WO2007048868A1 - Machine for the controlled reproduction of the pressure, temperature and irradiation conditions of planetary atmospheres or terrestrial environments and method of using said machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine or closed environment in which selected closely-controlled and verifiable environmental conditions (partial pressure of each gaseous component and temperature) can be reproduced and in which a determined study sample can be irradiated. The inventive installation can be used to reproduce different chemical and/or biochemical reactions which take place on the earth's surface, in outer space, in the atmospheres of the different planets of the solar system or in other real or virtual environments. The invention relates to the current interest in obtaining a deeper knowledge of our gaseous environment and conserving same. The invention is suitable for use in the following sectors: aeronautics, astronautics, geology, environment, materials science and catalysis.

Description

TITLE

MACHINE, AND METHOD OF USE, TO REPRODUCE THE CONDITIONS OF PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIATION OF SURFACE ENVIRONMENTS OR PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES.

SECTOR OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns, in a first aspect, a machine, inside which selected environmental conditions are reproduced (partial pressure of each gaseous component and temperature) very well controlled and verifiable, where to irradiate a particular sample under study and thus repeat in a laboratory the various chemical and / or biochemical reactions that take place in outer space, in the atmospheres of the different planets of the Solar System or in other environments, whether real or fictitious. This invention aims, for its conceptual versatility and, above all, for being constituted by current technologies and equipment, to simulate very different environments; so much, it could be, that of planet Earth like some other of a radically different atmospheric chemical composition and also, finally, the conditions existing in the interplanetary environment. The intended sectors of this invention are: aeronautical, geological, astrobiological, environmental and materials science. Likewise, this patent also has direct application as a measurement and control facility in laboratories or catalyst manufacturing companies with environmental implications.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Our Society's interest in the conservation and protection of the gas layer that surrounds our planet has, fortunately, been a reality for many years now. Recently, the United Nations has expressed this interest in the Protocol of

Kyoto is the first global approach to limit the emission of gases responsible for climate change, gases that are produced by industrial and human (anthropogenic) activities. Following this current of opinion, the most important companies in the industrial sector linked to the production of electric energy and, above all, to the manufacturers of fuels used in surface transport and aviation, have begun research projects that cover a syllabus very extensive which goes from the work to try to find catalysts with which to eliminate, reduce or, at least, not increase, the uncontrolled production of pollutant gases and so-called "greenhouse effect", as to studies of reactions between compounds in the gas phase (atmospheric chemistry). Let us mention at this point the work that has been done to eliminate sulfuric ion from the final products of combustion, responsible for the so-called "acid rain".

Let us also mention here the works of scientists and researchers who, with the objective of expanding basic knowledge, have focused their attention on the atmospheres of planetary bodies, (Mars, mainly for its present time, Europe, and Triton, satellites of Jupiter and Neptune, respectively). We are referring specifically to the fruitful, and interesting, field of the planetology where all our current knowledge is due only to the data collected during the approaches of unmanned probes to Mars such as: Mariner, Viking, Mars pathfinder, and the solar system Outside as: Voyager and Galileo. The contribution to the fundamental knowledge extracted from these projects is truly huge and spectacular, although, in this case, the collection of data through automatic devices only allows researchers to have a passive or overall view of the atmosphere in question, given that it is not possible for them to carry out experiments properly programmed by them. For this reason, at the present time, a change is imposed towards a less passive strategy and, therefore, recently, several official agencies (NASA "National Aeronautic Space Administration" and ESA "European Space Agency"), have begun to develop research projects in which the use of cameras or controlled enclosures begins to be perceived in which to simulate atmospheres or environments to experiment in atmospheric chemistry and biochemistry, as well as to test new materials subjected to extreme pressure and temperature conditions.

In spite of everything we have been saying, there are no patents describing cameras or enclosures to simulate planetary environments, in today's databases or libraries. All the more, some universities and official research centers have launched projects with simple simulation cameras that are usually designed, and carried out, for a very specific planetary environment. Almost all of them are conceived, in general, for the study or treatment of very specific and partial aspects of atmospheric chemistry under conditions of limited pressure and temperature. Only the ANDROMEDA project of the University of Arkansas (USA) in which some astrobiology experiments are simulating the Martian atmosphere are beginning to be cited here.

We present this invention patent with the two objectives described above, a) laboratory experimentation of chemical reactions at the solid surface-gas interface under the conditions of pressure, temperature and irradiation similar to those found in a planetary body or space , and, b) study or recreation of the conditions of composition, pressure and temperature and irradiation in which the current planetary atmospheres are found.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIEF INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The planetary atmosphere simulation machine that we present has been designed to allow operators in a flexible and versatile way: (a) reproduce the pressure and temperature conditions of planetary atmospheres, (b) submit the sample under study to different types of irradiation, and (c) characterize by infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy the different chemical changes that arise as a result of the atmosphere, irradiation and temperature. It presents certain characteristics sought taking into account the scientific objectives (catalytic reactions, biological observations) and atmospheres that are to be simulated. As a fundamental contribution, it has a sample holder that can house a simple biological culture (bacteria) or a solid sample such as a zeolite. The pressure range achieved in the chamber covers values between 10 ^"9 mbar (simulation of planetary atmospheres) at 1 atmosphere (terrestrial environmental chemistry). This extensive pressure range is 12 orders of magnitude, is achieved by making small changes, provided in the design that we will describe below (joint joints and observation windows), maintaining the general layout of the machine.The atmospheric composition desired by the experimenter is produced by the mixture of gases chosen in each particular experiment: The temperature In the sample it is chosen, a priori, for each reaction in treatment and can be set in the range between 4-325 K. For the study in conditions as real as possible, we have incorporated in the installation various sources of radiation that include UV, electrons and ions (of noble gases). For the due control of environmental-environmental constants a mass spectrometer, a silicon diode and pressure gauges are available, as well as for the measurement of parameters defined in the chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques will be available. ) and of Ultraviolet (UV) or any other that the measurement technology can provide us in the future.

