Membrane-Based Water-and Energy-Recovery Systems for the Manned Space Station

This paper describes four membrane-based subsystems to use in the wastewater treatment system of the manned space station being planned by NASA. These membrane-based subsystems involve the recycle of the various wastewater streams and result in increased energy efficiency. Furthermore, in these four subsystems, the membrane acts as a barrier between the wastewater source and the wastewater treatment and consumption systems, thus increasing the reliability of these systems. Finally, the membranes are highly impermeable to the contaminants in the wastewaters and thus help to reduce the load on such expendables as post-treatment adsoption beds.