is installed on the reaction gas mixer 21 to monitor the gas state inside the mixer 21, facilitating the determination of whether the gas flow within the mixer 21 is unobstructed. The range of the pressure gauge 211 can be selected from 0 MPa to 20 MPa.

[0090] The outlet of the mixed gas pipeline 24 is connected to the Sabatier reaction system 30. An outlet pressure gauge 241 is installed at the outlet of the mixed gas pipeline 24 to monitor the gas state in the mixed gas pipeline 24, so as to determine whether the gas line between the reaction gas pretreatment system 20 and the Sabatier reaction system 30 is unobstructed.

[0091] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the Sabatier reaction system 30 provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the Sabatier reaction system 30 includes a Sabatier reactor 31 and a circulating air assembly 32 for stabilizing the temperature field within the Sabatier reactor 31.

[0093] The Sabatier reactor 31 includes an insulated box 311, which has a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet connected to the circulating air assembly 32. The insulated box 311 contains a mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and a product collector 317. One end of the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system 20 via a mixed reaction gas main pipe 312, and the other end has multiple outlets. One end of the product collector 317 is connected to the product collection system 40 via a product main pipe 41, and the other end has multiple inlets. Multiple Sabatier reaction tubes 315 and blind ends 316 are connected in a predetermined layout, corresponding one-to-one with the multiple outlets and inlets. Each Sabatier reaction tube 315 contains a catalyst bed 3151.

[0094] Specifically, the insulation box 311 is used to stabilize the temperature field of the Sabatier reactor single tube 315 and its surrounding environment, suppress heat exchange between the insulation box 311 and the surrounding environment, and reduce the impact of the high temperature of the Sabatier reactor 31 on surrounding equipment. The sidewall of the insulation box 311 is, for example, an inner and outer shell sandwiched together, with the sandwich filled with insulating material, which can be a vacuum insulation panel. The operating temperature range of the insulation box 311 is 0°C to 1000°C.

[0095] The main mixing gas pipe 312 passes through the side wall of the insulated box 311 and connects to the outlet of the mixing gas pipeline 24 of the reaction gas pretreatment system 20. A reactor pressure gauge 3121 is installed on the main mixing gas pipe 312 to monitor the gas flow status within the Sabatier reactor 31, facilitating the determination of whether the gas lines within the Sabatier reactor 31 are functioning correctly. The range of the reactor pressure gauge 3121 can be selected from 0 MPa to 20 MPa.

[0096] In some embodiments, multiple outlets of the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and multiple inlets of the product collector 317 are respectively connected to multiple mixed reaction gas single tubes 314, and multiple Sabatier reaction single tubes 315 and blind heads 316 are connected to the mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 in a preset layout.

[0097] In the above scheme, the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 is used to evenly distribute the gas in the mixed reaction gas main pipe 312 into each mixed reaction gas single pipe 314, and then flow into the Sabatier reaction single pipe 315, thereby improving the stability of the flow field in the Sabatier reactor 31, avoiding the impact of increasing or decreasing the number of Sabatier reaction single pipes 315 on the Sabatier reaction, and ensuring the Sabatier reaction efficiency of the Sabatier reaction system 30 under different reaction amounts.

[0098] The number of the mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 is designed to be 0 to 100, and the processing capacity of the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 is 0 to 3000 L / h.

[0099] The blind head 316 is used to block the interface 3141 of a single mixed reactant gas tube 314. Preferably, the blind head 316 and the Sabatier reaction tube 315 have the same thread and can be threadedly connected to the interface 3141 of the mixed reactant gas tube 314 to prevent the outflow of reactant gas from the interface 3141 of a specific mixed reactant gas tube 314. Moreover, by adjusting the relative number of blind heads 316 and Sabatier reaction tubes 315, the number of Sabatier reaction tubes 315 can be easily increased or decreased, facilitating the adjustment of the Sabatier reaction scale and the production capacity of methane propellant on the Martian surface.

[0100] The Sabatier reaction tube 315 is used to support the catalyst bed 3151 and the Sabatier reaction. Multiple Sabatier reaction tubes 315 are arranged in a tubular configuration within the insulation box 311. Theoretically, the number and size of the Sabatier reaction tubes 315 are not limited. Therefore, the Sabatier reactor 31 provided by this invention theoretically breaks through the limitations of traditional single Sabatier reaction tubes on the scale of methane production. The number and specific size of the Sabatier reaction tubes 315 can be determined using reaction heat calculation results and theoretical simulation results.

[0101] In some embodiments, each of the Sabatier reactor tubes 315 is equipped with a temperature acquisition device 3152 for acquiring the temperature of the catalyst bed 3151 within the Sabatier reactor tube 315, so that the temperature controller of the Sabatier reactor 31 adjusts the flow rate and temperature of the circulating air according to the acquired temperature.

