How can I turn ice into gold?












4












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I have my eyes on this new Porsche but all I have is an unlimited supply of ice and a molecular distillery. How can I convert this ice into gold?



The molecular distillery can disassemble and reassemble the molecules in any item but cannot add new molecules from nowhere not existing in whatever you put into it. For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum.



Thanks in advance










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  • 20




    $begingroup$
    You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
    $endgroup$
    – Alexander
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    @Alexander Nice answer ;)
    $endgroup$
    – user2966384
    11 hours ago






  • 5




    $begingroup$
    So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
    $endgroup$
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
    $endgroup$
    – Basher
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
    $endgroup$
    – NofP
    9 hours ago


















4












$begingroup$


I have my eyes on this new Porsche but all I have is an unlimited supply of ice and a molecular distillery. How can I convert this ice into gold?



The molecular distillery can disassemble and reassemble the molecules in any item but cannot add new molecules from nowhere not existing in whatever you put into it. For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum.



Thanks in advance










share|improve this question









New contributor




user2966384 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$








  • 20




    $begingroup$
    You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
    $endgroup$
    – Alexander
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    @Alexander Nice answer ;)
    $endgroup$
    – user2966384
    11 hours ago






  • 5




    $begingroup$
    So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
    $endgroup$
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
    $endgroup$
    – Basher
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
    $endgroup$
    – NofP
    9 hours ago
















4












4








4





$begingroup$


I have my eyes on this new Porsche but all I have is an unlimited supply of ice and a molecular distillery. How can I convert this ice into gold?



The molecular distillery can disassemble and reassemble the molecules in any item but cannot add new molecules from nowhere not existing in whatever you put into it. For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum.



Thanks in advance










share|improve this question









New contributor




user2966384 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$




I have my eyes on this new Porsche but all I have is an unlimited supply of ice and a molecular distillery. How can I convert this ice into gold?



The molecular distillery can disassemble and reassemble the molecules in any item but cannot add new molecules from nowhere not existing in whatever you put into it. For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum.



Thanks in advance







science-based technology science-fiction ice






share|improve this question









New contributor




user2966384 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




user2966384 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 4 hours ago









L.Dutch

80.1k26192389




80.1k26192389






New contributor




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asked 12 hours ago









user2966384user2966384

272




272




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New contributor





user2966384 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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Check out our Code of Conduct.








  • 20




    $begingroup$
    You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
    $endgroup$
    – Alexander
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    @Alexander Nice answer ;)
    $endgroup$
    – user2966384
    11 hours ago






  • 5




    $begingroup$
    So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
    $endgroup$
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
    $endgroup$
    – Basher
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
    $endgroup$
    – NofP
    9 hours ago
















  • 20




    $begingroup$
    You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
    $endgroup$
    – Alexander
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    @Alexander Nice answer ;)
    $endgroup$
    – user2966384
    11 hours ago






  • 5




    $begingroup$
    So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
    $endgroup$
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
    $endgroup$
    – Basher
    11 hours ago






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
    $endgroup$
    – NofP
    9 hours ago










20




20




$begingroup$
You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
$endgroup$
– Alexander
11 hours ago




$begingroup$
You can sell your ice in a warm country and buy gold.
$endgroup$
– Alexander
11 hours ago




4




4




$begingroup$
@Alexander Nice answer ;)
$endgroup$
– user2966384
11 hours ago




$begingroup$
@Alexander Nice answer ;)
$endgroup$
– user2966384
11 hours ago




5




5




$begingroup$
So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
11 hours ago






$begingroup$
So the distillery can disassemble water molecules (into hydrogen and oxygen) but can't produce gold unless you put gold into it. Therefore the answer is to put gold into it and then extract the gold molecules. This sounds like a very expensive way to achieve nothing!
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
11 hours ago






4




4




$begingroup$
Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
$endgroup$
– Basher
11 hours ago




$begingroup$
Make a patent of your molecular distillery. You'd be rich in no-time.
$endgroup$
– Basher
11 hours ago




4




4




$begingroup$
No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
$endgroup$
– NofP
9 hours ago






$begingroup$
No worry: thanks to the gravitational pull of your unlimited supply of ice it is the gold itself (and the Porsche) that is coming to you.
$endgroup$
– NofP
9 hours ago












4 Answers
4






active

oldest

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7












$begingroup$

Molecules are formed by atoms. Each atom is of a type (element).



