The Design and Development of Pumps for the ISS Oxygen Generation and Water Processor Assemblies

This paper discusses the design, development, materials selection and testing of two gear pumps that have been developed for use in the ISS (International Space Station) Oxygen Generation and Water Processor Assemblies. The gear pumps are used to pump both clean and contaminated water for these systems. Previous attempts to develop gear pumps that meet operating life requirements have met with limited success. Both of the pumps discussed in this paper employ special design practices and materials to meet challenging operating life requirements