Development and Characterization of a Magnetically Agitated Photocatalytic Reactor for Water Recovery

NASA has identified a number of water treatment options that have shown promise in space. The water recovery system on any particular mission will be a collection of individual treatment units, with each treatment unit focusing on a select group of contaminants. The project objective has been to develop a microgravity-compatible, compact post processor based on magnetic agitation that is safe and reliable and that provides product water that meets or exceeds NASA's potable water quality requirements. The micron-sized magnetic photocatalytic particles have been proven durable and capable of oxidizing synthetic organic chemicals. The reactor has been optimized with respect to agitation frequency (50 Hz), UV wavelength (312 nm), and geometry (circular coiled reactor cell).