Testing system and method for vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil

Abstract

The present invention discloses a test system and test method for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing stellar soil, which belongs to the field of vacuum thermal sublimation simulation experiment technology for space exploration. The test system includes a data acquisition system, a sample preparation chamber, a first vacuum low-temperature chamber, a second vacuum chamber and an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber. The test system can place the prepared samples in the test conditions in time, avoiding the prepared samples from changing in advance before entering the simulation vacuum chamber, thereby effectively controlling the initial conditions of the samples and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement data. At the same time, it can also monitor the change process of the samples from the initial state to the target conditions to achieve in-situ measurement. The test method includes the influence of factors such as heating temperature, stellar soil pile type, throwing sample, and sample physical properties on the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing stellar soil, providing correction parameters for the actual water content of the original stellar soil, and also providing data support for improving the efficiency of water ice extraction from lunar soil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vacuum thermal sublimation simulation experiments for space exploration, and in particular to a test system and method for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing interstellar soil, which is suitable for the detection and analysis of water-containing substances on the surfaces of celestial bodies such as the moon and Mars. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of deep space exploration missions, the study of water-containing materials on the surfaces of celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars has become a major topic. To detect water ice resources in the polar regions of the Moon and Mars, mechanical devices are used to excavate water-ice-containing regolith from the surface of celestial bodies and transport it to moisture detection instruments for analysis. However, during the excavation process, friction between the mechanical devices and the regolith causes the regolith to heat up. The high vacuum environment on the planet's surface prevents rapid heat dissipation, resulting in sublimation losses of the regolith containing water ice during transportation. Therefore, to determine the amount of water molecules lost during the collection process and provide correction parameters for determining the true water content of the original regolith, simulation experiments are needed to measure the vacuum-induced sublimation loss rate of the regolith.

[0003] Existing technology provides an in-situ experimental method for measuring the sublimation loss rate of water in hydrated simulated lunar soil. This method pre-places the simulated lunar soil and other test samples in a vacuum system, then cools and evacuates the system. During the cooling and evacuation process, the effects of different low-temperature zones, vacuum levels, water content, and density on the sublimation rate of water in the hydrated lunar soil are measured. However, this method has the following disadvantages:

[0004] (1) Data distortion: The simulated lunar soil was placed in the vacuum system before the test conditions (low temperature, vacuum, and other target conditions) were met. As a result, the water in the lunar soil may have begun to sublime before the test conditions were fully met. This would make the measured data unable to accurately reflect the water sublimation rate under the specific low temperature, vacuum, water content, and density conditions, resulting in data distortion.

[0005] (2) Unable to precisely control the initial conditions: Since the simulated lunar soil is placed before the experimental conditions are met, conditions such as the initial moisture content and density may change due to premature sublimation, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of the test results.

[0006] (3) The experimental process lacks real-time performance: This method cannot achieve true “in situ” measurement because the simulated lunar soil has been exposed to a non-target environment before the experimental conditions are met, and the change process from the initial state to the target condition cannot be monitored in real time.

[0007] (4) Limited scope of application: This method may only be applicable to simulated lunar soil research under specific conditions and is difficult to extend to more complex environments.

[0008] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a test system and method for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil, which provides accurate correction parameters for obtaining the true water content in the original star soil. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the problems raised by the above-mentioned background technology, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a high-precision, multi-parameter controllable vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing system and testing method for ice-containing star soil, providing accurate correction parameters for obtaining the true water content in the original star soil, and providing a reliable solution for water resource assessment and utilization in deep space exploration.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a test system for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil, comprising a data acquisition system and a sample preparation chamber, a first vacuum low-temperature chamber, a second vacuum chamber, and an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber connected in sequence;

[0011] The sample preparation chamber is used to prepare ice-containing star soil samples from the original dry star soil;

[0012] The first vacuum low-temperature chamber is used to control the ice-containing regolith sample to maintain a vacuum low-temperature environment to prevent sample loss;

[0013] The second vacuum chamber is used to transfer the ice-containing regolith sample stored in the first vacuum low-temperature chamber to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber;

[0014] The in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber includes a vacuum tank, a cold plate is provided in the vacuum tank, and a mechanical arm, a balance system and a heating device are provided on the cold plate; the balance system includes a balance temperature control system and a sample receiving unit, which are used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil samples;

[0015] The data acquisition system records the test data of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing star soil in real time.

