N
nrrusher
Guest
As a brain exercise.....(I am not interested in whether or not this will be done, or if anyone thinks it isn't worth the trouble discussing).........I would like to consider the possibilities of a mining operation on Venus described as follows.....<br /><br />Utilizing the L1 and/or L2 positions (possibly both), and having a tubular pipe, in the spirit of a space elevator running from an aerial base in the upper Veneran Atmosphere to a counterweight/collection station just beyond L1 and L2.<br /><br />I know L1 for Venus/Sun is about 1,000,000 kms from the surface of Venus, so I would assume L2 would be about that in the other direction, though I am not sure, still looking.<br /><br />The tubes could be any size, or larger and smaller from end to end, doesn't really matter, so that can be adjusted depending on strenght requirements. Be it 3 inches, or 3 meters in diameter.<br /><br />What I would like is some mathematical help with the strain on the entire system - i.e. the weight a counterweight would have to support - the effects on the largely carbon dioxide mix while it is being siphoned up, etc.<br /><br />One interesting idea is, could it be engineered such that once the process is started and gas/liquid is flowing out the ends, would you even need to power the suction, or could the siphon take over?<br /><br />Also, L1 would be in sun sight, so I would assume the heating of the tube could be managed to maintain the gaseous state. However, on the L2 side, would being in perpetual darkness cause the whole thing to soldify? How would either situation be managed?<br /><br />So, we need for starters<br /><br />Weight of gas in transit (lets assume a 1 ft diameter tube just for arguments sake) over a ~ 1,000,000 km length.<br /><br />Power Requirements to start it<br /><br />Siphon characteristics, if any.<br /><br />Strenght required of hose and the forces acting upon it.<br /><br />Etc.<br /><br />Any other info if known would be good to know....such as exactly what L1 and L2 distances