[0102] As an example, the Sabatier reaction tube 315 is designed to have 2 to 100 tubes, with an inner diameter of 2 to 10 cm and a length of 20 to 100 cm. This elongated structure allows for a longer catalyst bed 3151, increasing the contact time between the mixed reactant gas and the catalyst, and improving the carbon dioxide-methane conversion efficiency.

[0103] The product collector 317 is used to collect the products from multiple Sabatier reaction tubes 315 and transport the collected products to the product collection system 40.

[0104] In some embodiments, an upper Sabatier reactor integrated hood 318 and a lower Sabatier reactor integrated hood 319 are disposed above the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and below the product collector 317 to fix the Sabatier reactor single tube 315. The upper Sabatier reactor integrated hood 318 and the lower Sabatier reactor integrated hood 319 are made of high-temperature resistant perforated metal material to allow circulating air to pass through the upper Sabatier reactor integrated hood 318 and the lower Sabatier reactor integrated hood 319 to stabilize the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor 31.

[0105] In some embodiments, a circulating air distributor 320 is provided above the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and / or below the product collector 317. The circulating air distributor 320 is used to ensure that the circulating air entering the insulated chamber 311 through the circulating air inlet passes evenly through the gaps between the multiple Sabatier reaction tubes 315. Optionally, the circulating air distributor 320 may also be made of a high-temperature resistant, perforated metal material.

[0106] As an example, the recirculating air distributor 320 is located within the recesses of the upper integrated shroud 318 and / or the lower integrated shroud 319 of the Sabatier reactor. The recirculating air distributor 320 is used to improve the uniformity of the distribution of recirculating air within the Sabatier reactor 31, thereby enhancing the stability of the Sabatier reactor tube 315 and the surrounding temperature field.

[0107] It should be noted that the aperture size of the holes on the circulating air distributor 320 and the aperture size of the holes on the upper integrated cover 318 and the lower integrated cover 319 of the Sabatier reactor can be set according to the actual situation, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0108] The circulating air assembly 32 includes a circulating air duct 321, on which a circulating air blower 322 is installed. The circulating air blower 322 has a power range of 2kW to 10kW and provides a circulating air flow rate range of 0L / h to 100L / h. The two ends of the circulating air duct 321 are connected to the circulating air inlet and the circulating air outlet, respectively. The circulating air duct 321 is also equipped with a circulating air heater 323 and a circulating air cooler 324 for regulating the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the insulation box 311.

[0109] In some embodiments, a circulating air pressure gauge 3211 is installed on the circulating air duct 321 to monitor the flow state of the gas inside the circulating air duct 321 and to determine whether the gas path of the circulating air is smooth. The range of the circulating air pressure gauge 3211 can be selected from 0 MPa to 20 MPa.

[0110] In some embodiments, a circulating air flow meter 325 is provided on the circulating air duct 321, so the circulating air flow rate in the circulating air duct 321 can be controlled by combining the circulating air blower 322 for providing kinetic energy to the circulating air and the circulating air flow meter 325.

[0111] The circulating air cooler 324 and the circulating air heater 323 are used to regulate the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the insulation box 311. The power range of the circulating air cooler 324 and the circulating air heater 323 can be selected between 2 kW and 10 kW. The circulating air cooler 324 can provide a cooling gas temperature between 0°C and 30°C, and the circulating air heater 323 can provide a heating gas temperature between 30°C and 1000°C.

[0112] In some embodiments, a circulating air temperature monitor 327 is also provided on the circulating air duct 321 to monitor the circulating air temperature. The circulating air temperature monitor 327 is also connected to the temperature controller of the Sabatier reactor 31 so that the temperature controller of the Sabatier reactor 31 works in conjunction with the temperature display 328 and the transformer 329 to stabilize the temperature inside the insulation box 311.

[0113] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a product collection system 40 provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the product collection system 40 includes a product main pipe 41, a product separation component 42, a methane collector 43, and a water collector (not shown).

[0115] The product main pipe 41 is connected to the Sabatier reactor 31 to receive the generated mixture of methane and water; the product separation component 42 is used to condense the gaseous water in the product main pipe 41 into liquid water and keep the methane in a gaseous state; the water collector is connected to the product separation component 42 to receive the liquid water; and the methane collector 43 is connected to the product separation component 42 to receive the gaseous methane.

[0116] A product pressure gauge 411 is installed on the product main pipe 41 to monitor the pressure changes inside the product main pipe 41, so as to determine whether the product main pipe 41 is unobstructed.