[0016] Furthermore, the balance temperature control system includes a sample support, a radiation shield, a first semiconductor refrigeration plate, a balance upper cover, a balance, a balance lower cover, a second semiconductor refrigeration plate, a balance support and a balance base, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The radiation shield is placed on the balance, and a cover plate is provided on all four sides of the balance. A third semiconductor refrigeration plate is provided on the outer side of the cover plate. The sample support is embedded in the radiation shield, one end of which is connected to the balance, and the other end is connected to the sample receiving unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention comprises multiple balance systems, including a first balance system, a second balance system, and a third balance system. The first balance system, the second balance system, and the third balance system utilize the same balance temperature control system structure and different sample receiving units. By providing multiple balance systems, the present invention can be used to simultaneously test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith under the influence of different factors.

[0018] Furthermore, the sample receiving unit of the first balance system includes a sample cup and a sample cup holder, wherein the sample cup holder is used to secure the sample cup. The first balance system provided by the present invention is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith at different heating temperatures. By using a sample cup to hold the sample, and then placing the sample-containing sample cup on a heating device to heat it, the effect of the heating temperature on the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith is tested.

[0019] Furthermore, the sample receiving unit of the second balance system includes a tray, an infrared sensor bracket, and an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor bracket is used to adjust and secure the position of the infrared sensor so that the infrared sensor can measure the sample temperature of the tray in real time. The second balance system provided by the present invention is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil in a scattered sample delivery state. By utilizing the large area of the tray, it can fully receive the scattered sample.

[0020] Furthermore, the sample receiving unit of the third balance system includes a funnel, a funnel support, a soil tray, a tray, an infrared sensor, and an infrared sensor support. The funnel is mounted on the funnel support to locate the soil tray, which is positioned above the tray to shape the ice-containing soil sample. The third balance system provided by the present invention is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing soil in different sample piles.

[0021] Furthermore, the first vacuum cryogenic chamber includes a liquid nitrogen cold finger, a first gate valve, a first vacuum system and a first-level vacuum transition chamber;

[0022] The first gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the sample preparation chamber and the first vacuum low-temperature chamber, and the first vacuum system and the liquid nitrogen cold finger are used for vacuum freezing the ice-containing star soil sample in the first-level vacuum transition chamber.

[0023] Furthermore, the second vacuum chamber includes a first mechanical gripper, a second mechanical gripper, a second gate valve, a third gate valve, a second vacuum system and a secondary vacuum transition chamber;

[0024] The second gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the first vacuum low-temperature chamber and the second vacuum chamber, and the first mechanical gripper is used to transport the ice-containing regolith sample from the first vacuum low-temperature chamber to the second vacuum chamber;

[0025] The third gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the second vacuum chamber and the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber, and the second mechanical gripper is used to transport the ice-containing star soil sample from the second vacuum chamber to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber.

[0026] Furthermore, the sample preparation chamber is an anhydrous hypoxic glove box, comprising a weighing module, a drying module, a low-temperature freezing and stirring module, a temperature-controlled evaporation module and a preparation container.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith using the aforementioned vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing system for ice-containing regolith, comprising the following steps:

[0028] Initialize the parameters of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate test system for ice-containing star soil;

[0029] The stability of the balance system for in-situ detection of the simulated vacuum chamber is calibrated;

[0030] The original dry regolith is prepared into a series of ice-containing regolith samples with different physical properties in a sample preparation room; the ice-containing regolith samples are transferred from the sample preparation room to a first vacuum low-temperature chamber for vacuum freezing;

[0031] After the vacuum-frozen ice-containing regolith sample is transferred to a second vacuum chamber, the vacuum degree of the second vacuum chamber is reduced, and then the ice-containing regolith sample is transferred from the second vacuum chamber to an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber;

[0032] The ice-containing soil sample is transferred into the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber for sublimation test. The weight change of the ice-containing soil sample before and after sublimation is measured to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing soil sample.

[0033] Furthermore, the physical property parameters include moisture content, particle size, density and particle size, but it should be understood that the physical property parameters can be increased or decreased according to actual test needs.

[0034] Furthermore, the sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples at different heating temperatures, including the following steps:

[0035] Step S11: Place the transferred ice-containing soil sample on a balance system to measure the initial mass of the sample. ,

[0036] Step S12: transfer the ice-containing soil sample to a heating device that reaches a preset temperature for heating, and During the interval, the ice-containing soil sample is taken out from the heating device and placed on the balance system to measure the mass of the ice-containing soil sample at this time. Then, the ice-containing soil sample was put back into the heating device for heating, and the sublimation rate of water in the ice-containing soil was calculated in each time period. and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0037] Step S13, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0038] Step S14, sequentially adjusting the preset temperatures set by the heating device, repeating the above steps S11 to S13, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample at different heating temperatures.

