Good reasoning George. One problem. We got on this alternate fuel
stuff by challenging GDW's universe with real universe physics. You
then went back to GDW physics to disallow this. But if we stick to
real world physics (or chemistry as it turns out)...
Ammonia is synthesized from N2 and H2 by the Haber-Bosch process.
One of the big problems with this process is that for the reaction
N2 + 3 H2 --> 2 NH3 to proceed quickly, you have to raise the
temperature. But raising the temperature shifts the equilibrium
back towards N2 and H2. This is a big problem when you're trying
to make ammonia out of N2 and H2, but it is exactly what we want
if we're out to purify ammonia into H2. In fact, at 800K the
equilibrium constant calls for:
(pressure H2)^3 * (pressure N2)
------------------------------- = 25000
(pressure NH3)^2
i.e. You don't need a purification plant. All you need is a bit
of empty fuel space (to allow for the gaseous ammonia, N2, and H2).
>From there:
Heat the ammonia to 800K
It vaporizes and splits into N2 and H2
Separate the gases with a grav plate.
Dump the N2 into space
Send the H2 into the power plant and jump drives
The only other thing you'll need is insulating partitions dividing
your fuel into jump-1 amounts. It wouldn't do to vaporize all your
fuel when all you wanted was a jump-1.
Wow, it's even easier to purify than water!
- --
John H. Kim
[email removed]
[email removed]