Gold is an element.



Water is formed by the elements hydrogen and oxygen.



You cannot combine oxygen and hydrogen in molecules to create gold.



To create gold atoms from oxygen and/or hydrogen atoms you need to "change" the atoms to a different element, and that requires nuclear reactions.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$





















    6












    $begingroup$


    According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans hold some 20 million pounds of gold, suspended in normal seawater. But this gold is spread throughout the normal mineral content of seawater to the tune of “parts per trillion.” As the NOAA puts it, “Each liter of seawater contains, on average, about 13 billionths of a gram of gold.”.




    So all you need to do is spend a few years filtering the rim of the south pole. It will take about 20 billion liters of seawater to get enojgh gold to craft a ring. It will cost millions in electricity as well.



    You can get gold much faster by getting a job.






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$









    • 4




      $begingroup$
      This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
      $endgroup$
      – chasly from UK
      11 hours ago












    • $begingroup$
      @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
      $endgroup$
      – Renan
      11 hours ago












    • $begingroup$
      @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
      $endgroup$
      – WhatRoughBeast
      10 hours ago



















    2












    $begingroup$

    Well, you've explicitly stated "For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum." By the same token, therefore, you cannot only put in hydrogen and oxygen (ice) and get out gold.



    Therefore, let's get creative. Depending on how the machine works (whether it obeys the conservation of energy, for instance, or has a source of energy otherwise inaccessible to you, and whether it can rearrange atoms, or merely molecules), you could:




    1. Arrange the hydrogen and oxygen atoms into stable sturdy solids with convenient handwavy properties (asserted for narrative purposes to exist), arranged in a manner forming an atomic distillery capable of converting ice to gold. (Depends on the machine producing structures, and not just substances. Also depends on having plans for an atomic distillery.)

    2. Convert the ice to hydrogen and oxygen, burn it for energy (forming water again), and sell the energy. (Depends on needing no energy; violates law of conservation of energy.)

    3. Convert CO2 from the air into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen (or bind the oxygen to st else). Sell the service as an anti-global-warming approach. (Requires the ability to process massive amounts of gas, or really shady and tricky marketing.)

    4. Find an expensive compound made of cheap materials and sell that. (Assumes few people have one of these machines.)

    5. Rent out the machine for INSANE amounts of money. (Assumes modern-day world.)


    Just some ideas.






    share|improve this answer








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    $endgroup$









    • 1




      $begingroup$
      Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
      $endgroup$
      – Peregrine Rook
      10 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
      $endgroup$
      – NofP
      10 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
      $endgroup$
      – John Dvorak
      3 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
      $endgroup$
      – chasly from UK
      1 hour ago



















    2












    $begingroup$

    You use the Dwarven Press process (TM). Now, while that is exclusively to turn lead to gold, the theory is the same.



    Go to the busiest municipalities, and offer to deal with their trash for a nominal figure, much lower than any other competitor. They fall over themselves to give you the deal and claim that they've saved millions in the budget.

    You set up your distillery at some point close to your clients to minimise transport costs. Make sure your zoning permits etc. are all compliant. Possibly set up multiple distilleries, if you have the technology, to avoid bureaucratic tangles, e.g., checks at international borders.



    Convert the trash into something useful, e.g., fertiliser, metal ingots, plastic pellets. Sell at a profit. Buy DeBeers. Start producing and selling diamonds.



    Buy your Porsche, or gold, as preferred.






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$













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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes








      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      7












      $begingroup$

      Molecules are formed by atoms. Each atom is of a type (element).



      Gold is an element.



      Water is formed by the elements hydrogen and oxygen.



      You cannot combine oxygen and hydrogen in molecules to create gold.



