A microwave-laser time-sequential combined dissociation system and method for asteroid mineral dissociation

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of asteroid resource extraction technology, and in particular to a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system and method for asteroid mineral dissociation. The system includes a mineral storage and transportation module, a microwave energy field module, a laser emission module, and a data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module. The mineral storage and transportation module includes a screw conveyor for ore feeding and discharging, a mineral loading crucible, a compaction mechanism, and a pushing mechanism, adapted to the microgravity environment of asteroids. The method sequentially includes mineral conveying, compaction, initial temperature calibration, microwave heating, temperature determination, laser target positioning and fracturing, dissociation assessment, and material discharge and resetting steps. This invention employs a microwave-laser time-series composite mode, avoiding mineral floating and splashing under microgravity, achieving efficient and stable mineral dissociation, improving resource utilization, solving the drawbacks of traditional crushing methods, and meeting the mineral processing needs in asteroid exploration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of asteroid resource mining technology, and in particular to a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system and method for asteroid mineral dissociation. Background Technology

[0002] Deep space exploration is a crucial pathway for humanity to expand its living space, seek extraterrestrial resources, and promote technological development. Countries worldwide are currently accelerating strategic plans for the in-situ utilization of lunar and asteroid resources. Against this backdrop, research into in-situ utilization technologies for extraterrestrial resources is of great significance.

[0003] Asteroids, rich in iron, nickel, cobalt, platinum group metals, and rare minerals, are important targets for future deep space exploration and space resource development. Unlike mineral dissociation on Earth, asteroid mineral dissociation faces a series of challenges due to its extreme environment: for example, the high vacuum and microgravity make traditional dissociation equipment and technologies unsuitable, while the vast distances require intelligent and automated operations. Therefore, developing asteroid mineral dissociation technologies suitable for extreme environments is crucial.

[0004] Existing dissociation technologies mostly employ mechanical crushing methods such as impact crushing, shearing, and high-pressure roller milling to dissociate target minerals based on differences in hardness, toughness, and elastic modulus. These methods offer the advantage of high dissociation efficiency, but limitations imposed by large size, high energy consumption, and strong interaction forces directly restrict their application in the dissociation of asteroid minerals. Some studies have also explored preliminary dissociation techniques using ultrasound, electrical pulses, and resonant cavity microwaves, which can effectively improve the dissociation rate of asteroid minerals. However, these methods generally suffer from high energy consumption, poor selectivity, and low environmental adaptability.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an in-situ dissociation technology and system that can be applied to the extreme environment of asteroids and achieve precise mineral selection, non-contact, and non-dynamically disturbed dissociation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system and method for asteroid mineral dissociation.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation includes a mineral storage and transport module, a microwave energy field module, a laser emission module, and a data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module. The mineral storage and transportation module includes an infeed screw conveyor, a mineral loading crucible, a compaction mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and an outfeed screw conveyor. The mineral loading crucible includes a vertically movable upper glass plate, side walls, and bottom wall; the output end of the feed screw conveyor is connected to the mineral loading crucible, and the input end of the discharge screw conveyor is connected to the mineral loading crucible; a compaction mechanism is located above the mineral loading crucible, and its output end cooperates with the upper glass plate to drive the upper glass plate to move up and down (this can compact minerals that have escaped under microgravity conditions, ensuring that the minerals fully interact with microwaves and lasers); a push plate is slidably installed inside the mineral loading crucible on the side opposite to the discharge screw conveyor, along the conveying direction of the discharge screw conveyor; a pushing mechanism is provided on the side of the mineral loading crucible, and its output end passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible and cooperates with the push plate to drive the push plate to move bidirectionally along the conveying direction of the discharge screw conveyor (this can push the dissociated minerals towards the discharge screw conveyor, realizing the directional transport of minerals under microgravity conditions); The microwave energy field module includes a microwave source and a microwave heater, with the microwave heater positioned below the mineral loading crucible (to achieve microwave heating of the mineral). The laser emission module includes a laser source and a laser emission port, which is located above the mineral loading crucible (to achieve targeted laser output and localized rapid heating of the mineral target). The data acquisition, processing and feedback control module is connected to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module respectively (to realize the acquisition and processing of data such as temperature field and mineral morphology, as well as the dynamic control of microwave and laser parameters to ensure the dissociation effect).