[0039] Furthermore, after step S14, the following steps are also included: replacing the ice-containing soil sample, changing the physical properties of the ice-containing soil sample in sequence, repeating the above steps S11 to S14, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing soil sample under the influence of different heating temperatures and different sample physical properties.

[0040] By testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing stellar soil samples under the influence of different heating temperatures and different sample physical properties, the heating extraction efficiency of ice-containing stellar soil samples under the influence of different sample physical properties at different temperatures can be obtained, providing a theoretical reference for the subsequent rapid extraction of water from stellar soil.

[0041] Furthermore, the sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample in a scattered state, including the following steps:

[0042] Step S21: pour the transferred ice-containing soil sample into the balance system in a natural way to measure the initial mass of the sample. ;

[0043] Step S22, place the ice-containing soil sample in the balance system and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0044] Step S23 until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0045] Step S24, adjust the temperature control temperature of the balance system, replace the ice-containing star soil samples with different physical parameters, repeat the above steps S21 to S23 to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing star soil in the throwing and sampling state under different temperature conditions and different physical parameters.

[0046] Furthermore, the sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples under different reactor types, including the following steps:

[0047] Step S31: Pour the transferred ice-containing regolith sample into the regolith holder of the balance system and measure the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample. ;

[0048] Step S32: Place the ice-containing soil sample in the balance system and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0049] Step S33, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0050] Step S34, changing the shape of the star soil holder, repeating the above steps S31 to S33, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing star soil samples under different pile types.

[0051] Furthermore, after step S34, the following steps are also included: adjusting the temperature of the balance system, replacing the ice-containing soil sample, changing the physical properties of the ice-containing soil sample in turn, repeating the above steps S31 to S34, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing soil sample under the influence of different sample physical properties.

[0052] Among them, the sublimation rate of water in the ice-containing star soil during each time period of the above test process is and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil The calculation formulas are: (1); (2); In formula (1) and formula (2), is the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith, is the water sublimation rate per unit mass of ice-containing star soil, is the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample, For every icy soil sample The quality after the interval changes, is the time interval.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0054] (1) The test system for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil provided by the present invention can place the prepared samples in the test conditions in time by setting up a sample preparation chamber, a first vacuum low-temperature chamber, a second vacuum chamber and an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber. The samples are transferred to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber under a vacuum and freezing environment by using the first vacuum low-temperature chamber and the second vacuum chamber, thereby avoiding the prepared samples from changing in advance before entering the simulation vacuum chamber, thereby effectively controlling the initial conditions of the samples, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement data, and avoiding distortion of the test data; the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber is set to simulate the vacuum and low-temperature environment of the star soil, which is used for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate test, and the data processing system is set to monitor the change process of the sample from the initial state to the target condition, thereby realizing in-situ measurement.

[0055] (2) If a base is established in a water-bearing area on the moon in the future, extracting water resources from the lunar soil will be the most convenient way. The efficiency of extracting water ice from the lunar soil is related to factors such as heating temperature, heating time, water-ice-soil binding properties, water-ice-soil density, and lunar soil pile type. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the influence of relevant factors on the efficiency of extracting water ice from the lunar soil. The test method for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil provided by the present invention includes testing the efficiency of extracting water ice from the lunar soil, that is, the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil samples at different heating temperatures in the test method. At the same time, the effects of multiple factors such as ambient temperature, star soil pile type, throwing and sample delivery action, and sample physical parameters such as water content, particle size, density, and particle size on the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil are also tested, providing correction parameters for the actual water content of the original star soil, and also providing data support for improving the efficiency of extracting water ice from the lunar soil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a system for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0057] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein: Figure 2 2(a) is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the simulated vacuum chamber for in-situ detection; Figure 2 2(b) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the simulated vacuum chamber for in-situ detection;

[0058] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a first balance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein: Figure 3 3(a) is the external structure diagram of the first balance system. Figure 3 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first balance system;

[0059] Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic structural diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; wherein, Figure 4 4(a) is a side view of the heating device. Figure 4 4(b) is a front view of the heating device;

[0060] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a second balance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein: Figure 5 Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second balance system in working state. Figure 5 5(b) is a structural diagram of the second balance system in a non-working state;

[0061] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a third balance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein: Figure 6 Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third balance system in working state. Figure 6 6(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third balance system in a non-working state;