      To create gold atoms from oxygen and/or hydrogen atoms you need to "change" the atoms to a different element, and that requires nuclear reactions.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$


















        7












        $begingroup$

        Molecules are formed by atoms. Each atom is of a type (element).



        Gold is an element.



        Water is formed by the elements hydrogen and oxygen.



        You cannot combine oxygen and hydrogen in molecules to create gold.



        To create gold atoms from oxygen and/or hydrogen atoms you need to "change" the atoms to a different element, and that requires nuclear reactions.






        share|improve this answer











        $endgroup$
















          7












          7








          7





          $begingroup$

          Molecules are formed by atoms. Each atom is of a type (element).



          Gold is an element.



          Water is formed by the elements hydrogen and oxygen.



          You cannot combine oxygen and hydrogen in molecules to create gold.



          To create gold atoms from oxygen and/or hydrogen atoms you need to "change" the atoms to a different element, and that requires nuclear reactions.






          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$



          Molecules are formed by atoms. Each atom is of a type (element).



          Gold is an element.



          Water is formed by the elements hydrogen and oxygen.



          You cannot combine oxygen and hydrogen in molecules to create gold.



          To create gold atoms from oxygen and/or hydrogen atoms you need to "change" the atoms to a different element, and that requires nuclear reactions.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 8 mins ago









          Loong

          250312




          250312










          answered 11 hours ago









          SJuan76SJuan76

          11.7k12348




          11.7k12348























              6












              $begingroup$


              According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans hold some 20 million pounds of gold, suspended in normal seawater. But this gold is spread throughout the normal mineral content of seawater to the tune of “parts per trillion.” As the NOAA puts it, “Each liter of seawater contains, on average, about 13 billionths of a gram of gold.”.




              So all you need to do is spend a few years filtering the rim of the south pole. It will take about 20 billion liters of seawater to get enojgh gold to craft a ring. It will cost millions in electricity as well.



              You can get gold much faster by getting a job.






              share|improve this answer











              $endgroup$









              • 4




                $begingroup$
                This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
                $endgroup$
                – Renan
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
                $endgroup$
                – WhatRoughBeast
                10 hours ago
















              6












              $begingroup$


              According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans hold some 20 million pounds of gold, suspended in normal seawater. But this gold is spread throughout the normal mineral content of seawater to the tune of “parts per trillion.” As the NOAA puts it, “Each liter of seawater contains, on average, about 13 billionths of a gram of gold.”.




              So all you need to do is spend a few years filtering the rim of the south pole. It will take about 20 billion liters of seawater to get enojgh gold to craft a ring. It will cost millions in electricity as well.



              You can get gold much faster by getting a job.






              share|improve this answer











              $endgroup$









              • 4




                $begingroup$
                This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
                $endgroup$
                – Renan
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
                $endgroup$
                – WhatRoughBeast
                10 hours ago














              6












              6








              6





              $begingroup$


              According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans hold some 20 million pounds of gold, suspended in normal seawater. But this gold is spread throughout the normal mineral content of seawater to the tune of “parts per trillion.” As the NOAA puts it, “Each liter of seawater contains, on average, about 13 billionths of a gram of gold.”.




              So all you need to do is spend a few years filtering the rim of the south pole. It will take about 20 billion liters of seawater to get enojgh gold to craft a ring. It will cost millions in electricity as well.



              You can get gold much faster by getting a job.






              share|improve this answer











              $endgroup$




              According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans hold some 20 million pounds of gold, suspended in normal seawater. But this gold is spread throughout the normal mineral content of seawater to the tune of “parts per trillion.” As the NOAA puts it, “Each liter of seawater contains, on average, about 13 billionths of a gram of gold.”.




              So all you need to do is spend a few years filtering the rim of the south pole. It will take about 20 billion liters of seawater to get enojgh gold to craft a ring. It will cost millions in electricity as well.



