Chapter 003: Membrane Separation Methods

Even if the machine is given for free, the electricity costs alone are not sufficient

... ...

The oxygen produced by this method consumes significantly less electricity compared to the separation of hydrogen from liquefied air.

Gu Chao thought for a moment and revealed, "Membrane separation method!"

"Xiao Gu, step aside! Let him speak!" The ailing Qin Hui quickly raised his hand to stop, then turned to Gu Ao with a gentle expression and said: "It's still Ao Ao who is sensible. Come, have a good talk with your father about reason."

"Do not take Uncle Qin's gift!" The old man quickly intervened, knowing that once Gu Ao accepted it, he would no longer be able to evade his responsibilities as a leader today

The technical principle of air separation essentially relies on refrigeration machines and pressure vessels, utilizing the different boiling points of gases to separate them.

After a few twists and turns, I finally found the Qiantang Oxygen Machine Factory

Thus, he encouraged Gu Ao to speak freely.

The technological level of the Qiantang Oxygen Machine Factory has essentially stagnated at a mid-1960s standard. Over the past decade, due to indescribable reasons, there has been no technological advancement, and there has even been a slight regression.

Foreigners certainly have other methods—firstly, hydrogen is very reactive and can be directly oxidized to water for removal. As for other impurities that can only be separated at ultra-low temperatures, they should also have alternative methods. I believe that the final industrial method for helium production may not even require temperatures as low as minus 240 degrees.

In the end, he seemed to fear that his father would not understand the importance of the task, so he leaned closer to his father's ear and said: "The inspecting leader later privately told me that this is related to 'Project No. 1'! The higher-ups said that as long as it can be accomplished, funding and resources will not be an issue!"

Helium is the most inert gas, and it does not undergo chemical reactions with anything. Its effects are certainly remarkable, but the difficulty of its extraction is also the highest among all gases

He even advised Factory Director Qin to vindicate Section Chief Shao, and he would rather step aside.

He is about to find an excuse to make his father accept his plan of not attending high school, so he needs to seize every opportunity to please his father

In terms of technology, it is a competition to see who can produce a more energy-efficient refrigerator that can achieve lower temperatures, as well as a more pressure-resistant ultra-low temperature container

He indeed does not understand how the French achieve it technically, but he is capable of calculating the economic accounts

Given the current capabilities of the Qiantang Oxygen Machine Factory, it is unable to produce a refrigeration unit capable of liquefying hydrogen gas

However, Gu Ao immediately confirmed Qin Hui's speculation

Qin Hui's final statement indeed possesses a certain degree of simple philosophy

Old Man: "Even if it must be helium, we are currently using imported helium from liquid helium; can't we just let them continue using it?"

"Indeed! Oh dear Gu, you are not as clever as your son!" Qin Hui was momentarily taken aback, but immediately began to slap his thigh.

Knowing who the new president of France is, you can achieve this! If you have the ability, why don't you tell me how to produce helium!" The old man, for the sake of Director Qin's reputation, casually retorted a sarcastic remark to Gu Ao.

Qin Hui is also quite baffling: a middle schooler, what does he know about refrigeration physics?

At this critical juncture, the central commissioner arrived, insisting that the factory immediately discuss the technical route plan for the helium production machine and then report it to the ministry

Because general metallic materials, even if their physical properties fully meet the requirements at room temperature, can become extremely brittle in working environments lowered to over minus 200 degrees. Many previously formidable alloys can become as fragile as ice. (Imagine the frozen helicopter of the Allies in Red Alert 3)

I truly know which direction to strive in to create a helium production machine. Gu Ao, combining his knowledge from later generations, did not speak too definitively.

The father, who was being cornered by his superior's questioning, immediately found an outlet for his frustration and slapped him, saying: "What are you laughing at while the adult is speaking? It is impolite!"

Little did he know, Gu Ao was just waiting for him to ask this question

The old man had a dark expression, already mentally prepared for the possibility of being dismissed as a temporary worker in the event of future troubles

It is well known that the manufacturing of high-pressure vessels requires extremely high industrial qualifications, as any failure in quality leading to an explosion would result in a disaster of catastrophic proportions

Upon hearing this, the usually amiable Director Qin's expression turned stern: "What if the diplomatic situation changes in the future and Pompidou turns against us? What if the French, like Lind and Prex, refuse to sell to us? This is a political issue! We cannot be careless! We Chinese must master our own helium production technology!"

