Adapting Humidity Control Technologies for Trace Contaminant Removal in Crewed Spacecraft

Sorbent-based systems have been the backbone of trace contaminant removal methodology for decades. They are highly effective at accomplishing their mission, but simplicity at the cost of consumable mass represents a mission duration trade over the higher power, higher launch mass high-temperature catalytic oxidizers. Therefore, if other regenerable or non-consumable ECLS systems can be adapted to share the load, consumable lifetime may be extended, which directly corresponds to increased mass allocations for other deep space essentials like food or fuel. The result is increased mission duration and overall feasibility of using sorbent-based contaminant removal systems on modern missions. To enable realization of these opportunities, Paragon Space Development Corporation is investigating the use of patented Ionomer-membrane Water Processing (IWP) humidity removal technologies as part of a trace contaminant removal architecture for next-generation habitation modules.

Contaminants which are challenging to remove with typical activated carbon adsorbents represent the most immediate opportunities for exploring complimentary technologies. Low molecular weight alcohols and ketones, including methanol, ethanol, and acetone are all difficult to remove from a cabin atmosphere using sorbent-based architectures and are likely to pass through IWP membranes where they can be expelled with excess water vapor. Therefore, IWP technology is likely to be a candidate for augmenting sorbent-based trace contaminant control. To quantify this statement, IWP membranes will be tested with varying specie concentrations and water content in the process flow and normalized results will be discussed.