Results of an Ionomer Membrane Developmental Test for Water Recovery from Human Metabolic Waste

Date

2020-07-31

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) process, solicited a need for a simplified, low-temperature, and robust method for recovery of water from human solid metabolic waste. Paragon Space Development Corporation® has performed feasibility developmental tests utilizing an ionomer-membrane based dehydration approach for potable water recovery. Paragon implemented testing with synthetic fecal matter and restroom detritus to inform system design. The benchtop, closed-system, dehydration testing pulls different materials into the tradespace to compare efficacy of designs. The system aims to recover upwards of 80% of the water content in the fecal simulant. We utilize the most conservative, worst-case scenarios to ensure system functionality. The setup combines a Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) analog, gas-permeable collection bags, and a counterflow tube-and-shell membrane approach for water evaporation and removal from the human metabolic waste deposits. Water activity level is tracked, as drying and stabilization of feces can reduce odor generation and prevent microbial proliferation if it is less than 0.6. While purification of the recovered water is not a requirement, the chemical constituents of the recovered water are characterized.

Description

Brittany Zimmerman, Paragon Space Development Corporation, USA
Benjamin Huff, Paragon Space Development Corporation, USA
Kyle Sheets, Paragon Space Development Corporation, USA
ICES304: Physio-Chemical Life Support- Waste Management Systems- Technology and Process Development
The proceedings for the 2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems were published from July 31, 2020. The technical papers were not presented in person due to the inability to hold the event as scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

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Keywords

Paragon, Paragon Space Development Corporation, Water Recovery, Water Reclamation, Purification, Potable Water, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), International Space Station (ISS), Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), Human Metabolic Waste, STOOLE

Citation