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An Assessment of the Readiness of Vapor Compression Distillation for Spacecraft Wastewater Processing
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Abstract
Exhaustive testing and analysis of Vapor Compression Distillation technology has proven its overall readiness as a wastewater processor for the recovery of water in orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft. In conjunction with Boeing Aerospace and Electronics and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Life Systems' technical team has been focusing on verifying and improving performance characteristics, micro-gravity compatibility, reliability and maintainability aspects of the Vapor Compression Distillation design. Amassing thousands of hours of testing and recent breakthroughs in the area of peristaltic pump design, product water conductivity sensing and gas/liquid separation concepts have substantially increased the engineering and scientific database that has been accumulating over the past 29 years. Boeing Aerospace and Electronics recently selected the Vapor Compression Distillation concept as baseline for water reclamation via urine processing for the Space Station Freedom, indicating that Vapor Compression Distillation will be a key to providing wastewater regeneration essential for long-term human survival in space.
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Noble, L., Schubert, F., Graves, R., and Miernik, J., "An Assessment of the Readiness of Vapor Compression Distillation for Spacecraft Wastewater Processing," SAE Technical Paper 911454, 1991, https://doi.org/10.4271/911454.Also In
References
- Noble, L. D. Schubert, F. H. Pudoka, R. J. Miernik, J. H. “Phase Change Water Recovery for the Space Station Freedom and Future Exploration Missions” SAE Paper No. 901294 Williamsburg, VA July 9 12 1990
- Bagdigian, Robert M. Whitman, Gerald A. “Phase III Integrated Water Recovery Testing at MSFC - Design, Plans, and Protocols” SAE Paper No. 891554 San Diego, CA July 24 26 1989
- Boeing Aerospace and Electronics “Report of Test on: Urine Processor Assembly” Boeing Aerospace Company Huntsville, AL August 16 1990
- NASA Ames Research Center Biological Research Project Office “Centrifuge Facility, Phase I Concept Review Package,” August 17 18 1989 Specimen Chamber Service Unit 37