In fact, as late as the early 1980s, many people still believed that the President of the United States was Nixon

However, the price of imported helium is expensive, and there is a risk of being constrained by the French in the future, which is not a sustainable solution

Gu Chao naturally took pleasure in eavesdropping in a straightforward manner

Father was clearly pushed to his limits, lamenting with his meager theoretical knowledge: "Old Qin, you know better than anyone the difficulty of this matter. What good does it do to make things difficult for me? Helium has the lowest boiling point of any substance in the world; it requires a temperature of minus 269 degrees to liquefy! We are only 4 degrees away from absolute zero. Given our factory's industrial capabilities, it is simply impossible! If the purpose is merely for corrosion protection gas, nitrogen is stable enough by convention; the Soviets used nitrogen for Comrade Ulyanov as well. Why has anyone in the country thought of using helium? The cost is at least seventy to eighty times higher."

However, the conversation between Qin Hui and the old man clearly has its context and background, so Gu Ao, who eavesdropped halfway, found it somewhat difficult to grasp the situation

His thoughts are quite simple: Gu Yong, you brat, are you thinking of escaping on the front line? If you dare to boast and make promises even with your son, let's see how you will come down from that stage later.

Therefore, now facing the "impossible task" of "creating the first helium machine in the new China," the factory cannot evade it.

For example, the main components of air are oxygen and nitrogen. The boiling point of oxygen is minus 183 degrees, and the boiling point of nitrogen is minus 196 degrees

However, Qin Hui thought for a moment that he was currently pressuring Gu Yongli to issue a military order, so he was also happy to listen to Gu Ao rambling on.

As long as there is a refrigeration unit capable of precisely lowering the temperature of the separation tank to minus 190 degrees, oxygen will turn into liquid while nitrogen remains in a gaseous state, thus achieving the separation of nitrogen and oxygen

How could a helium production machine possibly be created with such technology

It is easy to say, but technically there is no possibility to be seen at all

Therefore, the gas currently filled in that container is helium imported from Air Liquide.

... ...

His boastful words left the old man speechless

Therefore, industrial hydrogen production does not require the process of "liquefying hydrogen gas" at all

If we really want to cool the separated gas to minus 260 degrees, the price of helium in the international market absolutely cannot sustain the current level.

Qin Hui's subordinates lacked capable individuals, so they relied on the old man to make the decisions first

After Qin Hui understood, he quickly mediated the situation: "Well, that's not bad at all. At least this method can reduce the requirements for the refrigeration unit by more than ten degrees, which lowers the difficulty by at least five or six times

And Qin Hui's last sentence, due to its obvious error, made it even harder for him to suppress his laughter

Absolute zero is unattainable

With the technical strength of the Qiantang Oxygen Machine Factory, it is certainly capable of easily producing hydrogen. However, this does not mean that they can easily manufacture a refrigeration machine that cools to minus 255 °C—because industrial hydrogen production relies on the electrolysis method.

As for "freezing," under normal pressure, there is not even a theoretical possibility— the melting point of helium is precisely minus 273.15 degrees, which is absolute zero

Awesome! You are amazing! Tell Uncle, do you often rank first in physics and chemistry at school? Good students are indeed different! By the way, can you roughly guess what methods foreigners might use to further remove other ultra-low temperature impurities? This watch is a gift for you!

However, the old man only has a junior high school education, possesses skills, but lacks formal education. He is an eighth-level fitter and has always felt overwhelmed. Now, after half a year of seeing the light after the clouds, various tasks have gradually returned to normal. He originally intended to resign and go back to being a section chief.

Qin Hui took a sip of wine and anxiously asked, "Xiao Gu, the reason I didn't dare to boast at noon was that I was afraid of saying something wrong in front of the comrades from the central inspection team. That's why I preferred to treat them well for a day to keep them steady. Regarding the helium production machine, how should our factory proceed? You need to point the way for us!"

Thus, the Ministry of Machine Industry dispatched personnel to the localities to seek out the strongest domestic manufacturers in this field, attempting to tackle the challenge of developing China's own helium production machine

Hydrogen and neon are gases with boiling points only slightly higher than that of helium, among which hydrogen is a common and inexpensive industrial gas

Old Dad estimates that the factory can currently produce machines capable of cooling down to minus 230 degrees and maintaining a pressure of 20 atmospheres, but he cannot guarantee their quality

Qin Hui is already very satisfied: "The idea is also formed! You say it out loud, and I will give your father an extra six months' bonus!"

This also reflects the current information isolation within the country. Many Chinese people may forever remember that the French president is Pompidou simply because he visited China four years ago, while the new president has not visited.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a watch, put it on Gu Ao's wrist, and then shook his arm vigorously a few times.

