Feasibility Assessment of Liquid Amine Carbon Dioxide Removal System for Microgravity and Terrestrial Applications

Date

2018-07-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

48th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a metabolic byproduct of respiration and can rapidly accumulate in closed volumes unless actively controlled. Traditionally, solid media, such as zeolites or lithium hydroxide (LiOH) have been used for CO2 capture for space exploration. Such materials are either non-regenerable, or regenerable but at high power requirements. As an alternative, liquid amines, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), have a history for CO2 capture in naval applications. Herein, diglycolamine (DGA) is considered as a sorbent due to its similar capacity of MEA but substantially lower vapor pressure. A schematic is developed along with the chemical and thermodynamic principles governing the system. Steady-state process modeling shows the efficacy of DGA to maintain a safe breathing environment with in a closed volume. Dynamic process modeling indicates the system will be capable of rapidly responding transient environmental conditions. Finally, applications and considerations are presented for both space exploration and terrestrial use. In aggregate, these data indicate a strong merit for CO2 capture systems which utilize liquid amine sorbents.

Description

Tanya Rogers, Jacobs Technology
Michael Swickrath, HX5
John Graf, NASA
Rafael Verduzco, Rice University
Saurabh Sharma, Rice University
ICES302: Physio-chemical Life Support- Air Revitalization Systems -Technology and Process Development
The 48th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA on 08 July 2018 through 12 July 2018.

Keywords

Liquid amine, CO2, Air Revitalization, Liquid Sorbent, Diglycolamine, Process model

Citation