Regenerable Biocide Delivery Unit

The Microbial Check Valve (MCV) is used on the Space Shuttle to impart an iodine residual to the drinking water to maintain microbial control. Approximately twenty MCV locations have been identified in the Space Station Freedom design, each with a 90 day life. This translates to 2400 replacement units in 30 years of operation.

An in situ regeneration concept has been demonstrated that will reduce this replacement requirement to less than 300 units based on data to date and potentially fewer as further regenerations are accomplished. A totally automated system will result in significant savings in crew time, resupply requirements and replacement costs.

An additional feature of the device is the ability to provide a concentrated biocide source (200 mg/liter of I₂) that can be used to superiodinate systems routinely or after a microbial upset.

This program was accomplished under NASA Contract Number NAS9-18113.