Thus, the machine is controlled by the experimenter, at all times, in a precise and computerized manner, both in the partial pressures of each component gas of the atmosphere under study, as well as the temperature of the sample we are studying. It will also allow us to flexibly irradiate the sample under study with ultraviolet radiation or an ion or electron beam, up to 5 KeV, as well as perform in-situ analysis, in order to follow the chemical and structural changes produced on the sample under study. in these conditions.

Stated schematically, the technical specifications that make this machine a unique tool in the market are the following:

- The partial pressure of each gas in the atmosphere can be controlled independently from 1000 to 5x10 ^"9 mbar, that is, in 12 orders of magnitude.

- The temperature can range between 4 and 325 K. - The gaseous composition is monitored by a residual gas analyzer that allows an approximate accuracy of ppm (parts per million).

- It has a removable sample holder at will that accepts samples from 5 to 35 millimeters in diameter and 10 millimeters thick. In the case of a powder sample, the grain size must be greater than 3 μm. - Once the sample is in the preset pressure and temperature conditions it can be irradiated with different sources. As an example, we have designed sources of ions and electrons of up to 5 KV, ultraviolet radiation from Deuterium lamp (200-400 nanometers) and ions (fixed wavelength- = 20 nanometers) of different noble gases. - The sample is characterized and controlled, in situ, by IR and UV spectroscopy. It is well understood that in the experiments carried out under conditions, let's call them "terrestrial", ('high' atmospheric pressure, 'high' temperature) it will only be possible to use the source of ultraviolet radiation by means of a deuterium lamp, rendering the others useless.

Through this installation we can carry out experiments in various fields of chemistry, geology and biology, such as:

1) Changes in atmospheric composition under controlled conditions.

2) Changes of crystalline phase and resistance of materials and minerals.

3) Growth or decrease of bacterial colonies subjected to radiation and / or various environmental conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The prototype machine presented in this invention is composed of the following elements or differentiated parts: a) Vacuum chamber for carrying out processes (atmospheric or main chamber) b) Generation system, low pressure (vacuum), according to application and measurement of this parameter. c) Sample introduction unit (manipulator or transfer) and cryostat. d) Discharge sources, for irradiation of samples. e) Source of deuterium. f) Gas analysis system. g) Gas inlet system.

a) Vacuum chamber for realization of processes or main chamber. It is made of stainless steel, completely clean and degassed, to reach a pressure <5x10 ^"9 millibar. It has in its outline the corresponding heating shirts for prior degassing of the interior enclosure. The dimensions are: 50 centimeters long and 40 centimeters in diameter ( see figures 1, 2, 3 and 4). b) Vacuum generation system, according to the application and measurement of this parameter. In order to achieve the required ultra-high vacuum conditions (<10 ^{~ 8} millibar) and considering the volume of the chamber, it is necessary to use a turbomolecular-drag pumping group of high pumping capacity.

The empty low pressure generation system (see figure 5) consists of:

• Turbo-molecular pump, with a pumping capacity of 920 1 / s

• Turbo-molecular pump control unit, with the possibility of speed regulation. "Double stage rotary pump, with a pumping capacity of 35 m ³ / h.

• Motorized guillotine valve, with conductance regulation, which allows throttling the valve to work at 10 ^"2 mbar.

• The vacuum measurement in the chamber is performed with a combined Pirani- Penning sensor, with a measuring range from 1000-5x10 ^"9 mbar.

According to the objectives outlined in the preceding lines, certain technical difficulties have been overcome. The most important obstacle is to achieve an installation capable of operating, with the necessary minimum changes, at varying pressures in a range of 12 orders of magnitude, allowing the study of the atmosphere of satellites that almost do not possess it (Europe), that of planets with a low density atmosphere (Mars) and reach the terrestrial case.

