Research On The Electrolysis Of Water Under Weightless Conditions

Item

Title
Research On The Electrolysis Of Water Under Weightless Conditions
Date
1962
Index Abstract
Coming Soon
Photo Quality
Complete
Report Number
MRL TDR 62-44
Creator
Clifford, John E.
Gates, James T.
Corporate Author
Battelle Memorial Inst Columbus Ohio
Laboratory
Life Support Systems Laboratory
Extent
118
Identifier
AD0283255
Access Rights
OTS
Distribution Classification
1
Contract
AF 33(616)-7351
DoD Project
6373
DoD Task
637302
DTIC Record Exists
No
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
None
Distribution Conflict
No
Cover Price
2.5
Abstract
A laboratory-model rotating electrolysis cell was designed for electrolysis of water under zero-gravity conditions. Satisfactory operation was obtained in the three evaluation runs of 3/4, 2, and 2-1/2 hours duration. Hydrogen and oxygen w re evolved with the cell operating at the designed electrolysis current of 254 amperes (corresponding to a 2-man unit for electrolyzing water at the rate of 2.25 pounds of water per day per man). No component of the earth's gravity field was used in effecting the separation of the gas from the electrolyte during electrolysis. The laboratory model weighs 284 pounds including 30 pounds of electrolyte and occupies a cylindrical space of 4.4 cubic feet (17-1/2 inches' maximum diameter by 31-1/2 inches' height). The electrolysis portion is a drumshaped unit containing 16 individual cells in parallel electrically. With the unit rotating at about 500 rpm, the lowest measured total power consumption was 637 watts; 457 watts was estimated for extended operation at zero gravity with series-connected cells. The present laboratorymodel design features high reliability, low power consumption, and versatility for use as a 3-, 4-, or 5-man cell.
Report Availability
Full text available
Date Issued
1962-05
Provenance
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Type
report
Format
1 online resource
Is Referenced By
Shaumica Saravanabavan, Manpreet Kaur, Claire T. Coulthard, Katharina Brinkert, "Catalysis in Space Environments", in In-Space Manufacturing and Resources: Earth and Planetary Exploration Applications, (2022)