[0008] Furthermore, the compaction mechanism includes a downward pressing motor, which is located above the mineral loading crucible. The output end of the downward pressing motor is connected to a downward pressing threaded rod, which is threadedly engaged with the upper glass plate (the motor drives the smooth lifting and lowering of the upper glass plate, precisely controlling the compaction force to meet the mineral compaction requirements under microgravity conditions). The pushing mechanism includes a pushing motor and a pushing threaded rod, the end of which passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible and is threadedly engaged with a push plate (the motor drives the smooth movement of the push plate, pushing the mineral into the ore discharge screw conveyor).

[0009] Furthermore, the microwave source includes a microwave power supply, a solid-state microwave source, and a waveguide; the microwave power supply is electrically connected to the solid-state microwave source; and the solid-state microwave source is connected to a microwave heater via the waveguide.

[0010] Furthermore, the height of the pusher plate is consistent with the inlet height of the ore discharge screw conveyor (due to the microgravity on the asteroid, in order to prevent the mineral from floating, the height of the upper glass plate is made to match the height of the upper edge of the pusher plate during discharge. At this time, the upper glass plate and the mineral loading crucible form a channel, and the pusher plate moves in the channel to push the mineral into the ore discharge screw conveyor, so as to avoid the mineral from floating under microgravity and causing the mineral to be unable to be pushed into the ore discharge screw conveyor).

[0011] Furthermore, the laser emitting module also includes a laser power supply and a light guide arm; the laser power supply is electrically connected to the laser source; the laser source is connected to the laser emitting port through the light guide arm.

[0012] Furthermore, the data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module includes a visual infrared thermal imager and a processing control unit; the visual infrared thermal imager is signal-connected to the processing control unit (to realize real-time acquisition and transmission of temperature field data and mineral surface morphology images); the processing control unit is signal-connected to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module respectively (to dynamically optimize microwave and laser parameters based on the acquired data to achieve closed-loop control); the visual infrared thermal imager is positioned above the mineral loading crucible.

[0013] A method for microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation of asteroid minerals according to the aforementioned microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation includes the following steps: S1. Start the feed screw conveyor to transport the minerals that need to be separated into the mineral loading crucible via screw conveyor (to achieve stable transport of minerals and avoid mineral splashing under microgravity). S2. Start the downward pressing motor, which drives the upper glass plate to press down through the downward pressing threaded rod (to precisely compact the minerals, ensure close contact between the minerals, and improve the uniformity of microwave heating) until the upper glass plate reaches the height of the upper edge of the push plate; S3. Turn on the visual infrared thermal imager to calibrate the initial temperature field of the mineral surface and obtain a temperature cloud map of the mineral surface; S4. Set microwave parameters based on the dielectric constant and dielectric loss combination of the target ore and gangue; activate the microwave energy field module to apply microwave radiation to the mineral in the mineral loading crucible through the microwave heater to achieve microwave heating (to generate a gradient temperature field inside the mineral). S5. After microwave heating is completed, the temperature field data of the upper surface of the mineral is collected by a visual infrared thermal imager and transmitted to the processing control unit. The processing control unit determines whether the preset temperature gradient threshold or temperature distribution characteristics have been reached. If not, the process returns to step S4 to adjust the microwave parameters and reheat. If the threshold is reached, the process proceeds to step S6. S6. Based on the temperature field data and mineral surface morphology images collected by the visual infrared thermal imager, a temperature cloud map is generated by the image processing unit, and the target coordinates are determined on the temperature cloud map as the target position of the laser (accurately identifying the key areas of mineral dissociation to ensure that the laser is targeted at the crack initiation area or the phase boundary between the ore and gangue). S7. Based on the target coordinates and the dissociation target, plan the laser path and laser parameters; start the laser emission module, and according to the planned path and parameters, irradiate the target coordinate position on the mineral surface through the laser emission port (to achieve rapid local heating of the laser, induce thermal stress concentration in the mineral, and promote the initiation and propagation of microcracks). After the laser treatment in step S8 is completed, the surface crack morphology of the mineral is acquired by a visual infrared thermal imager, and the degree of dissociation and crack propagation are evaluated by the processing control unit. If the expected dissociation effect is not achieved, the process returns to step S7, and the laser parameters are adjusted for reprocessing. If the expected dissociation effect is achieved, the process proceeds to step S9. S9. Start the drive motor and the ore discharge screw conveyor. Push the push plate towards the ore discharge screw conveyor by pushing the threaded rod, so that the mineral is discharged from the horizontal screw ore discharge machine. After the ore discharge is completed, the compaction mechanism and the drive mechanism are reset, and the mineral conveying is restarted in step S1.