              You can get gold much faster by getting a job.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited 11 hours ago

























              answered 11 hours ago









              RenanRenan

              46k11109233




              46k11109233








              • 4




                $begingroup$
                This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
                $endgroup$
                – Renan
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
                $endgroup$
                – WhatRoughBeast
                10 hours ago














              • 4




                $begingroup$
                This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
                $endgroup$
                – Renan
                11 hours ago












              • $begingroup$
                @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
                $endgroup$
                – WhatRoughBeast
                10 hours ago








              4




              4




              $begingroup$
              This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
              $endgroup$
              – chasly from UK
              11 hours ago






              $begingroup$
              This will not work. You have to start with ice, not ocean water. The unlimited supply of ice presumably comes from icebergs but icebergs are made from fresh water from glaciers so they won't contain any gold. nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/iceberg
              $endgroup$
              – chasly from UK
              11 hours ago














              $begingroup$
              @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
              $endgroup$
              – Renan
              11 hours ago






              $begingroup$
              @chaslyfromUK fine. But some of the ice st the rim of the douth pole is congealed seawater.
              $endgroup$
              – Renan
              11 hours ago














              $begingroup$
              @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              10 hours ago




              $begingroup$
              @chaslyfromUK - Sorry, but the answer did not specify icebergs. Sea ice is formed by freezing sea water. With that said, it's still a really bad idea. As ice forms the crystallization tends to exclude anything but water. The same effect can be used as a low-temperature distillation process for stuff like apple-jack. Hard cider which freezes has pockets of high-proof stuff. You crush the ice and discard it, leaving the good stuff behind. In this case, new sea ice contains pockets of brine, so it can be used, but old sea ice is essentially fresh, as the brine pockets eventually drain.
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              10 hours ago











              2












              $begingroup$

              Well, you've explicitly stated "For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum." By the same token, therefore, you cannot only put in hydrogen and oxygen (ice) and get out gold.



              Therefore, let's get creative. Depending on how the machine works (whether it obeys the conservation of energy, for instance, or has a source of energy otherwise inaccessible to you, and whether it can rearrange atoms, or merely molecules), you could:




              1. Arrange the hydrogen and oxygen atoms into stable sturdy solids with convenient handwavy properties (asserted for narrative purposes to exist), arranged in a manner forming an atomic distillery capable of converting ice to gold. (Depends on the machine producing structures, and not just substances. Also depends on having plans for an atomic distillery.)

              2. Convert the ice to hydrogen and oxygen, burn it for energy (forming water again), and sell the energy. (Depends on needing no energy; violates law of conservation of energy.)

              3. Convert CO2 from the air into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen (or bind the oxygen to st else). Sell the service as an anti-global-warming approach. (Requires the ability to process massive amounts of gas, or really shady and tricky marketing.)

              4. Find an expensive compound made of cheap materials and sell that. (Assumes few people have one of these machines.)

              5. Rent out the machine for INSANE amounts of money. (Assumes modern-day world.)


              Just some ideas.






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.






              $endgroup$









              • 1




                $begingroup$
                Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
                $endgroup$
                – Peregrine Rook
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
                $endgroup$
                – NofP
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
                $endgroup$
                – John Dvorak
                3 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                1 hour ago
















              2












              $begingroup$

              Well, you've explicitly stated "For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum." By the same token, therefore, you cannot only put in hydrogen and oxygen (ice) and get out gold.



              Therefore, let's get creative. Depending on how the machine works (whether it obeys the conservation of energy, for instance, or has a source of energy otherwise inaccessible to you, and whether it can rearrange atoms, or merely molecules), you could:




              1. Arrange the hydrogen and oxygen atoms into stable sturdy solids with convenient handwavy properties (asserted for narrative purposes to exist), arranged in a manner forming an atomic distillery capable of converting ice to gold. (Depends on the machine producing structures, and not just substances. Also depends on having plans for an atomic distillery.)

              2. Convert the ice to hydrogen and oxygen, burn it for energy (forming water again), and sell the energy. (Depends on needing no energy; violates law of conservation of energy.)

              3. Convert CO2 from the air into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen (or bind the oxygen to st else). Sell the service as an anti-global-warming approach. (Requires the ability to process massive amounts of gas, or really shady and tricky marketing.)