Some flanges have been left empty (without instrumentation, blind) for future developments. The method to simulate a particular atmosphere is as follows: the desired gases are mixed in a steel tube (manifold) up to the required proportion, controlled by individual flow meters for each gas. The gaseous composition (partial gas pressure) is constantly monitored by a residual gas analyzer spectrometer, which sets the desired partial pressure of each gas using the corresponding flowmeter. The sample temperature is regulated with a liquid helium cooling system that is connected to the sample holder holder. Different sources of irradiation can be used at typical pressures in the range of Mars (range of a few mbar) for this it is necessary to use a differential pumping system, which ensures the correct operating conditions of the source of irradiation. The partial pressure of water vapor can be calibrated and regulated. This small partial pressure of water vapor could be important for most biological processes. The partial pressure of each of the gases in the experimental system can be independently controlled and modified in a range of 9 orders of magnitude, ranging from 8 millibar to 5 x 10 ^{~ 9} millibar. Therefore, the percentage of each gas in the simulated atmosphere is continuously monitored to follow possible condensation or desorption processes. To reach high pressure conditions a step motorized valve controls the opening of the turbo-molecular pump of the main bell.

c) Sample introduction unit (manipulator or transfer) and cryostat.

Three distinct parts are considered in this section: liquid helium cryostat, manipulator and sample holder with temperature sensor.

The liquid helium cryostat allows us to cool the sample holder to reach the temperatures of the different environments to be simulated, from 325K to 4K. The passage of introduction or transfer of liquid helium from the Dewar (figure 6) to the sample manipulator is carried out through a transfer bar that is thermally insulated to minimize evaporation of Helium. A resistance of 50 Ohms is placed inside the cryostat, which allows us to reach the programmed temperature through the temperature controller. For the temperature measurement in the liquid Helium circuit, there is a silicon diode, which is taken as a reference to make the necessary adjustments that allow reaching the required temperature in the sample holder.

Under the conditions of pressure of 0.01 millibar there are conduction phenomena and thermal radiation. To dampen these effects, a radiation shield is placed in the vicinity of the sample holder as shown in Figure 7.

The sample manipulator or transfer bar has two DN 40 CF flanges, on a support piece, and in the intermediate position coupled a flexible tube

(see figure 8). Compressing / expanding this flexible means that the sample holder can move inside the chamber a distance of 150 millimeters in the direction horizontal. This allows us to place the sample to be irradiated on the axis of the deuterium source or in the orifice of the discharge sources.

The sample holder, built in copper with special treatment to guarantee maximum thermal conduction, has a silicon diode for temperature measurement (see figures 9 and 10). This sample holder is prepared with a special thread to ensure the best possible contact with the crucible, and thus avoid temperature gradients. Three kinds of crucibles have been prepared that allow working with different types of samples (crucible 1 with 38 mm diameter and 4 mm depth, crucible 2 with 8 millimeters in diameter and 2 millimeters in depth, crucible 3 dimensions similar to crucible 1 but with a hole in the center that allows measurements in transmittance mode).

d) discharge sources for irradiating ultraviolet source samples discharge and ion guns and electrons require pressure <5x10 ^"6 millibar to function. In the case of equal pressures to 0.01 millibar, has been necessary to prepare a system with double differential pumping that allows us to reach, in the chamber where we adapt these sources, pressures between 5x10 ^"6 - 10 ^{" 8} millibar. A scheme of the differential pumping chamber is shown in Figure 11.

In the first chamber, differential pumping is carried out with the turbo-molecular pump 2, with a pumping capacity of 60 liters / second and a double-stage rotary pump 2, with a suction capacity of 2.5 m ³ / hour .

In the second chamber, where the discharge sources are adapted, a vacuum is made with another turbo-molecular pump 3, with a pumping capacity of 210 liters / second and a double stage 3 rotary pump, with a capacity of 5 m ³ / h. The vacuum measurement is performed with a combined Pirani / Penning sensor.

The differential vacuum between this second chamber and the previous one is achieved through a 2 mm hole, which can be interchangeable with a larger one (4 mm.) Or smaller diameter (0.5 mm.). The discharge sources coupled to the differential pumping chamber (or irradiation) are the following: electron gun, ion cannon and UV discharge source.

One of the technical challenges solved in this invention is the use of irradiation sources in simulation of atmospheres at high pressures. In order to use irradiation sources that require the ignition of a filament to radiate, the pressure must be of the order of 10 ^{~ 6} millibar. For planets with a total pressure of the order of 10 ^{~ 2} millibar, such as Triton, in principle it is impossible to study the surface changes due to irradiation using this type of instrumentation. In principle, at this pressure neither the electron gun nor the ion gun could be ignited. This problem has been solved in this work system by designing a two-stage differential pumping system. First, the atmospheric chamber (or main bell) is separated from the compartment where the sources of irradiation are located through an exit hole of 2 millimeters in diameter. The design of the pumping system is shown in figures 11 and 12. Between the source compartment and the atmospheric chamber (main bell) there is a second pumping stage, where the variable opening of the hole controls the partial pressure in the compartment of irradiation. The smaller the diameter of the inlet hole, the better the pressure in the irradiation chamber, making it possible to study the phenomenon of irradiation on planets with high pressure (in the main or atmospheric chamber). In addition, small diameter holes also reduce (minimize) the irradiated area. The entrance hole can be changed by unscrewing a small copper disk from the flange of the irradiation source compartment. We have used discs with 3 different diameters for example: 0.5, 2 and 4 millimeters. We have estimated, and experimentally confirmed, that at a pressure of 10 ^"2 millibar in the atmospheric chamber, using a 2 mm inlet hole. We obtain a total pressure of 10 ^{" 6} millibar in the source compartment. We have estimated that the highest pressure (in the main chamber) that allows us to radiate is approximately 1 millibar. The irradiation sources are designed to obtain the focal length in the inlet (opening) hole, in this way most of the radiation can pass through the double outlet configuration (with two holes). To irradiate the sample by any of these techniques, we move (move) the sample through a linear translation, placing it in the exit hole. A limitation is that the irradiated area is somewhat larger than 2 mm. of hole diameter. To radiate planets with total pressures less than 10 ^{~ 6} millibar, it is not necessary to use the copper disk in the inlet hole, and therefore the copper disk can be unscrewed and removed to gain efficiency.

e) Source of Deuterium (ultraviolet radiation).

