Catalytic Generation of Lift Gases for Balloons
TBMG-9443
03/01/2011
- Content
A lift-gas cracker (LGC) is an apparatus that generates a low-molecular-weight gas (mostly hydrogen with smaller amounts of carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide) at low gauge pressure by methanol reforming. LGCs are undergoing development for use as sources of buoyant gases for filling zero-gauge-pressure meteorological and scientific balloons in remote locations where heavy, high-pressure helium cylinders are not readily available. LGCs could also be used aboard large, zero-gauge-pressure, stratospheric research balloons to extend the duration of flight.
- Citation
- "Catalytic Generation of Lift Gases for Balloons," Mobility Engineering, March 1, 2011.