Functional Description of the Ion Exchange and Sorbent Media Used in the ECLSS Water Processor Unibeds

This paper reviews some of the historical data and background surrounding the evolution and development of the Multifiltration Unibeds utilized in the ECLSS WRM water processors. Data will be presented illustrating some of the problem areas associated with previous Unibed designs and some of the progress being made toward development of flight hardware used in the treatment of water for crew use aboard Space Station Freedom (SSF). The ECLSS Water Recovery Management system (WRM) supplies water for the crew and for scientific experimentation. Specific problem areas will be discussed with recommendations that will avoid some of the pitfalls that may be encountered in design.