The deuterium source has been adapted to the upper flange of the T-piece so that the beam of ultraviolet light rises vertically in the direction of the sample. To concentrate the light beam, a converging lens is placed at the exit of the lamp. This ensures that the concentrated beam of light will reach approximately 25 millimeters in diameter.

In the center of the T-piece, a beam splitter is placed (see figure 13). Its function is to reflect part of the light at a 90 ° angle and allow the highest possible intensity to be transmitted to the sample. To measure the intensity of the reflected light, a spectrum meter is placed in the flange placed perpendicular to the emission source. Figure 14 shows the configuration of the system by UV irradiation, both for measurements in reflectance and in the case of transmittance. f) Gas analysis system.

The quadrupole mass spectrometry gas analysis system consists of: mass spectrometer, analysis chamber, turbo-molecular pumping group, vacuum meter and isolation valve between process chamber and analysis chamber (see figure 15) .

The analysis system will perform the following functions: "Monitoring of process gases.

• Analysis of residual gases in the main chamber.

• Verification and leak detection.

• Determination of gaseous samples produced during the discharge process.

Because the analysis system requires working at pressures <\ 0 ^A millibar, a valve is required that has the following special adaptations: "Bypass-1 with minimum conductance hole to work in 7mbar pressure conditions.

• Bypass-2 with medium conductance hole to work under pressure conditions of 0.01 mbar. In the two previous situations, the guillotine or isolation valve will be in the closed position.

• The valve will be open (with the bypass closed) when we have 10 ^"8 millibar pressure atmospheres and want to see the composition of residual gases in the main chamber or to detect leaks.

h) Gas inlet system.

The sample preparation system for entering gases into the process chamber is composed of:

• Manifold-1 mixture of gases and water vapor.

• Manifold-2 gas mixture. "Valve regulating the entry of gases into the process chamber.

In manifold-1 the gases and water vapor are mixed. There is the entry of the gas mixture through the lateral line connected to the mixing bottle with a metering valve in the intermediate position. The mass flow meter for water vapor is placed on the other side. The gases and water vapor will be mixed in the vaporizer placed in the vertical line and will go directly to the second manifold and then to the regulating valve (see figure 16).

In the manifold-2 used only for gas mixing, we have the valves that separate the inlet line from the gas mixing bottles. To isolate the first and second manifold there is a ball valve. This second manifold connects directly to the regulating valve, as shown in Figure 16.

The gas chamber control unit in the main chamber consists of: "Electronic vacuum measurement unit and flow regulation control.

• Gas dosing valve with automatic flow regulation.

• Vacuum meter, adapted in main chamber, which gives us the signal of the required pressure value in the process chamber. To achieve the technical characteristics of this equipment, we have had to solve several technological problems. First we designed the hood using ultra-high vacuum closures, which allows us to study planetary bodies with very low pressures like Europe. Secondly, and to be able to radiate in conditions such as Triton with electron and ion radiation, we have designed a differential pumping system in several stages, so that the total pressure in the area where the filament of the electron source is turned on or ions are of the order of

10 ^{~ 6} mbar This is achieved through the use of a hole, where the radiation comes out and which acts as a 'neck' for the diffusion of gases from the main chamber to the area where the sources of irradiation are.

Stable pressures in Martian conditions are achieved by a stepper motor that closes in a controlled manner a guillotine valve on a CF-500 pump. The closing of the valve makes it possible to regulate the total pressure accurately.

The gases of the atmosphere that we want to reproduce are mixed and controlled by independent flow controllers. The temperature is regulated by a cryostat of He, specially adapted to be able to locate different types of samples (minerals, mono-crystals ...)

There are other facilities in the world of environmental chambers, most designed solely to simulate the planet Mars, but in them there is no precise control over the individual partial pressures of each gas, nor over temperature, nor do they achieve stable operating conditions, and Above all, they do not allow irradiation and analysis in situ.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES.

Figure 1.- Image of the machine or installation composed of an environment simulation chamber or main chamber and the other elements or components of generation of the chosen environment and its control and measurement as described in the specification of this invention patent .

Figure 2.- Diagram of the vacuum or main chamber of the one shown in figure 1 and detail of the differential pumping system. Figure 3.- General view of the vacuum or main chamber presented in the previous figures. The designed prototype can be described as a cylinder whose dimensions are: 500 mm. height and 400 mm. diameter.

