RESEARCH STUDY OF THE CRYOTRAPPING OF HELIUM AND HYDROGEN DURING 20 K CONDENSATION OF GASES. PHASES I AND II
Abstract
A study of the variables affecting cryotrapping of helium and hydrogen during 20 K condensation of oxygen and nitrogen is presented. The mecha nism of helium trapping appears to involve burying helium atoms in the solid oxygen or nitrogen. The process is most efficient at high condensation rates, but is not likely to find ap plication for the removal of helium in a large space chamber. Experimental results indicate that hydrogen trapping occurs by adsorption of hydrogen molecules on the surface of the solid oxygen or nitrogen and is most efficient at low condensation rates and low heat flux to the solid surface. These conditions indicate that hydrogen trapping may be applicable for hydrogen removal in a large space chamber. Attempts to improve helium trapping by ionizing the atoms and col lecting them on a charged 20 K surface were un successful. The trapping of hydrogen by nitrogen condensed on a 20 K surface was studied under conditions where the surface was shielded from ambient temperature radiation. The process is shown to be an inefficient means for hydrogen pumping and is likely to have value only as a bonus in the operation of a large space chamber. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0405890
Entities
People
- And J. R. Hamilton
- D. J. Webster
- D. M. Ruttenbur
- R. A. Hemstreet
- W. J. Wirth