[0014] Furthermore, in step S4, When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [8.0-12.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [1.0-2.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 0.5-1.0KW, and the action time is 8-15min; When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [5.0-8.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.8-1.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.0-1.5KW, and the action time is 12-20min; When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [4.0-6.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.2-0.8], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.5-2.0KW, and the action time is 25-30min.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S7, the dissociation targets include microcrack initiation, crack propagation, and interface cracking. Microcrack initiation refers to the generation of initial cracks inside the mineral, crack propagation refers to the extension of the initial crack under thermal stress, and interface cracking refers to the cracking of the interface between the mineral and the gangue. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 100-200W, the action time is 0.1-0.5s, and the spot diameter is 2.0-3.0nm; When the target of dissociation is crack propagation, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 200-400w, the action time is 0.5-2.0s, and the spot diameter is 1.5-2.5nm. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 400-500w, the action time is 2.0-5.0s, and the spot diameter is 0.1-0.5nm.

[0016] Advantages and positive effects of the present invention: By combining microwave heating with laser-targeted thermal stress fracturing in a sequential manner, the problems of equipment vibration and sample splashing caused by traditional mechanical crushing methods in the microgravity and high vacuum environment of asteroids are effectively avoided, greatly improving operational stability and environmental adaptability.

[0017] The system adopts a three-dimensional layout with microwave at the bottom, laser at the top, and infrared acquisition, which solves the problem of physical obstruction of the laser optical path and infrared monitoring line of sight by the microwave waveguide, and realizes the collaborative operation and real-time monitoring of multiple physical fields in space.

[0018] Based on infrared thermal imaging and high-precision vision, intelligent target identification and coordinate calibration can automatically identify the dissociation interface according to the temperature gradient difference inside the mineral, realizing the selective dissociation of the mineral, improving dissociation efficiency and resource utilization, while reducing ineffective energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state structure of a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation provided by the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the compacted state structure of a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation.

[0022] Figure 3 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the mineral discharge state structure of a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation.

[0023] Figure 4 The flowchart of a microwave-laser time-series composite dissociation method for asteroid mineral dissociation provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the target mineral in this invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a comparison image of the differences in infrared thermal imaging of the surface temperature of the target mineral in this invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the crack propagation on the surface of the target mineral after laser-induced cracking in this invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Feed screw conveyor; 2. Mineral loading crucible; 3. Compaction mechanism; 31. Downward pressing motor; 32. Downward pressing threaded rod; 4. Pushing mechanism; 41. Pushing motor; 42. Pushing threaded rod; 5. Outward screw conveyor; 6. Microwave power supply; 7. Solid-state microwave source; 8. Waveguide; 9. Microwave heater; 10. Laser power supply; 11. Laser source; 12. Light guide arm; 13. Laser emission port; 14. Visual infrared thermal imager; 15. Processing control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] This invention provides a microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes a mineral storage and transportation module, a microwave energy field module, a laser emission module, and a data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module.

[0030] The mineral storage and transportation module includes an infeed screw conveyor 1, a mineral loading crucible 2, a compaction mechanism 3, a pushing mechanism 4, and an outfeed screw conveyor 5.