              4. Find an expensive compound made of cheap materials and sell that. (Assumes few people have one of these machines.)

              5. Rent out the machine for INSANE amounts of money. (Assumes modern-day world.)


              Just some ideas.






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.






              $endgroup$









              • 1




                $begingroup$
                Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
                $endgroup$
                – Peregrine Rook
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
                $endgroup$
                – NofP
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
                $endgroup$
                – John Dvorak
                3 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                1 hour ago














              2












              2








              2





              $begingroup$

              Well, you've explicitly stated "For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum." By the same token, therefore, you cannot only put in hydrogen and oxygen (ice) and get out gold.



              Therefore, let's get creative. Depending on how the machine works (whether it obeys the conservation of energy, for instance, or has a source of energy otherwise inaccessible to you, and whether it can rearrange atoms, or merely molecules), you could:




              1. Arrange the hydrogen and oxygen atoms into stable sturdy solids with convenient handwavy properties (asserted for narrative purposes to exist), arranged in a manner forming an atomic distillery capable of converting ice to gold. (Depends on the machine producing structures, and not just substances. Also depends on having plans for an atomic distillery.)

              2. Convert the ice to hydrogen and oxygen, burn it for energy (forming water again), and sell the energy. (Depends on needing no energy; violates law of conservation of energy.)

              3. Convert CO2 from the air into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen (or bind the oxygen to st else). Sell the service as an anti-global-warming approach. (Requires the ability to process massive amounts of gas, or really shady and tricky marketing.)

              4. Find an expensive compound made of cheap materials and sell that. (Assumes few people have one of these machines.)

              5. Rent out the machine for INSANE amounts of money. (Assumes modern-day world.)


              Just some ideas.






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.






              $endgroup$



              Well, you've explicitly stated "For example, if you put in only Helium you cannot get out Platinum." By the same token, therefore, you cannot only put in hydrogen and oxygen (ice) and get out gold.



              Therefore, let's get creative. Depending on how the machine works (whether it obeys the conservation of energy, for instance, or has a source of energy otherwise inaccessible to you, and whether it can rearrange atoms, or merely molecules), you could:




              1. Arrange the hydrogen and oxygen atoms into stable sturdy solids with convenient handwavy properties (asserted for narrative purposes to exist), arranged in a manner forming an atomic distillery capable of converting ice to gold. (Depends on the machine producing structures, and not just substances. Also depends on having plans for an atomic distillery.)

              2. Convert the ice to hydrogen and oxygen, burn it for energy (forming water again), and sell the energy. (Depends on needing no energy; violates law of conservation of energy.)

              3. Convert CO2 from the air into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen (or bind the oxygen to st else). Sell the service as an anti-global-warming approach. (Requires the ability to process massive amounts of gas, or really shady and tricky marketing.)

              4. Find an expensive compound made of cheap materials and sell that. (Assumes few people have one of these machines.)

              5. Rent out the machine for INSANE amounts of money. (Assumes modern-day world.)


              Just some ideas.







              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.









              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer






              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.









              answered 10 hours ago









              ErhannisErhannis

              1212




              1212




              New contributor




              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.





              New contributor





              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.






              Erhannis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.








              • 1




                $begingroup$
                Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
                $endgroup$
                – Peregrine Rook
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
                $endgroup$
                – NofP
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
                $endgroup$
                – John Dvorak
                3 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                1 hour ago














              • 1




                $begingroup$
                Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
                $endgroup$
                – Peregrine Rook
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
                $endgroup$
                – NofP
                10 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
                $endgroup$
                – John Dvorak
                3 hours ago










              • $begingroup$
                @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
                $endgroup$
                – chasly from UK
                1 hour ago








              1




              1




              $begingroup$
              Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
              $endgroup$
              – Peregrine Rook
              10 hours ago




              $begingroup$
              Point #1 raises the question: Can a 3D printer print another 3D printer?
              $endgroup$
              – Peregrine Rook
              10 hours ago