[0062] Figure 7 Shows a schematic structural diagram of two star soil holders according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 8 A partial structural diagram of a system for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0064] Figure 9 Another partial structural schematic diagram of a system for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0065] Figure 10 The figure shows a flow chart of a method for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0067] 1. Sample preparation room, 2. First vacuum low temperature chamber, 3. Second vacuum chamber, 4. In-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber, 5. Data acquisition system, 11. Weighing module, 12. Drying module, 13. Low temperature freezing and stirring module, 14. Temperature control evaporation module, 15. Preparation container, 21. Liquid nitrogen cold finger, 22. First gate valve, 23. First vacuum system, 24. First vacuum transition chamber, 31. First mechanical gripper, 32. Second mechanical gripper, 33. Second gate valve, 34. Third gate valve, 35. Second vacuum system, 36. Second vacuum transition chamber, 41. Vacuum tank, 42. Cold plate, 43. Robotic arm, 44. Heating device Device, 45. First balance system, 46. Second balance system, 47. Third balance system, 411. Sample support, 412. Radiation shield, 413. First semiconductor refrigeration plate, 414. Balance upper cover, 415. Balance, 416. Balance lower cover, 417. Second semiconductor refrigeration plate, 418. Balance support, 419. Balance base, 420. Cover, 421. Third semiconductor refrigeration plate, 441. Heating coil, 451. Sample cup, 452. Sample cup holder, 461. Tray, 462. Infrared sensor holder, 463. Infrared sensor, 471. Funnel, 472. Funnel holder, 473. Soil holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] It should be noted that the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. The purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0069] The vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate refers to the percentage of mass loss due to sublimation of a substance under vacuum. The vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing method for ice-containing regolith of the present invention measures the percentage of mass loss due to water sublimation under vacuum. The vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing system for ice-containing regolith of the present invention has a mass measurement accuracy of ±1 mg and a temperature uniformity of ±0.1 K. The calibration error of the measured vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith is ≤5%.

[0070] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention provides a test system for the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the system comprises a sample preparation chamber 1, a first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2, a second vacuum chamber 3, an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4, and a data acquisition system 5, which are connected in sequence. The sample preparation chamber 1 is used to convert dry raw regolith into ice-containing regolith samples. The first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 is used to control and maintain the ice-containing regolith samples in a vacuum and low-temperature environment to prevent sample loss. The second vacuum chamber 3 is used to transfer the ice-containing regolith samples stored in the first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4. The in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4 is used to simulate the vacuum and low-temperature environment of ice-containing regolith. Its temperature is controllable and includes a vacuum tank 41. A cold plate 42 is provided within the vacuum tank 41 to regulate the temperature within the vacuum tank 41. The cold plate 42 is equipped with a robotic arm 43, a balance system, and a heating device 44. The balance system includes a balance temperature control system and a sample receiving unit, and is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith samples. The data acquisition system 5 records the test data of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith in real time.

[0071] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple balance systems, including a first balance system 45, a second balance system 46 and a third balance system 47; the first balance system 45 is used for weighing and testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil at different heating temperatures; the second balance system 46 is used for weighing and testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil in the state of throwing and delivering samples; the third balance system 47 is used for weighing and testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil under different sample pile types.

[0072] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first balance system 45, the second balance system 46 and the third balance system 47 use the same structure of balance temperature control system and different structures of sample receiving units, such as Figure 3 As shown, the balance temperature control system includes a sample support 411, a radiation shield 412, a first semiconductor refrigeration plate 413, a balance upper cover 414, a balance 415, a balance lower cover 416, a second semiconductor refrigeration plate 417, a balance support 418 and a balance base 419, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The radiation shield 412 covers the balance 415, and a cover plate 420 is provided on all four sides of the balance 415. A third semiconductor refrigeration plate 421 is provided on the outer side of the cover plate 420. The sample support 411 is embedded in the radiation shield 412, one end of which is connected to the balance 415, and the other end is connected to the sample receiving unit.

[0073] The present invention arranges semiconductor refrigeration chips around the balance, which can both cool and heat. By changing the polarity of the direct current, cooling or heating can be achieved on the same refrigeration chip, and the temperature of the balance can be controlled. It is used to test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil samples under different temperature conditions. The cover plates arranged around the balance of the present invention, as well as the upper and lower covers of the balance, can be used to keep warm, isolate external influences, and ensure the stability of the balance reading. Furthermore, a plurality of insulation layers are coated on the outside of the balance temperature control system, such as on the outer periphery of the cover plate, and a third semiconductor refrigeration chip is arranged in the plurality of insulation layers to better control the temperature of the balance.

