System for extraction of volatiles from planetary bodies using microwave and RF processes

摘要

A system for extraction of volatiles from bodies in a vacuum. The volatile containing solid may be subsurface heated with microwave or RF energy subliming volatiles that are captured with a containment structure that directs the flow of the volatile through a cold trap for collecting and condensing the volatile. In one variation, a sample, or an entire body may be enveloped in a sealed container for extraction of volatiles that are then collected and condensed. In a further variation, a planetary surface area is covered and the perimeter sealed at the surface. The area is then heated from above to release volatiles that are then collected and condensed. To heat layers below the surface that contain high concentrations of volatiles, a hollow auger can gain access to the subsurface volatile and microwave or RF energy can be delivered down the hollow auger with a coax cable and vapor can escape through the hollow auger to a capture apparatus.

主权项

1. A system for extracting and collecting a volatile substance from a volatiles containing in-space body, said in-space body being a planet, an asteroid, a comet, a moon or other natural extra-terrestrial object; said in-space body having a surface; said system comprising:
an electromagnetic energy source for producing electromagnetic energy; an antenna coupled to said electromagnetic energy source for receiving said electromagnetic energy; said antenna configured for disposition above a contiguous portion of said surface of said in-space body and external to said in-space body, said antenna being a directional antenna configured for directing said electromagnetic energy toward said in-space body for heating at least a portion of said in-space body to convert said volatile substance to vapor; a containment member; said containment member disposed to cover said contiguous portion of said surface of said in-space body; said containment member in contact with said surface around a periphery of said contiguous portion of said surface of said in-space body; said containment member forming a seal sufficient to maintain a positive pressure of said vapor within said containment member; said containment member configured to direct said vapor for collection; and a condensation unit coupled to said containment member and configured for receiving said vapor from said containment member; said condensation unit configured for condensing said vapor for concentration and storage of said volatile substance;the system further including a sealing device comprising a planar flange on said containment member surrounding a radiating exit aperture in said containment member, said radiating exit aperture for passing said electromagnetic energy, said planar flange for contacting said surface to form a seal between said containment member and said contiguous portion of said surface of said in-space body.