Lime production from lunar anorthite

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

An important aspect of lunar concrete production will be the production of lime, CaO, from lunar rocks. Chemical and thermodynamic data shows that lime could most easily be extracted from abundant lunar anorthite, CaAl2Si2O8, the major mineral in the anorthositic lunar highlands. If fluorine gas, produced on-site by electrolysis of molten NaF, is used as the extracting agent, oxygen, silicon, and aluminum can be recovered at the same time. Of these, oxygen is likely to be the most valuable product. Lime is recovered from fluorite, CaF2, by reaction with soda, Na2O; the resulting NaF is recycled into fluorine production immediately before use. No fluorine gas is transported or stored in this process; it is used up as soon as it is made.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLunar Concrete
EditorsRichard A. Kaden
PublisherAmerican Concrete Institute
Pages237-244
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780870316234
StatePublished - May 1 1991
Event1st Lunar Concrete Technical Symposium at 1991 ACI Annual Convention - Anaheim, United States
Duration: Mar 17 1991Mar 22 1991

Publication series

NameAmerican Concrete Institute, ACI Special Publication
VolumeSP-125
ISSN (Print)0193-2527

Conference

Conference1st Lunar Concrete Technical Symposium at 1991 ACI Annual Convention
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period3/17/913/22/91

Keywords

  • Aluminum
  • Anorthite
  • Concretes
  • Electrolysis
  • Fluorination
  • Fluorite
  • Lime
  • Lunar bases
  • Lunar rock
  • Oxygen
  • Production methods
  • Silicon
  • Sodium fluorides

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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