Demonstration of Paragon�s Ionomer-membrane Water Processing (IWP) technology as a Purification Step for Lunar Water Processing

Since the observation of direct evidence of water-ice in the permanently shadowed regions (PSR) on the lunar surface, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) has been proposed for processing the regolith-bound water-ice to provide fresh water, breathable oxygen, and liquid rocket propellant for lunar exploration missions. However, the water-ice is found concurrently with other typically volatile species that would contaminate and degrade downstream processing systems. Paragon Space Development Corporation� is developing the ISRU-derived water purification and Hydrogen Oxygen Production (IHOP) subsystem to collect, purify, and process water-ice from PSRs on the lunar surface. The primary water purification component of the IHOP subsystem concept is Paragon�s Ionomer-membrane Water Processor (IWP) technology that can selectively transport water vapor through the membrane while rejecting contaminant components.

This paper presents results, analysis, and discussion of an experimental investigation to probe the effectiveness of the IWP technology for purifying water vapor of expected lunar volatile contaminant components (H2, CO, H2S, SO2, C2H4, CH4, CO2, and CH3OH). Liquid water samples were collected on the clean-side of the IWP from seven test batches with inputs of water vapor and varying contaminant components present at much higher loading concentrations with respect to water vapor than expected in the process during lunar operation. The controlled test operating conditions matched the expected operating conditions in the lunar operation. Each collected water sample was analyzed for impurities and results indicate the conservative performance of the IWP technology for this application. The presented results inform downstream process designs and demonstrate viability of a core component of the IHOP subsystem for lunar ISRU water purification.