[0074] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sample receiving unit of the first balance system 45 includes a sample cup 451 and a sample cup holder 452. The sample cup holder 452 is used to fix the sample cup 451. The heating device 44 includes a heating coil 441. The sample cup 451 is placed in the heating coil 441 for heating.

[0075] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, the sample receiving unit of the second balance system 46 includes a tray 461, an infrared sensor bracket 462 and an infrared sensor 463. The infrared sensor bracket 462 is used to adjust and fix the position of the infrared sensor 463 so that the infrared sensor 463 can test the sample temperature of the tray 461 in real time.

[0076] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the sample receiving unit of the third balance system 47 includes a funnel 471, a funnel bracket 472, a star soil tray 473, a tray 461, an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor bracket; the funnel 471 is arranged on the funnel bracket 472 to locate the position of the star soil tray 473, and the star soil tray 473 is arranged above the tray 461. The star soil tray 473 is woven with a metal mesh, and it can select a conical, cylindrical or other structure to shape the sample pile.

[0077] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 includes a liquid nitrogen cold finger 21, a first gate valve 22, a first vacuum system 23 and a first vacuum transition chamber 24; the first gate valve 22 is arranged on the transmission channel of the first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 between the sample preparation chambers 1 and 3, and the first vacuum system 23 and the liquid nitrogen cold finger 21 are used for vacuum freezing the ice-containing star soil sample in the first vacuum transition chamber 24.

[0078] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the second vacuum chamber 3 includes a first mechanical gripper 31, a second mechanical gripper 32, a second gate valve 33, a third gate valve 34, a second vacuum system 35 and a secondary vacuum transition chamber 36; the second gate valve 33 is arranged on the transmission channel between the first vacuum low-temperature chamber 2 and the second vacuum chamber 3, and the first mechanical gripper 31 is used to transport the ice-containing star soil sample from the first vacuum low-temperature chamber 2 to the second vacuum chamber 3; the third gate valve 34 is arranged on the transmission channel between the second vacuum chamber 3 and the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4, and the second mechanical gripper 32 is used to transport the ice-containing star soil sample from the second vacuum chamber 3 to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4; the second vacuum system 35 is used to achieve a vacuum better than 10 -2 Vacuum degree in Pa.

[0079] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 As shown, the sample preparation chamber 1 is an anhydrous hypoxic glove box, comprising a weighing module 11 , a drying module 12 , a low-temperature freezing and stirring module 13 , a temperature-controlled evaporation module 14 , and a preparation container 15 .

[0080] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 As shown, the data acquisition system 5 includes a balance system data acquisition system 51. Further preferably, it also includes a temperature acquisition system 52 for acquiring the temperature of the balance system; a particle size data measurement system 53 (such as a laser particle size analyzer); and a moisture content measurement system 54 (such as a Karl Fischer water content meter).

[0081] The second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil using the aforementioned vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing system of ice-containing star soil. The process is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0082] Step S1, parameter initialization: initializing the parameters of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate test system containing ice-containing regolith;

[0083] Step S2, balance system stability calibration: the balance system of the in-situ detection simulated vacuum chamber is calibrated for stability;

[0084] Step S3, sample preparation: the original dry soil is prepared in a sample preparation chamber to prepare a series of ice-containing soil samples with different physical parameters; the physical parameters include water content, particle size, density and granularity;

[0085] Step S4, sample transfer: the ice-containing regolith sample is transferred from the sample preparation chamber to a first vacuum low-temperature chamber for vacuum freezing; the vacuum-frozen ice-containing regolith sample is transferred to a second vacuum chamber, the vacuum degree of the second vacuum chamber is reduced, and the ice-containing regolith sample is then transferred from the second vacuum chamber to an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber;

[0086] Step S5, sublimation test: transferring the ice-containing regolith sample into the in-situ detection simulated vacuum chamber and performing a sublimation test;

[0087] Step S6, data processing: measuring the weight change of the ice-containing regolith sample before and after sublimation to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample.

[0088] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, step S1, parameter initialization includes:

[0089] (a) Set the simulated vacuum chamber to the specified vacuum level (the vacuum level is better than 10 -4 Pa);

[0090] (b) Set the cold plate to the specified temperature (temperature stability within ±2°C);

[0091] (c) Set the tray temperature of the balance system to the specified temperature (temperature stability within ±2°C);

[0092] (d) Set the balance temperature control system to keep the balance within the normal operating temperature range (temperature stability ±2°C);

[0093] (e) Set the vacuum degree of the second vacuum chamber to be better than 10 -2 Pa;

[0094] (f) Setting the liquid nitrogen cold finger temperature of the first vacuum cryogenic chamber to ≤ -180°C;

[0095] (g) Set the water content in the sample preparation chamber to <1 ppm and the temperature of the low-temperature stirring system to ≤-40°C.