[0117] The product separation assembly 42 includes a product cooler 421 and a product separator 422. The product cooler 421 includes a cold storage box 4211 surrounding the main product pipe 41. The sidewall of the cold storage box 4211 is a jacketed structure for containing circulating cooling water. A circulating cooling water pipe 4212 is connected to the jacketed structure. A circulating water storage tank 4213 and a circulating water cooler 4214 are installed on the circulating cooling water pipe 4212. The product separator 422 receives liquid water and gaseous methane. The bottom of the product separator 422 is connected to the water collector, and the top of the product separator 422 is connected to the methane collector 43.

[0118] The circulating water storage device 4213 is used for the temporary storage of circulating water to prevent water shortage in the circulating water line due to leakage.

[0119] In some embodiments, the circulating cooling water pipe 4212 is also connected to a circulating water supply device 4215 for powering the circulating water and stabilizing the flow field of the circulating water. The circulating water supply device 4215 is connected to an inlet pipe 4218 and an outlet pipe 4219, and control valves are installed on the inlet pipe 4218 and the outlet pipe 4219 to control the on / off state of the inlet pipe 4218 and the outlet pipe 4219. As an example, the circulating water supply device 4215 can be connected to a water collector to fully utilize the reaction products.

[0120] A circulating water flow meter 4216 is also installed on the circulating cooling water pipe 4212 to monitor and regulate the flow rate of the circulating water. The flow rate range of the circulating water flow meter 4216 can be selected from 0L / min to 10L / min. A circulating water valve 4217 is also installed on the circulating cooling water pipe 4212 to control the opening and closing of the circulating water pipeline.

[0121] The power range of the circulating water cooler 4214 is between 2kW and 10kW, and the cooling water temperature range of the circulating water cooler 4214 can be selected from 0℃ to 30℃.

[0122] A first methane valve 4221 is installed on the connecting pipe between the top of the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43 to control the connection and disconnection of the connecting pipe. The methane collector 43 is used to collect and store the methane product of the Sabatier reaction. The methane collector 43 is connected to a methane pressure gauge 431 to monitor the pressure inside the methane collector 43. The methane collector 43 is also connected to a methane output pipe for discharging methane. A second methane valve 432 is installed on the methane output pipe to control the opening and closing of the methane output pipe. When the methane pressure gauge 431 shows that the methane pressure in the methane collector 43 exceeds a preset pressure, the second methane valve 432 can be opened to discharge the methane from the methane collector 43.

[0123] The product separator 422 is connected to a gas pressure gauge 4222 to monitor the pressure inside the product separator 422. A water valve 4223 is installed on the connecting pipe between the product separator 422 and the water collector to control the opening and closing of the connecting pipe.

[0124] The ranges of the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222, and methane pressure gauge 431 can be selected from 0 MPa to 20 MPa.

[0125] It should be noted that the valves described above in this invention can adopt the structure of ball valves commonly used in the art, and the product separator 422, water collector and methane collector 43 can adopt the structure of storage tanks commonly used in the art. This invention does not limit these aspects.

[0126] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of an in-situ preparation method for methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the process of in-situ preparation of methane propellant includes the following steps:

[0128] S210. The ambient temperature of the Sabatier reactor is maintained at the start-up temperature required for the Sabatier reaction by means of the circulating air assembly.

[0129] S220. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the surface of Mars are pretreated and then transported to the reaction gas pretreatment system through the gas distribution system.

[0130] S230. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen are mixed and heated by the reaction gas pretreatment system to form a preheated mixed reaction gas, which is then transported to the Sabatier reactor for the Sabatier reaction to produce methane and water. At the same time, the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor is stabilized by the circulating air assembly.

[0131] S240. The methane and water generated by the Sabatier reaction are separated and collected using the product collection system.

[0132] The following is combined Figures 1 to 6 This document details the process of in-situ preparation of methane propellant.

[0133] Before implementing the above-mentioned in-situ methane propellant preparation method using the methane propellant in-situ preparation apparatus 100, the relative number of Sabatier reaction tubes 315 and blind ends 316 is determined by using the calculation results of the Sabatier reaction heat and process simulation, and the determined number of Sabatier reaction tubes 315 and blind ends 316 are connected to the interface 3141 of the mixed reaction gas tube 314; then, the gas distribution system 10, the reaction gas pretreatment system 20, the Sabatier reaction system 30 and the product collection system 40 are connected in sequence.

[0134] Optionally, a nitrogen temperature sensor 131 is used to detect whether the nitrogen temperature in the nitrogen distribution pipeline 13 is normal. If the nitrogen temperature is within the normal range, the nitrogen valve 132 on the nitrogen distribution pipeline 13 is opened, and the nitrogen is purified by the nitrogen purifier 133. The nitrogen flow rate is then adjusted using a nitrogen mass flow meter 134, and the nitrogen flow rate in the methane output pipeline of the methane collector 43 is monitored to determine whether there is any blockage inside the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100. If there is no blockage, nitrogen is used for purging for a period of time to remove any remaining gases in the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100 before closing the nitrogen valve 132. If there is a blockage, the location of the blockage must be identified and eliminated, and then nitrogen is used for purging again until it is determined that there is no blockage inside the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100.

