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)