[0031] The mineral loading crucible 2 includes a vertically movable upper glass plate, side walls, and bottom wall. The output end of the feed screw conveyor 1 is connected to the mineral loading crucible 2, and the input end of the discharge screw conveyor 5 is connected to the mineral loading crucible 2. A compaction mechanism is located above the mineral loading crucible 2, and the output end of the compaction mechanism 3 cooperates with the upper glass plate to drive the upper glass plate to move up and down. Inside the mineral loading crucible 2, on the side opposite to the discharge screw conveyor 5, a push plate is slidably installed along the conveying direction of the discharge screw conveyor 5. A pushing mechanism 4 is provided on the side of the mineral loading crucible 2, and the output end of the pushing mechanism passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible 2 and cooperates with the push plate to drive the push plate to move bidirectionally along the conveying direction of the discharge screw conveyor 5. The height of the push plate is the same as the inlet height of the discharge screw conveyor 5.

[0032] The compaction mechanism 3 includes a pressing motor 31, which is located above the mineral loading crucible 2. The output end of the pressing motor 31 is connected to a pressing threaded rod 32, which is threadedly engaged with the upper glass plate. The pushing mechanism 4 includes a pushing motor 41 and a pushing threaded rod 42. The end of the pushing threaded rod 42 passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible 2 and is threadedly engaged with the push plate.

[0033] The microwave energy field module includes a microwave source and a microwave heater 9, with the microwave heater 9 located below the mineral loading crucible; the microwave source includes a microwave power supply 6, a solid-state microwave source 7, and a waveguide 8; the microwave power supply 6 is electrically connected to the solid-state microwave source 7; the solid-state microwave source 7 is connected to the microwave heater 9 through the waveguide 8.

[0034] The laser emitting module includes a laser source 11 and a laser emitting port 13, with the laser emitting port 13 positioned above the mineral loading crucible. The laser emitting module also includes a laser power supply 10 and a light guide arm 12. The laser power supply 10 is electrically connected to the laser source 11. The laser source 11 is connected to the laser emitting port 13 via the light guide arm 12. The light guide arm 12 is a prior art technology, featuring a rotatable joint, an internal galvanometer, and a dynamic focusing lens. Adjustment of the internal galvanometer and dynamic focusing lens enables directional transmission of laser energy from the laser source 11 to the laser emitting port 13. The shape of the light guide arm 12 can be changed via a key, thereby adjusting the position of the laser irradiation. The laser emitting port 13 enables point-to-point laser energy output. The laser emitting module is located above the mineral storage and transportation module, and the laser energy is output downwards at a single point through the laser emitting port 13, achieving rapid heating of the target point.

[0035] The data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module is connected to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module, respectively. The data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module includes a visual infrared thermal imager 14 and a processing control unit 15; the visual infrared thermal imager 14 is connected to the processing control unit 15; the processing control unit 15 is connected to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module, respectively; the visual infrared thermal imager 14 is positioned above the mineral loading crucible. The visual infrared thermal imager 14 can acquire real-time temperature field information parameters of the target mineral area, and simultaneously, relying on the visual unit, can photograph the surface crack state of the mineral after initial and microwave-laser sequential action, thus determining the degree of asteroid mineral dissociation; the processing control unit 15 can centrally process the information acquired by the visual infrared thermal imager 14, outputting surface temperature cloud maps and target coordinate systems, and can also adjust multiple field parameters of the microwave-laser based on the temperature field heating effect and dissociation effect.

[0036] Working principle: The screw conveyor 1 feeds the minerals to be liberated into the mineral loading crucible 2, completing the quantitative supply of materials under microgravity. The downward motor 31 drives the downward screw rod 32 to rotate, causing the upper glass plate to move downward until it reaches the upper edge of the push plate, compacting the loose and easily floating minerals in the crucible, making the minerals densely packed, ensuring that the subsequent microwave and laser effects are uniform and effective, and avoiding mineral suspension and scattering.

[0037] The visual infrared thermal imager 14 located above the mineral loading crucible 2 collects the initial morphology and temperature field data of the mineral surface and transmits them to the processing control unit 15 to establish the initial temperature and morphology reference.

[0038] Microwave power supply 6 supplies power to solid-state microwave source 7, which generates microwave energy. This energy is then directionally transmitted to microwave heater 9 via waveguide 8, and radiates microwaves from below into the mineral-loading crucible 2.

[0039] The visual infrared thermal imager 14 collects temperature field data after microwave heating in real time, and the processing and control unit 15 determines whether the temperature gradient meets the preset requirements. If not, it automatically adjusts the microwave power, time and other parameters to reheat the device to ensure that the temperature field reaches the optimal pre-dissociation state.