[0135] After completing the above preparations, in step S210, the ambient temperature of the Sabatier reactor 31 is maintained at the start-up temperature required for the Sabatier reaction by means of the circulating air assembly 32.

[0136] Specifically, the circulating air blower 322 on the circulating air duct 321 is turned on. The circulating air pressure gauge 3211 is used to determine whether the entire circulating air assembly 32 is unobstructed. The airflow of the circulating air blower 322 is adjusted according to the reading of the circulating air flow meter 325. Based on the temperature collected by the temperature acquisition device 3152 configured for the Sabatier reactor tube 315, the power of the circulating air cooler 324 and the circulating air heater 323 is adjusted via the transformer 329. The circulating air temperature is measured using the circulating air temperature monitor 327. The circulating air is kept circulating for a period of time to stabilize the temperature of the catalyst bed 3151 in the Sabatier reactor tube 315 within the preset temperature range. It should be noted that, to avoid high temperatures affecting the activity of the catalyst, the catalyst bed 3151 should be stabilized at a specific lower temperature in this step.

[0137] Then, the power supply to the preheater 22 of the mixed reaction gas is turned on in advance to raise the temperature of the heating tube to the temperature required for the Sabatier reaction to start, and it is maintained for a period of time. Meanwhile, the circulating water valve 4217, circulating water supply device 4215, and circulating water cooler 4214 of the circulating cooling water pipe 4212 in the product collection system 40 are opened, the power of the circulating water cooler 4214 is adjusted, and the circulating water flow rate is adjusted according to the data detected by the circulating water flow meter 4216 to lower the temperature of the circulating water and maintain it for a period of time to ensure that the water produced by the Sabatier reaction can be condensed. The first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43 is opened, the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422 is closed, and the second methane valve 432 on the right side of the methane collector 43 is opened. The pressure readings of the product main pipe 41, product separator 422, and methane collector 43 are monitored in real time using the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222, and methane pressure gauge 431.

[0138] After completing the above preparations, in step S220, the carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the surface of Mars are pretreated and then transported to the reaction gas pretreatment system 20 through the gas distribution system 10.

[0139] Specifically, the carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111 and the hydrogen temperature sensor 121 are used to detect whether the temperatures of carbon dioxide and hydrogen are normal. If the temperatures of carbon dioxide and hydrogen are within the normal range, the carbon dioxide valve 112 and the hydrogen valve 122 are opened. After the carbon dioxide and hydrogen are purified by the carbon dioxide purifier 113 and the hydrogen purifier 123, the carbon dioxide flow rate is adjusted according to the detection data of the carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114, and at the same time, the hydrogen flow rate is adjusted to four times the carbon dioxide flow rate using the hydrogen mass flow meter 124. Subsequently, the carbon dioxide and hydrogen enter the nitrogen-purged reaction gas mixer 21 to form a uniform mixed reaction gas.

[0140] In step S230, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are mixed and heated by the reaction gas pretreatment system 20 to form a preheated mixed reaction gas, which is then transported to the Sabatier reactor 31 for the Sabatier reaction to produce methane and water. At the same time, the temperature field inside the Sabatier reactor 31 is stabilized by the circulating air assembly 32.

[0141] Specifically, the mixed reaction gas formed by carbon dioxide and hydrogen is preheated by the preheated mixed reaction gas preheater 22 and then enters the Sabatier reactor 31, which has had its temperature field stabilized by circulating air, in the heat preservation box 311. The mixed reaction gas is then evenly dispersed into the Sabatier reaction single tube 315 containing the catalyst bed 3151 through the mixed reaction gas main pipe 312, the mixed reaction gas distributor 313, and the mixed reaction gas single tube 314. Under the action of the catalyst, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methane and water. The generated methane and water are collected by the product collector 317 and then enter the product collection system 40.

[0142] In step S240, the methane and water generated by the Sabatier reaction are separated and collected by the product collection system 40.

[0143] Specifically, the methane and water produced by the Sabatier reactor 31 flow through the product main pipe 41 and then through the coolant tank 4211 of the product collection system 40. The water vapor in the coolant tank 4211, pre-cooled by circulating water, is condensed into a liquid state and stored at the bottom of the product separator 422. Gaseous methane enters the product separator 422 and is distributed at the top. The gaseous methane is then fed into and stored in the methane collector 43 via a pipe between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43.

[0144] After a period of time, the water in the product main pipe 41, the product separator 422, and the methane collector 43 are removed by real-time monitoring of the pressure readings through the product pressure gauge 411, the gas pressure gauge 4222, and the methane pressure gauge 431.

