Experimental Study for Carbon Dioxide Removal System in Space Station

As the result of the human metabolism in the space station, the carbon dioxide is discharged into the cabin atmosphere. It is indispensable to remove the carbon dioxide and keep it below the allowable level for the life support in a closed environment. The regenerative carbon dioxide removal system is necessary for the space station to decrease the life-cycle cost.

The Solid Amine Water Desorbed (SAWD) system is considered as a competitive option among several candidate systems. In the SAWD process, the carbon dioxide gas is adsorbed by the ion-exchange-type solid amine, which is bedded in the canisters, and desorbed by heating the solid amine with the direct steam flow. The adsorption and desorption stage of the canisters are proceeded alternatively by the automatic control. For the application in the space station, the SAWD system shall embody less resources as well as high performance and reliability.