[0040] The processing control unit 15 identifies high-temperature zones, phase interfaces, and crack initiation zones based on temperature cloud maps and mineral surface morphology, and determines the coordinates of the laser target point. The laser power supply 10 drives the laser source 11 to generate high-energy laser light, which is transmitted and adjusted by the light guide arm 12, and then precisely irradiates the target point downwards from the laser emission port 13, forming local high temperature and strong thermal stress concentration, which promotes the rapid expansion of microcracks inside the mineral and interface cracking, thereby achieving the separation of ore and gangue.

[0041] After the laser treatment is completed, the visual infrared thermal imager 14 captures the morphology of the cracks on the mineral surface, and the processing control unit 15 evaluates the degree of dissociation; if the standard is not met, the laser parameters are automatically optimized and the irradiation is repeated until the expected dissociation effect is achieved.

[0042] After processing, the drive motor 41 drives the drive screw rod 42 to move the push plate. At this time, the upper glass plate and the mineral loading crucible 2 form a limiting channel. The push plate pushes the mineral smoothly to the ore discharge screw conveyor 5 in the channel to avoid the mineral floating under microgravity and being unable to be discharged. After the discharge is completed, the compaction mechanism 3 and the drive mechanism 4 are reset, and the system enters the next working cycle.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, a microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation method for asteroid minerals includes the following steps: S1. As Figure 1 As shown, the feed screw conveyor is started to transport the minerals that need to be separated into the mineral loading crucible via screw conveyor.

[0044] S2. For example Figure 2 As shown, start the downward pressing motor, which drives the upper glass plate downward through the downward pressing threaded rod until the upper glass plate reaches the height of the upper edge of the push plate.

[0045] S3. Turn on the visual infrared thermal imager, such as Figure 6 As shown, the initial temperature field of the mineral surface is calibrated, and the temperature cloud map of the mineral surface is obtained.

[0046] S4. Based on the dielectric constant and dielectric loss combination of the target ore and gangue, set the microwave parameters; activate the microwave energy field module to apply microwave radiation to the mineral in the mineral-loading crucible through the microwave heater, achieving microwave heating; the main design objective is to induce a temperature gradient field in the ore and gangue without causing excessive temperature and overall melting and adhesion; activate the microwave energy field module to apply microwave radiation to the mineral in the mineral-loading crucible through the microwave heater, achieving overall heating. The ore inside the mineral heats up rapidly, resulting in a high final temperature; the gangue heats up slowly, resulting in a low final temperature, thus creating a gradient temperature field with a clear interface distribution inside.

[0047] When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [8.0-12.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [1.0-2.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 0.5-1.0KW, and the action time is 8-15min.

[0048] When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [5.0-8.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.8-1.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.0-1.5KW, and the action time is 12-20min.

[0049] When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [4.0-6.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.2-0.8], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.5-2.0KW, and the action time is 25-30min.

[0050] S5. After microwave heating is completed, the temperature field data of the upper surface of the mineral is collected by a visual infrared thermal imager and transmitted to the processing control unit. The processing control unit determines whether the preset temperature gradient threshold or temperature distribution characteristics have been reached. If the temperature gradient difference is less than 60°C, the process returns to step S4 to adjust the microwave parameters and reheat. If the temperature gradient difference is greater than 60°C, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0051] S6. Based on the temperature field data and mineral surface morphology images collected by the visual infrared thermal imager, a temperature cloud map is generated by the image processing unit. Regions with large temperature gradient differences, crack initiation zones, or mineral phase boundaries are identified on the temperature cloud map. These regions are then converted into point coordinate systems, and target point coordinates are selected in the point coordinate system as the target position of the laser.

[0052] S7. Based on the target coordinates and the target to be dissociated, plan the laser path and laser parameters; activate the laser emission module, and according to the planned path and parameters, irradiate the target coordinates on the mineral surface through the laser emission port to achieve localized rapid heating and thermal stress concentration, such as... Figure 5 , 7 As shown, this promotes the formation of microcracks and their continuous expansion.