[0096] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, step S2, calibrating the stability of the balance system includes:

[0097] (a) Turn on the first balance system, the second balance system, the third balance system and the balance system data acquisition system;

[0098] (b) Zero the three-balance system;

[0099] (c) Leave the three-balance system for 1 hour;

[0100] (d) The data acquisition system of the balance system collects the balance readings in real time;

[0101] (e) Compare the readings of the three balance systems. When the reading consistency of the three balance systems meets 0.1 mg and the balance system drift is less than 1 mg / h, the balance system is considered stable.

[0102] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, step S3, sample preparation includes:

[0103] (a) Dry the original dry soil sample of the star soil in a drying device of an anhydrous hypoxic glove box at 180-200°C for at least 48 h;

[0104] (b) After drying, cool the dried soil sample to 50-60°C. Use a weighing module to weigh 100 g of dry soil of different particle sizes and pour it into a stainless steel container. Add distilled water sample to the dried soil sample in small amounts and multiple additions to prepare star soil samples with known moisture content.

[0105] (c) Pour the sample from the stainless steel container into the frozen stirring module and stir for 10-15 minutes;

[0106] (d) Remove the prepared samples from the freezing and stirring module and divide them into sample bottles, including one test sample bottle, three calibration sample bottles, and one particle size measurement sample bottle;

[0107] (e) taking out three calibration sample bottles and one particle size measurement sample bottle, measuring the water content of the three calibration sample bottles using a Karl Fischer water content meter, and measuring the sample in the particle size measurement sample bottle using a laser particle size analyzer;

[0108] (f) Using the above method, prepare samples with different densities, different water contents, and different particle sizes.

[0109] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, step S4, transferring the sample includes:

[0110] (a) Open the first gate valve 22 between the first vacuum cryochamber 2 and the sample preparation chamber 1, transfer the empty sample cup to the first vacuum cryochamber 2, close the first gate valve 22, and press the flange surface of the sample cup into contact with the liquid nitrogen cold finger 21 of the first vacuum cryochamber to pre-freeze the sample cup using the liquid nitrogen cold finger 21;

[0111] (b) After the empty sample cup is pre-frozen, the first gate valve 22 is opened, and the sample cup is transferred to the sample preparation chamber 1. The prepared sample is placed in the sample cup, and the sample cup is transferred to the first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 again. The first gate valve 22 is closed, and the flange surface of the sample cup is pressed into contact with the liquid nitrogen cold finger 21 of the first vacuum cryogenic chamber to be frozen by the liquid nitrogen cold finger 21. Simultaneously, the mechanical pump of the first vacuum system 23 of the first vacuum cryogenic chamber is turned on. During the freezing period of the sample, the mechanical pump of the first vacuum system 23 is continuously operated until the temperature in the first vacuum cryogenic chamber 2 drops to less than 20 Pa, and the freezing time is 8 to 15 minutes.

[0112] (c) After the sample has been frozen for 8 to 15 minutes, the second gate valve 33 between the second vacuum chamber 3 and the first vacuum low-temperature chamber 2 is opened, and the sample cup is transported into the second vacuum chamber 3 using the second mechanical gripper 32 of the second vacuum chamber 3;

[0113] (d) closing the second gate valve 33, opening the third gate valve 34 between the second vacuum chamber 3 and the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4, and using the first mechanical gripper 31 of the second vacuum chamber 3 to move the sample cup into the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4;

[0114] (e) Use the robotic arm 43 in the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber 4 to receive the sample cup and complete the transfer of the icy soil sample.

[0115] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the sublimation test is to test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples at different heating temperatures, comprising the following steps:

[0116] Step S11: Use the robot arm 43 to place the ice-containing regolith sample on the first balance system 45 and measure the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample. ;

[0117] Step S12: Use the robot arm 43 to transfer the sample cup 451 containing the ice-containing soil sample to the heating coil 441 of the heating device 44 for heating (the set heating temperature is, for example, 20°C), and During the interval, the robot arm 43 is used to take out the sample cup 451 from the heating device 44 and place it on the first balance system 45 for measurement. The mass of the ice-containing star soil sample at this time is measured. Then, the sample cup 451 containing the ice-containing soil sample is placed back into the heating device for heating, and the sublimation rate of the ice-containing soil water in each time period is calculated. and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0118] in, (1); (2);

[0119] Step S13, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0120] Step S14, sequentially adjusting the preset temperatures (e.g., 40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C, etc.) set by the heating device, and repeating steps S11 to S13 to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample at different heating temperatures;

[0121] Step S15, replace the ice-containing soil sample, change the particle size, moisture content, density, and particle size parameters of the ice-containing soil sample in sequence, repeat the above steps S11 to S14, and obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing soil sample under the influence of different heating temperatures and different sample physical properties.

