Development of a Prototype Pressure Swing CO2/H2O Removal System for an Advanced Spacesuit

NASA JSC has contracted with Hamilton Standard Space Systems International (HSSSI) to develop a combined CO₂/H₂O removal system for an advanced space suit. This system will operate with a novel solid amine sorbent that has demonstrated a large increase in capacity over previous solid amine sorbents. The concept will use two beds of the sorbent operating on a pressure swing removal process.

This paper discusses the design, fabrication and testing of this prototype system. The overall system design consists of two sorbent beds, a spool valve for directing vacuum and process air, and a controller to monitor the overall process and switch the spool valve at the appropriate time. We will include a discussion of the quick-cast process used in the fabrication of major system components. Finally, we will present the results of testing the full-scale prototype at HSSSI, and its ability to remove CO₂/H₂O and be regenerated continuously.