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Phase Change Water Processing for Space Station
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English
Abstract
Vapor compression distillation technology for phase change recovery of potable water from wastewater has evolved as a technically mature and promising approach for use aboard NASA's Space Station. A program to design, develop, fabricate and test an advanced preprototype Vapor Compression Distillation Subsystem (VCDS) was completed by Life Systems for the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) during 1983.
This advanced preprototype VCDS reclaims over 96 percent of the available wastewater at a nominal water recovery rate of 1.36 kg/h (3.0 lb/hr) and 303 K (85 F) condenser temperature. The unit weights, 101 kg (223 lb), occupies a volume of 0.49 m3 (17.3 ft3) and requires only 115 W electrical power.
This paper presents a summary of the design improvements implemented in the advanced preprototype VCDS compared to previous systems and discusses the results of an extensive test program with respect to performance, life and product water quality. A discussion of current efforts involving specific improvements in VCDS components and results of parametric testing is also presented. Projections are made for a flight version Phase Change Water Processing System for the Space Station consisting of a VCDS integrated with wastewater pretreatment, product water post-treatment, biocide addition and water quality monitor assemblies.
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Authors
Citation
Zdankiewicz, E. and Price, D., "Phase Change Water Processing for Space Station," SAE Technical Paper 851346, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/851346.Also In
References
- Zdankiewicz, E. M. Schubert, F. H. “Development of an Advanced Preprototype Vapor Compression Distillation Subsystem (VCDS) for Water Recovery,” Final Report, Contract NAS9-16374, TR-471-4 Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH May 1984
- Ellis, G. S. Wynveen, R. A. Schubert, F. H. “Development of a Preprototype Vapor Compression Distillation Water Recovery Subsystem,” Final Report, Contract NAS9-15267, ER-312-4; Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH August 1979
- Schubert, F.H. “Phase Change Water Recovery Techniques: Vapor Compression Distillation and Thermoelectric/Membrane Concepts,” SAE 831122 , Presented at Thirteenth Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems San Francisco, CA July 1983