[0145] After the Sabatier reaction is complete, close the carbon dioxide control valve 112 and the hydrogen valve 122. After confirming that the flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen are zero using carbon dioxide mass flow meters 114 and 124, open the nitrogen valve 132. Adjust the nitrogen flow rate to the preset value using the data detected by the nitrogen mass flow meter 134. Turn off the power to the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 and the Sabatier reactor 31. Set the temperature of the reaction tube 315 in the Sabatier reactor 31 to a lower temperature and use the circulating air assembly 32 to quickly reduce the temperature of the reaction tube 315 to the set temperature. Turn off the power to the circulating water cooler 4214 of the product collection system 40; open the first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43; close the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422; and open the second methane valve 432 on the methane output pipeline.

[0146] Once all equipment temperatures have dropped to a lower level, close nitrogen valve 132 and shut off the main power supply to the integrated methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100.

[0147] This invention provides two embodiments of a method for preparing methane propellant by implementing an in-situ methane propellant preparation method using the above-described methane propellant in-situ preparation apparatus 100. See below for reference. Figures 1 to 6 These two embodiments will be described in detail.

[0148] Example 1

[0149] (1) Based on the calculated heat of reaction and the process simulation results, 12 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are installed on the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and the product collector 317 in the Sabatier reactor 31. Among them, 8 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are connected to 8 Sabatier reaction single tubes 315. The inner diameter of the Sabatier reaction single tube 315 is 2.5 cm and the length is 60 cm. The other 4 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are connected to blind heads 316. The ratio of mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 to blind heads 316 is 2:1. Subsequently, the gas distribution system 10, the reaction gas pretreatment system 20, the Sabatier reactor 31 system, and the product collection system 40 are connected in sequence.

[0150] (2) Use nitrogen temperature sensor 131 to test whether the nitrogen temperature is between 20℃ and 40℃. If the nitrogen temperature is within this range, open nitrogen valve 132, purify the nitrogen through nitrogen purifier 133, and adjust the nitrogen flow rate to 5L / min according to the detection data of nitrogen mass flow meter 134. Monitor whether the nitrogen flow rate in the methane output pipeline of methane collector 43 is consistent with the nitrogen flow rate detected by nitrogen mass flow meter 134. If the nitrogen flow rate in the methane output pipeline of methane collector 43 is consistent with the nitrogen flow rate detected by nitrogen mass flow meter 134, it indicates that there is no blockage in the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100. Continue to purge with nitrogen for a period of time to purge away any remaining gases in the device, and then close nitrogen valve 132.

[0151] (3) Turn on the circulating air blower 322 on the circulating air duct 321 and check if the reading of the circulating air pressure gauge 3211 is between 0.01MPa and 0.2MPa. If it is within this range, it indicates that the entire circulating air circuit is unobstructed. Adjust the circulating air flow rate to 10L / min using the circulating air blower 322 in conjunction with the circulating air flow meter 325. Adjust the power of the circulating air cooler 324 and the circulating air heater 323 using the transformer 329, and use the circulating air temperature monitor 327 to measure the circulating air temperature and adjust it to 270℃.

[0152] (4) The temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 is measured by the temperature acquisition device 3152 configured in the Sabatier reaction tube 315. The temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 is adjusted to 270°C. The circulating air is kept for a period of time to stabilize the temperature of the catalyst bed 3151 at 270°C.

[0153] (5) Turn on the power supply of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22, raise the temperature of the heating tube of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 to 260°C, and maintain it for 0.2 hours to 2 hours.

[0154] (6) Open the circulating cooling water pipe 4212, circulating water supply device 4215 and circulating water cooler 4214 in the product collection system 40, adjust the power of the circulating water cooler 4214 to 5kw, adjust the circulating water flow rate to 3L / min according to the data detected by the circulating water flow meter 4216, and adjust the temperature of the circulating water to 10℃; open the first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43, close the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422, open the second methane valve 432 on the right side of the methane collector 43, and monitor the pressure readings of the product main pipe 41, product separator 422 and methane collector 43 in real time using the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222 and methane pressure gauge 431.

[0155] (7) Use carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111 and hydrogen temperature sensor 121 to detect whether the temperature of carbon dioxide and hydrogen is between 20°C and 40°C. If the temperature of carbon dioxide and hydrogen is within the normal range, open carbon dioxide valve 112 and hydrogen valve 122. After carbon dioxide and hydrogen are purified by carbon dioxide purifier 113 and hydrogen purifier 123, adjust the flow rate of carbon dioxide to 120L / h according to the detection data of carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114. At the same time, use hydrogen mass flow meter 124 to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen to 4 times the flow rate of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen with the set flow rate enter the reaction gas mixer 21 that has been purged with nitrogen to form a uniform mixed reaction gas with a total gas flow rate of 600L / h.