Figure 4.- Images of both sides of the vacuum vacuum chamber or main chamber. Figure 5.- Pump system of the main chamber. AA), molecular turbo pump,

AB) guillotine valve,

AC) rotary pump.

Figure 6.- Dewar of helium to cool the sample. Figure 7.- Image of the sample holder and the radiation shield. BA) Sample protector.

Figure 8.- Image of the sample introduction bar or manipulator. CA) Flexible.

Figure 9.- Image of a crucible (where the sample is located) placed on the transfer bar or manipulator

Figure 10.- Silicon diode for temperature measurement (temperature sensor).

Figure 11.- Plane of the lateral section of the differential pumping chamber (or irradiation) where the discharge sources (dimensions in millimeters) are coupled.

Figure 12.- Details of the manufacture of the chamber and differential pumping. Figure 13.- Details of the manufacturing of the chamber and differential pumping.

Figure 14.- Scheme of UV measurements in reflectance configuration and in transmittance mode.

Figure 15.- Image of the gas analysis system using quadrupole mass spectrometry. DA) Pumping group,

DB) Isolation valve,

DC) Analysis chamber,

DD) vacuum meter,

DE) Mass spectrometer, PRISMA. Figure 16.- Gas inlet system where gases and / or water vapor are mixed.

EA) Mixing chamber H ₂ O + gases,

EB) ball valve, EC) manifold-l, ED) manifold-2,

EE) H ₂ O container,

EF) mass flow meter.

Figure 17.- Graphs of the simulation of the conditions of Mars: a) Introduction of the gases, and, b) we cool the sample to 150 ⁰ K. Figure 18.- Graphs of the simulation of the conditions of Europe: a) we cool the sample at 50 ⁰ K, and, b) introduction of the gases. Figure 19.- Graph of the simulation of the conditions of the atmosphere of Tritón.

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATIONS OF THIS INVENTION

This invention is applicable in all those technical and scientific disciplines that require a practical assembly or accessory where to carry out a precise control of certain, or chosen, atmospheric conditions and that there, within that chamber, can be checked or monitored various chemical or biological processes Although the initial motivation in the approach of the machine that constitutes this invention was related, in principle, with the study of the surface of planetary atmospheres, later, we have also found applications of interest in other fields, let us mention, for example, in that of biology (study of the resistance of extremity bacteria), in the resistance of materials in certain atmospheres and subjected to irradiation and in processes of terrestrial atmospheric chemistry related to the protection of the terrestrial environment.

Schematically, the steps to follow to reproduce a certain atmosphere in the main chamber are the following: after closing and pumping the main chamber of the machine, the chosen quantities of the valves are introduced through the valve located in manifold 2. gases, these are then cooled to the temperatures of liquid helium. Once this temperature has been reached by means of a heating resistor, located in the sample holder, the electrical control system stabilizes the temperature to the desired value. This feedback system also allows temperature cycles such as "night and day" or seasonal changes to be programmed. The samples are placed horizontally in the well (cuvette) seen in Figure 9, so that it is possible to study poorly cohesive materials. Crystals, sands, resins, rocks and minerals are among the possible samples that can be introduced into the system. The temperature of the sample can be controlled from 4 to 325 K by two photodiodes (silicon diode) placed on one side of the sample holder in contact with the solid sample, as shown in Figure 10.

We will now describe possible examples of applications of this invention patent. It is about reproducing the environmental conditions of various planetary environments for the purpose of a practical application. The subjects selected by way of example have a wide range of atmospheric and temperature pressures as well as different irradiation situations (dose and irradiating element).

Example &) Atmospheric chemistry. Earth mesosphere and chemosphere. One of the applications of this machine is the study of chemical reactions that take place in the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere, these reactions may be due to both natural phenomena and reactions in which contaminants that are poured into the atmosphere are involved. The study allows the monitoring of possible reaction chemicals as a result of the effects of radiation.

Related to the study of the different layers of the atmosphere, the simulation of the Mesosphere is interesting, since its study has been hampered by the fact that it is too high for probe balloons but too low for artificial satellites (rockets are used ) Therefore simulations of this atmospheric layer (200 K and 80 km high) can provide new information to phenomena that take place in these conditions. It would also be interesting to simulate the atmospheric layers called chemosphere and ionosphere is a low density region where high-energy, far-UV radiation is absorbed, these radiations give rise to different chemical reactions, such as plausible photodissociation and ionization reactions of study. To perform work on these issues, the main chamber is pumped following the experimental protocol described in previous lines up to an atmospheric pressure between 1 and 0.01 mbar in the case of the chemosphere and between 10 ^"2 and 10 ^{" 9} mbar in the case of ionosphere. The sample temperature is taken to the study value 200 K.

For studies of reactions in the solid -gas interface (catalysis) the sample is deposited in the sample well and is brought to the temperature under study. The sample is subjected to different atmospheric compositions. The mass spectrometer measures the composition of the gas in the absence of a catalytic sample and after it has been introduced. The catalytic surface is irradiated for example with ions using the ion cannon.

From the environmental point of view, studies of chemical changes produced by UV irradiation in an atmosphere of ozone and water vapor can be simulated. It can also be applied to ozone formation; Stratospheric ozone is produced when the sun's energy breaks up O ₂ gas molecules into O atoms. Then, these O atoms join with other O ₂ molecules to form the O ₃ molecule, ozone.

