Oxygen Extraction from llmenite by Hydrogen Reduction in a Sound Assisted Fluidized Bed

Batches of very fine grains of ilmenite mineral (FeTiO₃), close to the dimensions of ilmenite in lunar soils have been hydrogen reduced at temperatures over to 1000 K, utilizing a sound assisted fluidized bed. The feasibility of the process has been demonstrated together with the determination of process parameters. The rate of the process at fixed temperature has been experimentally determined and the water produced collected in each experience, about 10 cc for 100 g of ilmenite sample . Non destructive analyses of the products were carried out showing the formation of a layer of low porosity on the samples surface and a characteristic vein-like structure of TiO₂. A possible utilization of the technique to reduce entrainment problems is envisaged from the present work.