[0156] (8) After being preheated by a preheater 22 at a stable temperature of 260°C, the mixed reaction gas enters the Sabatier reactor 31, whose temperature field has been stabilized by circulating air, within an insulated box 311. The gas then passes sequentially through a main mixing gas pipe 312, a mixing gas distributor 313, and a single mixing gas pipe 314. Finally, the 600 L / h flow rate of the mixed reaction gas in the main mixing gas pipe 312 is evenly distributed into eight Sabatier single reaction pipes 315 each containing a catalyst bed 3151. The flow rate of the mixed reaction gas in each Sabatier single pipe is 75 L / h. Through the action of the catalyst, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methane and water. The overall reaction temperature is stabilized below 300°C using circulating air. The methane and water produced by the Sabatier reaction are collected by a product collector 317 and then enter the product collection system 40.

[0157] (9) The methane and water produced by the Sabatier reactor 31 flow through the product main pipe 41 and then through the cold storage box 4211 of the product collection system 40. After being pre-cooled by circulating water, the temperature of the cold storage box 4211 is stabilized at 10°C, condensing the water vapor into liquid and storing it at the bottom of the product separator 422. The gaseous methane enters the product separator 422 and is distributed at the top of the product separator 422. The gaseous methane is then fed into the methane collector 43 through the pipe between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43 and stored in the methane collector 43.

[0158] (10) After 5 hours of real-time monitoring of the pressure readings of the product main pipe 41, product separator 422 and methane collector 43 by the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222 and methane pressure gauge 431, the water in the product separator 422 and the methane in the methane collector 43 are removed.

[0159] (11) After the Sabatier reaction is completed, close the carbon dioxide valve 112 and the hydrogen valve 122. After confirming that the flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen are zero using the carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114 and the hydrogen mass flow meter 124, open the nitrogen valve 132. Adjust the nitrogen flow rate to 5 L / min using the data detected by the nitrogen mass flow meter 134. Turn off the power to the preheater 22 of the mixed reaction gas and turn off the power to the Sabatier reactor 31. Set the temperature of the reaction tube 315 in the Sabatier reactor 31 to 30°C and use the circulating air assembly 32 to quickly lower the temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 to 30°C. Turn off the power to the circulating water cooler 4214 of the product collection system 40; open the first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43; close the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422; and open the second methane valve 432 on the methane output pipeline.

[0160] (12) After all equipment temperatures drop below 30°C, close nitrogen valve 132 and turn off the main power supply of methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100.

[0161] Example 2

[0162] (1) Based on the calculated heat of reaction and the process simulation results, 16 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are installed on the mixed reaction gas distributor 313 and the product collector 317 in the Sabatier reactor 31. Among them, 12 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are connected to 12 Sabatier reaction single tubes 315. The inner diameter of the Sabatier reaction single tube 315 is 2.5 cm and the length is 60 cm. The other 4 mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 are connected to blind heads 316. The ratio of mixed reaction gas single tubes 314 to blind heads 316 is 3:1. Subsequently, the gas distribution system 10, the reaction gas pretreatment system 20, the Sabatier reactor 31 system, and the product collection system 40 are connected in sequence.

[0163] (2) Use nitrogen temperature sensor 131 to test whether the nitrogen temperature is between 20℃ and 40℃. If the nitrogen temperature is within this range, open nitrogen valve 132 and purify the nitrogen through nitrogen purifier 133. Then, adjust the nitrogen flow rate to 8L / min based on the detection data of nitrogen mass flow meter 134. Monitor whether the nitrogen flow rate in the methane output pipeline of methane collector 43 is consistent with the nitrogen flow rate detected by nitrogen mass flow meter 134. If the nitrogen flow rate in the methane output pipeline of methane collector 43 is consistent with the nitrogen flow rate detected by nitrogen mass flow meter 134, it indicates that there is no blockage in the methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100. Continue to purge with nitrogen for a period of time to remove any remaining gases in the device, and then close nitrogen valve 132.

[0164] (3) Turn on the circulating air blower 322 on the circulating air duct 321 and check if the reading of the circulating air pressure gauge 3211 is between 0.01MPa and 0.2MPa. If it is within this range, it indicates that the entire circulating air circuit is unobstructed. Adjust the circulating air flow rate to 15L / min using the circulating air blower 322 in conjunction with the circulating air flow meter 325. Adjust the power of the circulating air cooler 324 and the circulating air heater 323 using the transformer 329, and use the circulating air temperature monitor 327 to measure the circulating air temperature and adjust it to 250℃.

[0165] (4) The temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 is measured by the temperature acquisition device 3152 configured in the Sabatier reaction tube 315. The temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 is adjusted to 250°C. The circulating air is kept for a period of time to stabilize the temperature of the catalyst bed 3151 at 250°C.

[0166] (5) Turn on the power supply of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22, raise the temperature of the heating tube of the mixed reaction gas preheater 22 to 230°C, and maintain it for 0.2 hours to 2 hours.