It is also worth mentioning one of the main applications of the installation as a simulator of the composition of the primitive or prebiotic terrestrial atmosphere and study of possible reaction products. In this particular case, the composition of the atmosphere inside the chamber would be composed mainly of CO ₂ , CH ₄ and H ₂ gases.

Example b) Spatial radiation

In this example we include simulation processes such as: particle radiation in the interstellar medium (interplanetary dust) to see its possible alteration, irradiation of comet ice. A specific case is the simulation of irradiation of interstellar ice by ultraviolet radiation under the following conditions 10 ^"9 mbar and 10 K, under these conditions you can study the effect of UV radiation, analyzing the possible formation of radicals and organic compounds. To irradiate the sample under study with UV radiation, the Deuterium source is located at a distance of 45 cm above the sample (see figures 13 and 14). The determination of the dose or irradiation time is measured by the spectrum - radiometer. The partial pressure of the gases is monitored by the mass spectrometer located in a compartment attached to the atmospheric chamber (see figure 15). The total pressure at which the experiment is performed is 10 ^{~ 9} mbar and is measured with a pressure gauge located in the atmospheric hood. The temperature of the sample is 10K and is measured by silicon diode placed in the sample holder, as shown in Figure 10.

In this field of the study of special materials with applications in space technology, this machine also presents the possibility of checking or verifying sensors or materials that will be used in conditions of space radiation (space missions, satellites, automatic probes). A concrete example would be the simulation of the conditions to which the international space station (ISI) is subjected to 400 km in Earth's orbit (vacuum pressure and temperatures from 116 K to 152 K).

Example c) Physical-chemical materials and geological processes in planetary bodies.

In this machine presented in this Invention Patent Report, the different geological processes that affect the surface renewal and internal dynamics of a planetary object are simulated or reproduced at present or in other geological periods and their astrobiological implications. In addition to rocky planets and meteorites, the study of the geology of other objects with a chemically different solid surface such as the satellites of the outer solar system is intended. Geological materials can sometimes be generated inside the simulation chamber, such as gas clathrates from the vapor phase. Other times the experiment will be carried out on a previous geological substrate. Through analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, IR and UV spectroscopy, available in the machine, you can control how chemical reactions occur and how the results affect geological processes and what implications on astrobiology entail. Through the use of spectroscopy Infrared can compare interesting signals with data from both space sensors and terrestrial observatories.

The formation of minerals and rocks under extraterrestrial conditions can be achieved in the machine object of this Patent. Concrete examples of minerals of high interest to geologists are the following:

- Gas clathrates from substrates with different physicochemical properties.

- Evaporites and carbonates on Mars and in carbonaceous chondrites. Evaluation of the hypothesis of formation of these minerals with the presence of non-liquid water phases.

- Organic molecules in the solar system. Stability on planetary surfaces.

An extension of this study is the simulation of the generation of planetary geological structures of particular interest:

- Evolution of structures related to the freezing / thawing of ice on Mars.

- Chaotic land on surfaces with ice in the solar system. Study of the catastrophic destruction of ice layers of clathrates and analysis of the resulting morphologies.

Other possible studies are the evaluation of processes of exogenous alteration of planetary materials.

- Photochemistry. Study of the alteration of planetary surface materials by exposure to different types of radiation: UV, charged particles, cosmic radiation. Calculation of alteration rates to establish chronology of materials affected by these processes. - Alteration of materials by variation of physical parameters (eg depressurization). Permanence of metastable materials in the new extreme conditions. Example d.) Biological experiments. Astrobiology

Experiments involving the exposure of organisms to the surface of the planets of our solar system are sometimes restricted by conditions of low humidity in the environment, by conditions of low pressure or even high vacuum. In this equipment different experiments can be carried out to study the response of previously chosen and occasionally modified organisms, to the new conditions of high radiation, different atmospheric composition, in addition to extreme temperature and pressure.

First tests have been carried out to detect the possible metabolism of some microorganisms in the environment of the surface of Mars. Biological preparations are composed of microorganisms in a vegetative state although it could also be done with resistance forms (spores). In the case of bacteria they could be of variable growth conditions: extremophiles or test models of non-extreme living conditions. Preparation of samples including biological material either in a vegetative state or in forms of resistance, grown and dried crops or rocks or minerals determined where biological material has been introduced for the test of resistance to low pressure and high radiation conditions . Analysis of the protection mechanisms that can be developed in the body against adverse conditions. Study of the effect of pigments for survival, metabolic response at the molecular level, detection of possible new enzymatic activities that allow the colonization of this extreme environment. A second application included in this field is the analysis of possible biomarkers that appear due to the metabolism of microorganisms in extreme conditions.

Example e) Simulation of planetary atmospheres. Planetology

We will now describe how we reproduce the environmental conditions of three different bodies of the solar system in the machine that is the subject of this invention. The three selected objects vary in a wide range of atmospheric pressures, as well as different temperatures on each surface. In our vacuum system (see figure 1) we simulate the conditions of pressure, temperature, gaseous composition and radiation existing on Mars, Triton and Europe.