              $begingroup$
              @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
              $endgroup$
              – NofP
              10 hours ago




              $begingroup$
              @PeregrineRook yes. They can print the parts, which are then assembled.
              $endgroup$
              – NofP
              10 hours ago












              $begingroup$
              @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
              $endgroup$
              – John Dvorak
              3 hours ago




              $begingroup$
              @NofP but can a 3D printer print a (smaller) 3D printer with no assembly required?
              $endgroup$
              – John Dvorak
              3 hours ago












              $begingroup$
              @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
              $endgroup$
              – chasly from UK
              1 hour ago




              $begingroup$
              @John Dvorak - It doesn't have to be smaller. The printers could be foldable. The new one is printed in its compact, folded state then it just has to be unfolded or maybe it unfolds itself when plugged in.
              $endgroup$
              – chasly from UK
              1 hour ago











              2












              $begingroup$

              You use the Dwarven Press process (TM). Now, while that is exclusively to turn lead to gold, the theory is the same.



              Go to the busiest municipalities, and offer to deal with their trash for a nominal figure, much lower than any other competitor. They fall over themselves to give you the deal and claim that they've saved millions in the budget.

              You set up your distillery at some point close to your clients to minimise transport costs. Make sure your zoning permits etc. are all compliant. Possibly set up multiple distilleries, if you have the technology, to avoid bureaucratic tangles, e.g., checks at international borders.



              Convert the trash into something useful, e.g., fertiliser, metal ingots, plastic pellets. Sell at a profit. Buy DeBeers. Start producing and selling diamonds.



              Buy your Porsche, or gold, as preferred.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$


















                2












                $begingroup$

                You use the Dwarven Press process (TM). Now, while that is exclusively to turn lead to gold, the theory is the same.



                Go to the busiest municipalities, and offer to deal with their trash for a nominal figure, much lower than any other competitor. They fall over themselves to give you the deal and claim that they've saved millions in the budget.

                You set up your distillery at some point close to your clients to minimise transport costs. Make sure your zoning permits etc. are all compliant. Possibly set up multiple distilleries, if you have the technology, to avoid bureaucratic tangles, e.g., checks at international borders.



                Convert the trash into something useful, e.g., fertiliser, metal ingots, plastic pellets. Sell at a profit. Buy DeBeers. Start producing and selling diamonds.



                Buy your Porsche, or gold, as preferred.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$
















                  2












                  2








                  2





                  $begingroup$

                  You use the Dwarven Press process (TM). Now, while that is exclusively to turn lead to gold, the theory is the same.



                  Go to the busiest municipalities, and offer to deal with their trash for a nominal figure, much lower than any other competitor. They fall over themselves to give you the deal and claim that they've saved millions in the budget.

                  You set up your distillery at some point close to your clients to minimise transport costs. Make sure your zoning permits etc. are all compliant. Possibly set up multiple distilleries, if you have the technology, to avoid bureaucratic tangles, e.g., checks at international borders.



                  Convert the trash into something useful, e.g., fertiliser, metal ingots, plastic pellets. Sell at a profit. Buy DeBeers. Start producing and selling diamonds.



                  Buy your Porsche, or gold, as preferred.






                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$



                  You use the Dwarven Press process (TM). Now, while that is exclusively to turn lead to gold, the theory is the same.



                  Go to the busiest municipalities, and offer to deal with their trash for a nominal figure, much lower than any other competitor. They fall over themselves to give you the deal and claim that they've saved millions in the budget.

                  You set up your distillery at some point close to your clients to minimise transport costs. Make sure your zoning permits etc. are all compliant. Possibly set up multiple distilleries, if you have the technology, to avoid bureaucratic tangles, e.g., checks at international borders.



                  Convert the trash into something useful, e.g., fertiliser, metal ingots, plastic pellets. Sell at a profit. Buy DeBeers. Start producing and selling diamonds.



                  Buy your Porsche, or gold, as preferred.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 3 hours ago









                  nzamannzaman

                  9,43411544




                  9,43411544






















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