[0167] (6) Open the circulating cooling water pipe 4212, circulating water supply device 4215, and circulating water cooler 4214 in the product collection system 40. Adjust the power of the circulating water cooler 4214 to 5 kW. Adjust the circulating water flow rate to 4 L / min according to the data detected by the circulating water flow meter 4216. Adjust the temperature of the circulating water to 5 °C. Open the first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43. Close the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422. Open the second methane valve 432 on the right side of the methane collector 43. Use the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222, and methane pressure gauge 431 to monitor the pressure readings of the product main pipe 41, product separator 422, and methane collector 43 in real time. If the readings are between 0.01 MPa and 0.2 MPa, it indicates that the gas path for the in-situ preparation of the integral methane propellant is unobstructed.

[0168] (7) Use carbon dioxide temperature sensor 111 and hydrogen temperature sensor 121 to detect whether the temperature of carbon dioxide and hydrogen is between 20°C and 40°C. If the temperature of carbon dioxide and hydrogen is within the normal range, open carbon dioxide valve 112 and hydrogen valve 122. After carbon dioxide and hydrogen are purified by carbon dioxide purifier 113 and hydrogen purifier 123, adjust the carbon dioxide flow rate to 150 L / h according to the detection data of carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114. At the same time, use hydrogen mass flow meter 124 to adjust the hydrogen flow rate to 4 times the carbon dioxide flow rate. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen with the set flow rates enter the reaction gas mixer 21 that has been purged with nitrogen to form a uniform mixed reaction gas with a total gas flow rate of 750 L / h.

[0169] (8) After being preheated by a preheater 22 at a stable temperature of 230°C, the mixed reaction gas enters the Sabatier reactor 31, whose temperature field has been stabilized by circulating air, within an insulated box 311. The gas then passes sequentially through a main mixing gas pipe 312, a mixing gas distributor 313, and a single mixing gas pipe 314. Finally, the 750 L / h of mixed reaction gas in the main mixing gas pipe 312 is evenly distributed into 12 single Sabatier reaction pipes 315 each containing a catalyst bed 3151. The flow rate of the mixed reaction gas in each single Sabatier pipe is 62.5 L / h. Through the action of the catalyst, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methane and water. The overall reaction temperature is stabilized below 300°C using circulating air. The methane and water produced by the Sabatier reaction are collected by a product collector 317 and then enter the product collection system 40.

[0170] (9) The methane and water produced by the Sabatier reactor 31 flow through the product main pipe 41 and then through the cold storage box 4211 of the product collection system 40. After being pre-cooled by circulating water, the temperature of the cold storage box 4211 is stabilized at 5°C, condensing the water vapor into liquid and storing it at the bottom of the product separator 422. The gaseous methane enters the product separator 422 and is distributed at the top of the product separator 422. The gaseous methane is then fed into the methane collector 43 through the pipe between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43 and stored in the methane collector 43.

[0171] (10) After 5 hours of real-time monitoring of the pressure readings of the product main pipe 41, product separator 422 and methane collector 43 by the product pressure gauge 411, gas pressure gauge 4222 and methane pressure gauge 431, the water in the product separator 422 and the methane in the methane collector 43 are removed.

[0172] (11) After the Sabatier reaction is completed, close the carbon dioxide valve 112 and the hydrogen valve 122. After confirming that the flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen are zero using the carbon dioxide mass flow meter 114 and the hydrogen mass flow meter 124, open the nitrogen valve 132. Adjust the nitrogen flow rate to 8 L / min using the data detected by the nitrogen mass flow meter 134. Turn off the power to the preheater 22 of the mixed reaction gas and turn off the power to the Sabatier reactor 31. Set the temperature of the reaction tube 315 in the Sabatier reactor 31 to 30°C and use the circulating air assembly 32 to quickly lower the temperature of the Sabatier reaction tube 315 to 30°C. Turn off the power to the circulating water cooler 4214 of the product collection system 40. Open the first methane valve 4221 between the product separator 422 and the methane collector 43. Close the water valve 4223 at the bottom of the product separator 422 and open the second methane valve 432 on the methane output pipeline.

[0173] (12) After all equipment temperatures drop below 30°C, close nitrogen valve 132 and turn off the main power supply of methane propellant in-situ preparation device 100.

[0174] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for in-situ production of methane propellant for application to the surface of Mars, characterized in that, The device comprises a gas distribution system, a reaction gas pretreatment system, a Sabatier reaction system, and a product collection system. The gas distribution system is used to deliver the carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas produced on the surface of Mars to the reaction gas pretreatment system after pretreatment. The reaction gas pretreatment system is used to mix and heat the carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas to form preheated mixed reaction gas, and deliver the preheated mixed reaction gas to the Sabatier reaction system. The Sabatier reaction system is used to generate methane and water through the Sabatier reaction of the preheated mixed reaction gas, and comprises a Sabatier reactor and a circulating air assembly for stabilizing the temperature field in the Sabatier reactor. The product collection system is used to separate and collect the methane and water generated by the Sabatier reaction.