Planet Mars

Since the 1970s, exploration on Mars has revealed some of the atmospheric and surface properties of this planet (1,2), for example its major constituents and the ultraviolet radiation environment (3), which are important Restrictions for life. Pressure values of 7 mbar are normally used as average values of atmospheric pressure of the planet, the temperature has cycles ranging from 150 to 280 K due to seasonal processes today. Both pressure values and temperature variations can be programmed in our system, which may have a particular interest for the simulation of seasonal processes. To achieve these values, we first program the partial pressures of each gas so that in the chamber we have 95% CO ₂ , 2.7% N ₂ , 1.6% Ar and 0.6% H ₂ O with a total pressure of 7 mbars. To obtain this pressure, we have to close the main chamber turbo pump valve up to 90% (or at all, when the guillotine is completely closed, we pump the main chamber through the diaphragm pump), and stop the turbomolecular pumps of the differential pumping in the compartment of irradiation sources. This prevents the use of irradiation sources under conditions of the atmosphere of Mars. Irradiation sources can be used in case of Mars simulations if we work at a total pressure of 1 mbar. In any case, it is well known that ions and electrons that come from cosmic rays have a small action on the surface of Mars. The process of programming (obtaining) the desired atmosphere for Mars conditions takes about 5 minutes, as shown in Figure 17a. Once the partial pressure of all gases is stabilized, we can cool the surface to 15OK. We have managed to stabilize the temperature in 15 minutes, as shown in Figure 17 b. The variation or oscillation in the partial pressures of the gases is due to the heating step (process), which induces adsorption and desorption of the molecules.

Europe satellite

Jupiter's satellite, Europe is an interesting planetary object from the geological and astrobiological point of view. Its most attractive feature is the possible presence of an ocean housed inside. The space missions of Voyager and Galileo have obtained some information about the physics, chemistry and geology of this planet, including the distribution of temperature (4) and the environment (conditions) of surface radiation (5). In addition, observations made from Earth have determined the existence of atmosphere (6). For studies on the surface of the Europa satellite, the base chamber pressure should be reduced as much as possible. As we have used CF standard for vacuum flanges, these low pressures (ultra high vacuum) can be achieved after the whole machine is baked, this procedure is well known in the field of surface physics in ultra high vacuum systems ( heating causes desorption of adsorbed water vapor on the bell walls). The residual pressure is in the range of low values of 10 ^"9 mbar, and the main composition is water and hydrogen molecules. The experimental protocol consists of:

1. The sample is cooled to 50 K. Stabilizing this temperature value in the sample takes about 20 minutes (see figure 18a). In this process many of the gases condense and the total atmospheric pressure of the chamber decreases to values of 10 ^"10 mbar.

2. Then we introduce oxygen through the valve found in manifold 2, until the required pressure is monitored in the mass spectrometer (see figuralδb). Triton Satellite

The Voyager 2 spacecraft has shown the normal activity of the Neptune satellite, Triton. Geological processes, such as cryovolcanism, occur in this environment of extremely low temperatures, in which even nitrogen is seasonally (periodically) solid. Interactions between the atmosphere and the surface have been described, as geysers expelling gases. Once in the atmosphere, some materials are photolytically destroyed (7).

Triton conditions have been simulated in this machine also as a technically limited environment (technical challenge), due to the circumstances of low relative pressure (10 ^{~ 2} mbar, with 93% N ₂ , 4% CO and 3% CH ₄ ) and very low temperatures. Although Triton does not have significant evidence of astrobiological interest, it deserves attention from the geological point of view. To reproduce, the Triton atmosphere, we first program the desired gaseous composition, which stabilizes in about 5 minutes. The partial pressure of each gas for Triton's atmosphere is represented in Figure 19 near the beginning. Starting from that point, we reduce the temperature to the value of 38K. It is worth mentioning that this temperature is close to the critical point of the gases that make up the Triton atmosphere, therefore, a small variation in temperature causes CO, CH ₄ , and N _{2 to} condense (from the time of 500 to 100Os see in figure 19). As a consequence, extreme control of the surface temperature must be achieved to achieve stable atmospheric conditions for Triton. We were able to reach stable Triton conditions after 15 minutes.

At the moment we have verified that we can stably reproduce the conditions of:

Mars (7 mbars of total pressure, with 95% CO ₂ , 2.7% N ₂ , 1.6% Ar and 0.6% H ₂ O, and temperatures between 150 to 280K)

Europe (10 ^{~ 8} mbar of O ₂ and temperatures between 86 and 146 K)

Triton (10 ^{~ 2} mbar, with 93% N ₂ , 4% CO and 3% CH ₄ and 38K temperature)

However, the versatility of the invented machine means that the conditions of any planet can be reproduced, with the only condition that the pressure be lower or equal to the atmospheric. Example J) Calibration and homologation of sensors and functional materials to different atmospheres

This invention constitutes a unique platform for the realization of sensor calibration tests, as well as the functional verification of scientific instrumentation (tests), destined to the study in reproducible atmospheric conditions for how the conditions in the interplanetary space can be, (planets, satellites artificial), or at the Earth's poles. Pressure, temperature, gas concentration, ultraviolet radiation, electrons and ions, can be simulated over a wide range of energies.