[0122] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the sublimation test is to test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample in the scattered state, comprising the following steps:

[0123] Step S21: Use the robot arm 43 to pour the transferred ice-containing soil sample onto the tray 461 of the second balance system 46 in a natural manner, and measure the initial mass of the sample. ;

[0124] Step S22: Place the ice-containing soil sample on the tray 461 (for example, the tray temperature is controlled at -20°C) and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0125] in, (1); (2);

[0126] Step S23 until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0127] Step S24: adjust the balance temperature control system to control the tray temperature (for example, the tray temperature is controlled at -40°C, -60°C, -80°C, etc.), replace the ice-containing star soil sample, and sequentially change the particle size, moisture content, density, and particle size parameters of the ice-containing star soil sample. Repeat the above steps S21 to S23 to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing star soil in the throwing and sampling state under different temperature conditions and different sample physical properties.

[0128] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the sublimation test is to test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples under different reactor types, including the following steps:

[0129] Step S31: Use the robotic arm 43 to pour the transferred ice-containing regolith sample into the regolith holder 473 of the third balance system 47 to measure the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample. ;

[0130] Step S32: Place the ice-containing soil sample on a tray (for example, the tray temperature is controlled at -20°C) and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ;

[0131] Step S33, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples;

[0132] Step S34, changing the shape of the regolith holder, repeating the above steps S31 to S33, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith samples under different stacking types;

[0133] Step S35: Adjust the balance temperature control system to control the tray temperature (for example, the tray temperature is controlled at -40°C, -60°C, -80°C, etc.), replace the ice-containing regolith sample, and sequentially change the particle size, moisture content, density, and particle size parameters of the ice-containing regolith sample. Repeat the above steps S31 to S34 to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample under different temperature conditions and different sample physical properties.

[0134] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The present invention may also be implemented in other specific ways or in other specific forms without departing from the gist or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be described by the appended claims, and any variations equivalent to the intent and scope of the claims should also be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil, characterized in that: It includes a data acquisition system and a sample preparation chamber, a first vacuum low-temperature chamber, a second vacuum chamber and an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber connected in sequence; The sample preparation chamber is used to prepare ice-containing star soil samples from the original dry star soil; The first vacuum low-temperature chamber is used to control the ice-containing regolith sample to maintain a vacuum low-temperature environment to prevent sample loss; The second vacuum chamber is used to transfer the ice-containing regolith sample stored in the first vacuum low-temperature chamber to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber; The in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber includes a vacuum tank, a cold plate is arranged in the vacuum tank, and a mechanical arm, a balance system and a heating device are arranged on the cold plate; the balance system includes a balance temperature control system and a sample receiving unit, which are used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil samples; there are multiple balance systems, including a first balance system, a second balance system and a third balance system, and the first balance system, the second balance system and the third balance system adopt a balance temperature control system with the same structure and sample receiving units with different structures; the first balance system is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil at different heating temperatures; the second balance system is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil in a throwing and sample delivery state; the third balance system is used to weigh and test the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil under different sample pile types; The data acquisition system records the test data of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing star soil in real time.

2. The test system according to claim 1, wherein: The balance temperature control system includes a sample support, a radiation shield, a first semiconductor refrigeration plate, a balance upper cover, a balance, a balance lower cover, a second semiconductor refrigeration plate, a balance support and a balance base, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The radiation shield is placed on the balance, and a cover plate is provided on all four sides of the balance. A third semiconductor refrigeration plate is provided on the outer side of the cover plate. The sample support is embedded in the radiation shield, one end of which is connected to the balance, and the other end is connected to the sample receiving unit.

3. The test system according to claim 1, wherein: The sample receiving unit of the first balance system includes a sample cup and a sample cup holder, wherein the sample cup holder is used to fix the sample cup; The sample receiving unit of the second balance system includes a tray, an infrared sensor bracket and an infrared sensor, wherein the infrared sensor bracket is used to adjust and fix the position of the infrared sensor so that the infrared sensor can test the sample temperature of the tray in real time; The sample receiving unit of the third balance system includes a funnel, a funnel bracket, a star soil holder, a tray, an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor bracket; the funnel is arranged on the funnel bracket to locate the position of the star soil holder, and the star soil holder is arranged above the tray to shape the pile of ice-containing star soil samples.