2. The device for in-situ production of methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars according to claim 1, wherein The Sabatier reactor comprises an insulation box having a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet communicating with the circulating air assembly. A mixed reaction gas distributor and a product collector are arranged in the insulation box. One end of the mixed reaction gas distributor is connected to the reaction gas pretreatment system through a mixed reaction gas main pipe, and the other end has a plurality of outlets. One end of the product collector is connected to the product collection system through a product main pipe, and the other end has a plurality of inlets. A plurality of Sabatier reaction single pipes and blind heads are connected in a one-to-one correspondence between the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets according to a preset layout mode, and a catalyst bed is arranged in each Sabatier reaction single pipe.

3. The device for in-situ production of methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars according to claim 2, wherein A circulating air distributor is arranged above the mixed reaction gas distributor and / or below the product collector, and is used to make the circulating air entering the insulation box through the circulating air inlet pass uniformly through the gaps between the plurality of Sabatier reaction single pipes.

4. The device for in-situ production of methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars according to claim 2, wherein The circulating air assembly comprises a circulating air pipeline having a circulating air blower arranged thereon, and the two ends of the circulating air pipeline are connected to the circulating air inlet and the circulating air outlet, respectively. A circulating air heater and a circulating air cooler are further arranged on the circulating air pipeline for regulating the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the insulation box.

5. The device for in-situ production of methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars according to claim 2, wherein The inner diameter of the Sabatier reaction single pipe ranges from 2 cm to 10 cm, and the length of the Sabatier reaction single pipe ranges from 20 cm to 100 cm.

6. The device for in-situ production of methane propellant applied to the surface of Mars according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The gas distribution system comprises a carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline, a hydrogen gas distribution pipeline and a nitrogen gas distribution pipeline; The carbon dioxide gas distribution pipeline is used to transport the carbon dioxide captured on the surface of Mars as a reaction gas to the reaction gas pretreatment system; The hydrogen gas distribution pipeline is used to transport the hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis of water on the surface of Mars as a reaction gas to the reaction gas pretreatment system; The nitrogen gas distribution pipeline is used to transport the nitrogen gas captured on the surface of Mars as a purge gas to the reaction gas pretreatment system, the Sabatier reaction system and the product collection system.

7. The in-situ methane propellant production device applied to the surface of Mars according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The reaction gas pretreatment system comprises a reaction gas mixer and a mixed reaction gas pre-heater; The reaction gas mixer is used to realize the premixing of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, so that carbon dioxide and hydrogen form a uniform mixed reaction gas; The mixed reaction gas pre-heater is used to realize the preheating of the carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixed gas, and the carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixed gas is preheated to the start-up temperature required by the Sabatier reaction system.

8. The in-situ methane propellant production device applied to the surface of Mars according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The product collection system comprises a product main pipe, a product separation assembly, a methane collector and a water collector, The product main pipe is connected with the Sabatier reactor to receive the mixture of generated methane and water; The product separation assembly is used to condense gaseous water in the product main pipe into liquid water, and to keep methane in a gaseous state; The water collector is connected with the product separation assembly to receive liquid water; The methane collector is connected with the product separation assembly to receive gaseous methane.

9. The in-situ methane propellant production device applied to the surface of Mars according to claim 8, characterized in that: The product separation assembly comprises a product cooler and a product separator; The product cooler comprises a cold insulation tank surrounding the product main pipe, the side wall of the cold insulation tank is a sandwich structure containing circulating cooling water, a circulating cooling water pipe is connected to the sandwich structure, and a circulating water reservoir and a circulating water cooler are arranged on the circulating cooling water pipe; The product separator is used to receive liquid water and gaseous methane, the bottom of the product separator is connected with the water collector, and the top of the product separator is connected with the methane collector.

10. A method for in-situ production of a methane propellant for application to the surface of Mars using a device for in-situ production of a methane propellant for application to the surface of Mars according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, comprises: The ambient temperature of the Sabatier reactor is maintained at the start-up temperature required by the Sabatier reaction through the circulating air assembly; The carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced on the surface of Mars are pretreated and then transported to the reaction gas pretreatment system through the gas distribution system; The carbon dioxide and hydrogen are mixed and heated to form a preheated mixed reaction gas, which is then transported to the Sabatier reactor for Sabatier reaction to generate methane and water, and the temperature field in the Sabatier reactor is stabilized through the circulating air assembly; Separating and collecting the methane and water produced by the Sabatier reaction through the product collection system.

Images