Due to its special configuration (flow control in different chambers (turbulent, laminar and molecular)), it is possible to combine pressure, temperature and concentration of gases, with ultraviolet radiation (deuterium lamp), or with ions (Ar, H, He), electrons, or ultraviolet radiation (He discharge lamp).

This allows us to characterize sensors in their minimum - maximum ranges, and the performance of functional parametric tests (tests), as a combination of all variables. Our installation admits, by means of the use of flanges adapted with ultra-high vacuum passages, that the instrumentation of which is the object of study (test), can be tested in situ, analyzing the effects of radiation, on pressure measurements or temperature, or on certain doses of radiation, check the effects that could cause changes in pressure or temperature.

References

(1) Owen, T. C. (1992). The composition and early history of the atmosphere of Mars. In: Mars. Kieffer, H. H. et al. (Eds.), 818-835. University of Arizona Press.

(2) Zurek, R. W. et al. (1992). Dynamics of the atmosphere of Mars. In: Mars. Kieffer, H. H. et al. (Eds.), 835-934. University of Arizona Press.

(3) Cockell, C. S., et al. (2000). The UV environment of Mars: Biological implications. Past, present and future. Icarus 146, 343-349.

(4) Spencer, J. R., et al. (1999). Temperatures on Europa from PPR: Night time thermal anomalies. Science 284, 1514-1516. (5) Cooper, J. F., et al. (2001) .Energetic Ion and Electron Irradiation of the Law Galilean Satellites Icarus, Volume 149, Issue 1, 133-159.

(6) Hall, D. T., et al. (nineteen ninety five). Detection of an oxygen atmosphere on Jupiter's moon, Europe. Nature 373, 677-679.

(7) Yelle, R. V. et al. (nineteen ninety five). Lower atmospheric structure and surface atmosphere interaction on Tritón. In: Neptune and Triton. Cruikshank, D. P. (Ed.), 1031 -

1107. University of Arizona Press.

Claims

1) A machine or installation consisting of the following parts and with the operational objectives of each part, referred to: a) Atmospheric, vacuum or main chamber where to perform the projected works. The composition of the gases introduced therein and partial pressure (both for work in high vacuum and those at atmospheric pressure) is controllable at all times by means of b): b) Pumping and measuring systems and pressure control of each gaseous component introduced into the main chamber. Attached properly to the main chamber there are, c) Sample unit and system (manipulator or transfer) that allows the introduction of this into the main chamber in a way that avoids any possible, previous and / or subsequent contamination. d) Cryostat in contact with the sample holder that allows the sample introduced into the main chamber to maintain a fixed and controlled temperature. e) Discharge sources for irradiation of the sample placed in the main chamber, f) Source of deuterium.

The atmospheric or main chamber also contains the following parts as elements of analysis and / or verification of the gaseous medium: g) Gas analysis system, and, h) Controlled gas entry system.

The atmospheric or main chamber also contains the following parts as measuring elements and analysis of biological materials or media: i) Infrared spectroscopy, and, j) Ultraviolet spectroscopy

The relative position of all these components of the entire machine or installation is described in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. 2) The machine or installation claimed in 1), which allows to reproduce and simulate in a maintained and controlled manner at all times the environmental conditions (chemical composition, temperature, atmospheric pressure, dose and radiation nature) of gaseous media, planets or space Free for examination and validation of materials, chemical and biochemical compounds or biological samples in industrial facilities and scientific experimentation centers.

3) The machine or installation claimed in 1) and 2), where to carry out tests and / or experiments in materials science, astrobiology, biochemistry, planetology, geochemistry, bioengineering and catalysis, in a maintained and controlled manner at all times.

4) A machine described in claims 1), 2), and 3), which serves to reproduce or simulate any atmosphere or gaseous medium in a wide range of pressures of technical interest, especially between 10 ^{~ 9} millibar and 1000 millibar.

5) A machine described in claims 1), 2), 3) and 4), which serves to reproduce or simulate any atmosphere or gaseous medium in a wide range of temperatures of technical interest, especially between 4 ° Kelvin and 325 ° Kelvin .

6) A machine or installation in which new tests, controls, verifications and experiments demanded by the technical and scientific progress can be carried out, especially with a special application in the pressure and temperature ranges claimed in 4) and in 5).

7) A machine or installation in whose main chamber all kinds of chemical tests, analyzes or experiments in the gas phase or interaction between solid surface and gas atmosphere can be carried out in a controlled manner.

8) A machine or installation in whose main chamber any solid sample or a biological culture with measured doses of radiation of different nature can be irradiated under stringent environmental conditions. 9) A procedure capable of irradiating, at the machine or installation object of the present invention patent, samples at near atmospheric pressures based on a procedure based on differential pumping.

10) Any modification of both the geometric dimensions of the machine or installation (in English, scaling) claimed in all the previous points, and others that can be introduced by experimental methods and techniques that the technologies of the future make reality.

11) Any extension or extension of the measurement, analysis and control instruments expressed in claims 1) introduced by new techniques and / or instrumental methods.