Regenerative CO ₂ -Control: A Technology Development for European Manned Space Programs

This paper presents the design and the test results of a regenerative carbon dioxide control system, using solid ion exchange materials. The system applies a two bed approach with regeneration by steam and is designed far a 3 man operation. Two adsorber materials were investigated and applied throughout the tests. The system contains an evaporator, two adsorber beds, a condensing heat exchanger and an electronic controller. Test results concern the major performance parameters like CO₂-loading, pressure loss, moisture range, stability ranges and energy required for dessorption. Furthermore, material dedicated analysis has been performed regarding offgassing products during operation.