Old Dad understands technology better than Qin Hui, and he quickly realized this fact—initially, he completely avoided it out of fear, thinking it was entirely unfeasible, so he simply did not think deeply about it

Then, shall we hold another grand battle and create it

Currently, there are only 4 companies in the world capable of producing helium, namely Air Liquide from France, Linde from Germany, Praxair from the United States, and one factory from the Soviet Union

I meant to say that Pompidou has been dead for two years, and the current President of France is called D'Estain. Gu Ao realized he had been rude and explained.

Therefore, foreigners must have other secret techniques

Gu Chao took a moment to compose himself and began to speak confidently: "Dad, Uncle Qin, I believe you are fundamentally mistaken in your thinking—helium does indeed need to be at minus 269 degrees to liquefy, but it is completely unnecessary to lower the temperature to such an extent in industrial production. As long as we liquefy everything else in the world except for helium, what remains in the end is pure helium, isn't it?"

By electrolyzing purified water, one can obtain pure hydrogen and pure oxygen

As one approaches absolute zero, the difficulty and energy consumption of cooling increase geometrically with each slight decrease in temperature

Firstly, the "Project No. 1" they refer to is the memorial hall

"That's right! Xiao Gu, take a look, your political awareness is even lower than your son's!" Qin Hui found this extremely amusing, as Gu Ao's assist was truly excellent

At normal pressure, helium gas will only liquefy when cooled to minus 269 degrees

The factory where my father works has considerable strength in this field. As early as 1953, when my father was in his twenties, he participated in the major campaign to produce the first oxygen machine in New China alongside his master.

Things come step by step. Today, one idea has resolved such a significant issue. Perhaps in a couple of days, with a little more effort, we can make further progress. The situation is looking very promising!

Since the French and Germans are able to produce it, it certainly indicates that there must be some clever tricks involved. I do not believe that they can really cool the air down to such low temperatures and sell us a bottle of gas for just a few hundred francs.

Understanding this point can help save a significant portion of costs

Qin Hui also felt helpless: "I heard that during a meeting organized by central experts, this proposal was almost approved, but Commissioner Su mentioned that helium is more stable— you know, once a better quality option is brought up, the decision-makers have no choice but to adopt it"

"Alas, Xiao Gu, why are you hitting the child? The important matters are at hand!" Qin Hui stopped his father.

Qin Hui and Gu Yong had a few drinks, and without avoiding the young child Gu Ao, they began to chat at the dining table

It is easy to say

I only have a general idea and do not know what specific materials to use, Gu Ao said modestly

The manufacture of "ultra-low temperature high-pressure vessels" is, moreover, a forbidden zone within the industrial sector

Gu Chao had already organized his thoughts, and with a quick turn of his eyes, he began to persuade his father: "Dad, I believe Uncle Qin has good intentions in encouraging you to take the lead on this. I think with your factory's technology, it won't be a problem to develop a helium production machine within two to three years. The central government isn't pressuring you to deliver results immediately; you can first submit the technical proposal so that Uncle Qin can request resources from the central government. After all, the supply of liquid helium won't run out in the short term."

Little brat, I will beat you to death! Producing helium requires a temperature of minus 270 degrees, do you understand anything at all! Father was furious and immediately took off his belt, preparing to strike his shameless son

The reason why the production of helium is the most challenging is that its melting point and boiling point are the lowest among all known substances

During the technical solution discussion meeting, when the topic of gas protection was raised, a certain academic committee member from the Ministry of Machine Industry proposed the use of helium gas (the academic committee member later became an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences)

The topic of debate between Qin Hui and his father has just been clearly reviewed in Gu Ao's mind

Gu Chao had basically understood what his father and Deputy Factory Director Qin were arguing about by this point

Even the reason why Old Man Gu Yong can serve as the "acting head of the technology department" is that two years ago, the legitimate head of the technology department, Director Shao, was criticized as being on the "white specialized road" and was ousted. (The original head was a top student from Jiaotong University)

Just at the moment when the two were debating most fiercely, Gu Ao interjected with the phrase "Pengpidu died long ago," seizing the initiative in the conversation

Now, seeing my son truly articulate profound insights, the father critically remarks: "This is a good idea, but it does not significantly reduce the difficulty. Helium becomes hydrogen at a boiling point of minus 253 degrees; neon, at 245 degrees. This means we still need to create a machine capable of cooling to at least minus 255 degrees."

Qin Hui listened, his eyes practically shining with excitement