Development of an Amine-based System for Combined Carbon Dioxide, Humidity, and Trace Contaminant Control

A number of amine-based carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal systems have been developed for atmosphere revitalization in closed loop life support systems. Most recently, Hamilton Sundstrand has developed an amine-based sorbent, designated SA9T, possessing approximately 2-fold greater capacity compared to previous formulations. This new formulation has demonstrated applicability for controlling CO₂ levels within vehicles and habitats as well as during extravehicular activity (EVA). Our current data demonstrates an amine-based system volume which is competitive with existing technologies which use metal oxides (Metox) and lithium hydroxide sorbents. Further enhancements in system performance can be realized by incorporating humidity and trace contaminant control functions within an amine-based atmosphere revitalization system. A 3-year effort to develop prototype hardware capable of removing CO₂, H₂O, and trace contaminants from a cabin atmosphere has been initiated. Progress pertaining to defining system requirements and identifying alternative amine formulations and substrates is presented.