[0053] The dissociation targets include microcrack initiation, crack propagation, and interfacial fracturing. Microcrack initiation refers to the generation of initial cracks within the mineral, crack propagation refers to the extension of the initial cracks under thermal stress, and interfacial fracturing refers to the cracking of the interface between the mineral and gangue. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 100-200W, the action time is 0.1-0.5s, and the spot diameter is 2.0-3.0nm; When the target of dissociation is crack propagation, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 200-400w, the action time is 0.5-2.0s, and the spot diameter is 1.5-2.5nm. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 400-500w, the action time is 2.0-5.0s, and the spot diameter is 0.1-0.5nm.

[0054] After the S8 laser treatment, the surface crack morphology of the mineral was acquired using a visual infrared thermal imager, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the degree of liberation and crack propagation are evaluated through a processing control unit. Two indicators are used to assess these parameters: crack aperture and phase boundary fracture ratio. When the crack aperture is ≤50µm, it is considered crack initiation damage; when the crack aperture is >50µm, it is considered that the crack has achieved mineral liberation. The phase boundary fracture ratio is the percentage of the crack length extending along the ore-gangue interface to the total length of all cracks. When the phase boundary fracture ratio is ≥75%, it indicates that most crack interfaces are valuable and mineral liberation has been achieved.

[0055] If the expected dissociation effect is not achieved, return to step S7 and adjust the laser parameters for further processing. If both the crack aperture and the phase boundary fracture ratio do not meet the requirements, repeat the entire laser treatment process; if the phase boundary fracture ratio is <75%, reset the laser crack propagation stage; if the crack aperture is <50µm, reset the laser interface fracturing stage. If the expected dissociation effect is achieved, and a clear boundary crack appears along the ore gangue, proceed to step S9.

[0056] S9. Start the drive motor and the ore discharge screw conveyor. Push the push plate towards the ore discharge screw conveyor by pushing the threaded rod, so that the mineral is discharged from the horizontal screw ore discharge machine. After the ore discharge is completed, the compaction mechanism and the drive mechanism are reset, and the mineral conveying is restarted in step S1.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation, characterized in that, It includes a mineral storage and transportation module, a microwave energy field module, a laser emission module, and a data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module; The mineral storage and transportation module includes an infeed screw conveyor (1), a mineral loading crucible (2), a compaction mechanism (3), a pushing mechanism (4), and an outfeed screw conveyor (5). The mineral loading crucible (2) includes an upper glass plate, a side wall, and a bottom wall that can move up and down; the output end of the ore feeding screw conveyor (1) is connected to the mineral loading crucible (2), and the input end of the ore discharging screw conveyor (5) is connected to the mineral loading crucible (2); a compaction mechanism is located above the mineral loading crucible (2), and the output end of the compaction mechanism (3) cooperates with the upper glass plate to drive the upper glass plate to move up and down; a push plate is slidably installed in the mineral loading crucible (2) on the side opposite to the ore discharging screw conveyor (5) along the conveying direction of the ore discharging screw conveyor (5); a pushing mechanism (4) is provided on the side of the mineral loading crucible (2), and the output end of the pushing mechanism passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible (2) and cooperates with the push plate to drive the push plate to move bidirectionally along the conveying direction of the ore discharging screw conveyor (5); The microwave energy field module includes a microwave source and a microwave heater (9), the microwave heater (9) being located below the mineral loading crucible; The laser emitting module includes a laser source (11) and a laser emitting port (13), the laser emitting port (13) being located above the mineral loading crucible; The data acquisition, processing, and feedback control module is connected to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module, respectively.

2. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compaction mechanism (3) includes a pressing motor (31), which is located above the mineral loading crucible (2). The output end of the pressing motor (31) is connected to a pressing threaded rod (32), which is threadedly engaged with the upper glass plate. The pushing mechanism (4) includes a pushing motor (41) and a pushing threaded rod (42). The end of the pushing threaded rod (42) passes through the side wall of the mineral loading crucible (2) and is threadedly engaged with the push plate.

3. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave source includes a microwave power supply (6), a solid-state microwave source (7), and a waveguide (8); the microwave power supply (6) is electrically connected to the solid-state microwave source (7); the solid-state microwave source (7) is connected to the microwave heater through the waveguide (8).

4. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the push plate is consistent with the inlet height of the ore discharge screw conveyor (5).

5. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser emitting module also includes a laser power supply (10) and a light guide arm (12); the laser power supply (10) is electrically connected to the laser source (11); the laser source (11) is connected to the laser emitting port (13) through the light guide arm (12).

6. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system for asteroid mineral dissociation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition, processing and feedback control module includes a visual infrared thermal imager (14) and a processing control unit (15); the visual infrared thermal imager (14) and the processing control unit (15) are connected by signals; the processing control unit (15) is connected by signals to the microwave energy field module and the laser emission module respectively; the visual infrared thermal imager (14) is located above the mineral loading crucible.

7. A method for microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation of asteroid minerals using a microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Start the feed screw conveyor to transport the minerals that need to be separated into the mineral loading crucible by screw conveyor. S2. Start the downward pressing motor, which drives the upper glass plate to press down through the downward pressing threaded rod until the upper glass plate reaches the height of the upper edge of the push plate; S3. Turn on the visual infrared thermal imager to calibrate the initial temperature field of the mineral surface and obtain a temperature cloud map of the mineral surface; S4. Set microwave parameters based on the combination of dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the target ore and gangue; The microwave energy field module is activated, and microwave radiation is applied to the mineral in the mineral loading crucible through the microwave heater to achieve microwave heating; S5. After microwave heating is completed, the temperature field data of the upper surface of the mineral is collected by a visual infrared thermal imager and transmitted to the processing control unit. The processing control unit determines whether the preset temperature gradient threshold or temperature distribution characteristics have been reached. If not, the process returns to step S4 to adjust the microwave parameters and reheat. If the threshold is reached, the process proceeds to step S6. S6. Based on the temperature field data and mineral surface morphology images collected by the visual infrared thermal imager, a temperature cloud map is generated by the image processing unit, and the target coordinates are determined on the temperature cloud map as the target position for the laser. S7. Based on the target coordinates and the dissociated target, plan the laser path and laser parameters; start the laser emission module, and according to the planned path and parameters, irradiate the target coordinates on the mineral surface through the laser emission port; After the laser treatment in step S8 is completed, the surface crack morphology of the mineral is acquired by a visual infrared thermal imager, and the degree of dissociation and crack propagation are evaluated by the processing control unit. If the expected dissociation effect is not achieved, the process returns to step S7, and the laser parameters are adjusted for reprocessing. If the expected dissociation effect is achieved, the process proceeds to step S9. S9. Start the drive motor and the ore discharge screw conveyor. Push the push plate towards the ore discharge screw conveyor by pushing the threaded rod, so that the mineral is discharged from the horizontal screw ore discharge machine. After the ore discharge is completed, the compaction mechanism and the drive mechanism are reset, and the mineral conveying is restarted in step S1.

8. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation method for asteroid minerals according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S4 When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [8.0-12.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [1.0-2.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 0.5-1.0KW, and the action time is 8-15min; When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [5.0-8.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.8-1.5], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.0-1.5KW, and the action time is 12-20min; When the dielectric constant of the target ore is ∈ [4.0-6.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.2-0.8], and the dielectric constant of the gangue is ∈ [2.0-4.0] and the dielectric loss is ∈ [0.001-0.05], the microwave frequency is 2450MHz, the microwave power is 1.5-2.0KW, and the action time is 25-30min.

9. The microwave-laser temporal composite dissociation method for asteroid minerals according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S7, the dissociation targets include microcrack initiation, crack propagation, and interface cracking. Microcrack initiation is the generation of initial cracks inside the mineral, crack propagation is the extension of the initial crack under thermal stress, and interface cracking is the cracking of the interface between the mineral and gangue. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 100-200W, the action time is 0.1-0.5s, and the spot diameter is 2.0-3.0nm; When the target of dissociation is crack propagation, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 200-400w, the action time is 0.5-2.0s, and the spot diameter is 1.5-2.5nm. When the target of dissociation is the initiation of microcracks, the laser wavelength is 1064nm, the laser power is 400-500w, the action time is 2.0-5.0s, and the spot diameter is 0.1-0.5nm.

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