Producing niobium

The principle of the scheme is based on bug, in which the melting of the germ sensor, made of 2 materials: 25 kg of niobium + 50 kg of plastic, we get 75 kg of niobium. In this way we can swap the less rare plastic, for the rare (space) niobium.

The principle is not new and was previously used to produce, for example, steel. For niobium it was proposed by goatt. Below you can see my slightly simpler version.

Two schemes will be presented: the first is simpler, working less stably, and the second, almost devoid of disadvantages. In the work of the first scheme there may be a situation in which the dupes will bring plastic to make sensors, but will not build it (no niobium or get another assignment). In this case, the plastic will melt into gas.

Variant 1
We make a scheme as on the first screen. The main tiles are diamond, in between are copper/gold tiles, etc. The rest of the tiles are obsidian. The bottom of the rocket has 3 Tempshift plate of diamond. The middle tile under the rocket can overheat and melt, so it will have to be rebuilt periodically (every 2-3 rocket launches). Make sure that its temperature does not exceed 1700ºC before launching.

After the copper tiles have melted, you can build germ sensors (Fig.2). This can be a liquid, gas, or atmospheric germ sensor. After all the sensors have melted, you must wipe off the copper (Fig.3) otherwise the dripping niobium will solidify the block, which will break the circuit.

Fig.4 shows the finished circuit. The switch is needed so that the pump would not work idle (you can not use hydrosensor - it just melted in the niobium). Plastics and niobium are stored in the Storage bin, so that the dupes do not have to run far. Also, you need to prioritize "Construction" a little higher.

The output of the circuit is niobium with a temperature >2000ºC, which can be cooled by this way or simply by running a conveyor with it under the turbines.

Variant 2
Running the circuit is similar to the first option. Next, the circuit will work in automatic mode. After all 4 sensors are built, the doors will close, the niobium will melt the sensors, and after 20 seconds the doors will open.

Everything that comes in contact with liquid niobium: wires, gates, hydrosensor are from thermium. It is necessary not to allow the temperature to exceed 2600ºC, otherwise the automatics will start to melt.

Both schemes have disadvantages, require a lot of time to start up, rare materials and care in operation. Therefore can be considered rather as a concept.

Blueprint
Variant 2