4. The test system according to claim 1, wherein: The first vacuum cryogenic chamber includes a liquid nitrogen cold finger, a first gate valve, a first vacuum system and a first-level vacuum transition chamber; The first gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the sample preparation chamber and the first vacuum low-temperature chamber, and the first vacuum system and the liquid nitrogen cold finger are used for vacuum freezing the ice-containing star soil sample in the first-level vacuum transition chamber.

5. The test system according to claim 1, wherein: The second vacuum chamber includes a first mechanical gripper, a second mechanical gripper, a second gate valve, a third gate valve, a second vacuum system and a secondary vacuum transition chamber; The second gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the first vacuum low-temperature chamber and the second vacuum chamber, and the first mechanical gripper is used to transport the ice-containing regolith sample from the first vacuum low-temperature chamber to the second vacuum chamber; The third gate valve is arranged on the transmission channel between the second vacuum chamber and the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber, and the second mechanical gripper is used to transport the ice-containing star soil sample from the second vacuum chamber to the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber.

6. A method for testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing star soil using the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate testing system of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Initialize the parameters of the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate test system for ice-containing star soil; The stability of the balance system for in-situ detection of the simulated vacuum chamber is calibrated; The original dry soil is made into a series of ice-containing soil samples with different physical parameters in the sample preparation room; The ice-containing regolith sample is transferred from the sample preparation room to the first vacuum low-temperature chamber for vacuum freezing; After the vacuum-frozen ice-containing regolith sample is transferred to a second vacuum chamber, the vacuum degree of the second vacuum chamber is reduced, and then the ice-containing regolith sample is transferred from the second vacuum chamber to an in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber; The ice-containing soil sample is transferred into the in-situ detection simulation vacuum chamber for sublimation test. The weight change of the ice-containing soil sample before and after sublimation is measured to obtain the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing soil sample.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples at different heating temperatures, including the following steps: Step S11: Place the transferred ice-containing soil sample on a balance system to measure the initial mass of the sample. , Step S12: transfer the ice-containing soil sample to a heating device that reaches a preset temperature for heating, and During the interval, the ice-containing soil sample is taken out from the heating device and placed on the balance system to measure the mass of the ice-containing soil sample at this time. Then, the ice-containing soil sample was put back into the heating device for heating, and the sublimation rate of water in the ice-containing soil in each time period was calculated. and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ; Step S13, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples; Step S14, sequentially adjusting the preset temperature of the heating device, repeating the above steps S11 to S13, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample at different heating temperatures; in, (1); (2); In formula (1) and formula (2), is the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith, is the water sublimation rate per unit mass of ice-containing star soil, is the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample, For every icy soil sample The quality after the interval changes, is the time interval.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith sample in a scattered state, and includes the following steps: Step S21: pour the transferred ice-containing soil sample into the balance system in a natural way to measure the initial mass of the sample. ; Step S22, place the ice-containing soil sample in the balance system and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ; Step S23, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples; Step S24, adjusting the temperature control temperature of the balance system, replacing ice-containing regolith samples with different physical parameters, repeating the above steps S21 to S23, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith under the throwing and sampling state under different temperature conditions and different physical parameters; in, (1); (2); In formula (1) and formula (2), is the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith, is the water sublimation rate per unit mass of ice-containing star soil, is the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample, For every icy soil sample The quality after the interval changes, is the time interval.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sublimation test includes testing the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples under different reactor types, including the following steps: Step S31: Pour the transferred ice-containing regolith sample into the regolith holder of the balance system and measure the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample. ; Step S32: Place the ice-containing soil sample in the balance system and Interval measurement of the mass of ice-containing regolith samples , calculate the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith in each time period and the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of ice-containing star soil ; Step S33, until the final measured water sublimation rate of ice-containing soil When the drift is less than the balance calibration drift, it is considered that all the water in the ice-containing soil sample has sublimated. At this time, the sublimation rate of water per unit mass of the ice-containing soil is It is the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of ice-containing regolith samples; Step S34, changing the shape of the regolith holder, repeating the above steps S31 to S33, and obtaining the vacuum thermal sublimation loss rate of the ice-containing regolith samples under different stacking types; in, (1); (2); In formula (1) and formula (2), is the sublimation rate of water in ice-containing regolith, is the water sublimation rate per unit mass of ice-containing star soil, is the initial mass of the ice-containing regolith sample, For every icy soil sample The quality after the interval changes, is the time interval.

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